The fact that hard metals in the right design can create gentle acoustics surprises most people. But this is nonetheless the case, according to DAMPA, which has utilised this principle for acoustic solutions over the past 70 years.

Ferries, bridges, excavators, and locomotives are all built of steel because steel is incredibly strong and can withstand quite a bit. But the fact that steel also has angelic properties, which can dampen unwanted noise and create harmonious environments, surprises most people. Yet, this is nonetheless the case.

At least, if you perforate the steel and, for example, combine it with acoustic felt – exactly as the company DAMPA from Funen has successfully done for almost seventy years.

It is true that it seems counter-intuitive that a hard metal like steel can create good acoustics

says Miki Hendriksen, an acoustics technician at DAMPA.

Doubt Disappears

He has often explained the concept to people who have fallen in love with the design freedom and robustness of steel but are just a bit uncertain about its surprising acoustic effect.

But this uncertainty disappears, says Miki Hendriksen:

The most effective way to convince people is to let them listen and experience it with their own ears.

 

I can easily give a long technical explanation about pressure waves and different types of absorbents, but when people have experienced our acoustic panels for themselves, no one is in doubt,

he says, specifically pointing to two wall solutions, DAMPA® Silent Board and DAMPA® Silent Board Flex.

Complex – but Effective

And it’s easy to understand why Miki Hendriksen prefers people to listen for themselves.

Because the secret behind it can easily get a bit complex:

The first thing the sound encounters is the special perforation we have applied to the metal plate, which creates a resonance absorber in combination with a membrane absorber.

 

Then the sound finds its way through the holes, causing vibrations that help absorb even low-frequency sound.

Finally, when the sound has penetrated deep into the panel, it meets a soft porous absorber, which can, for example, consist of acoustic felt or batts, depending on the room and how it is used.

Thus, we achieve Class A acoustic solutions, so the acoustics can be easily adapted to the room’s use, providing solutions that last for many years,

says Miki Hendriksen.

Exceptional Acoustics and Design

DAMPA® Silent Board and DAMPA® Silent Board Flex offer a wealth of design possibilities. The acoustic wall panels are available in all RAL and NCS colours, and digital printing can be applied directly to the panels. Finally, the perforation can be done in various patterns, making the acoustic and design expression truly unique.

This article was originally published in Byggeri+Arkitektur – read the original article here.