Do-It-Yourself Noise Control Materials
Our comprehensive line of noise control materials includes foams of flexible polyurethane polyester; vinyl noise barriers and mats; multi-layered acoustical linings and Fibersorb material; noise damping products; and pipe, duct, and casing lag.
THERE ARE THREE BASIC WAYS TO REDUCE NOISE IN MOST APPLICATIONS
  1. ABSORPTION
    Materials that absorb noise have an open fibrous structure that allows sound to enter. The internal strands or fibers of the material vibrate, and the resulting mechanical movement dissipates the energy in the form of a minute amount of heat. Absorbing materials are used to reduce the reverberant noise build-up from inside buildings, rooms, working spaces or equipment housings.
  2. BLOCKING
    Blocking materials provide a barrier to noise. Blocking materials do not absorb or deaden noise, but rather block the direct path of the noise by reflecting it away from the receiver. Performance is based on the mass and density of the material. The greater the mass and density, the better the barrier. Blocking materials can be used as a barrier to enclose the noise source or as a barrier to enclose the potential receiver of the noise.
  3. DAMPING
    Damping materials reduce noise radiation from metal surfaces by damping the vibration of the metal. This applies to both continuously radiating surfaces as well as those with intermittent metal impact. Damping materials are applied directly to the surface of a vibrating structure and will convert the mechanical vibrating energy of the surface to heat. The minute flexing of the damping material provides the energy dissipation to reduce noise. The materials are a cost-effective way to eliminate the ringing sound of vibrating sheet metal or the irritating impact noise in conveyor chutes or bins.
Method of Noise Reduction Product Applications
Absorption Acoustical Foam
  • Liners for equipment housings, cabinets, shrouds, booths, vehicle cabs
  • Liners for concrete or material building walls
  • Liners for office partitions
  • Liners for sheet metal or wood enclosures
Ceiling Absorbers
  • Hang in noisy reverberation areas
  • Hang in noisy production offices or working spaces
  • Hang above curtain enclosures
Ceiling Tiles
  • Use in lay-in grid ceilings in offices, conference rooms, clean rooms and labs
  • Hang in food, beverage and pharmaceutical processing rooms
Wedge Foam
  • Liner for walls and partitions
  • Liner for consultation rooms
  • Liner for gymnasiums, cafeteria walls and indoor pools
  • Liner for walls around copying machines and printers
Blocking Vinyl Curtain and Fibersorb Curtain
  • Enclosure around any machine or operation including presses, shears, granulators, fans, pumps, compressors grinders, chippers, welders, pulverizers, motors, generators, engine test stands and air conditioners
  • Pipe and duct lagging
  • Room area dividers
  • Engine room and power plant walls
  • Temporary barriers at construction sites
  • Assembly area barriers, dividers and shields
Pneumatic Silencers
  • Screw into exhaust ports of air control valves to reduce noise from air discharge
Damping Damping Tile and Damping Compound
  • Liner for chutes, hoppers, conveyors, vibrator bowls, machinery guards, metal cabinets, grinders, food processing equipment, mixing machinery, air conditioning housings
Product Applications
Absorption
Acoustical Foam
  • Liners for equipment housings, cabinets, shrouds, booths, vehicle cabs
  • Liners for concrete or material building walls
  • Liners for office partitions
  • Liners for sheet metal or wood enclosures
Ceiling Absorbers
  • Hang in noisy reverberation areas
  • Hang in noisy production offices or working spaces
  • Hang above curtain enclosures
Ceiling Tiles
  • Use in lay-in grid ceilings in offices, conference rooms, clean rooms and labs
  • Hang in food, beverage and pharmaceutical processing rooms
Wedge Foam
  • Liner for walls and partitions
  • Liner for consultation rooms
  • Liner for gymnasiums, cafeteria walls and indoor pools
  • Liner for walls around copying machines and printers
Blocking
Vinyl Curtain and Fibersorb Curtain
  • Enclosure around any machine or operation including presses, shears, granulators, fans, pumps, compressors grinders, chippers, welders, pulverizers, motors, generators, engine test stands and air conditioners
  • Pipe and duct lagging
  • Room area dividers
  • Engine room and power plant walls
  • Temporary barriers at construction sites
  • Assembly area barriers, dividers and shields
Pneumatic Silencers
  • Screw into exhaust ports of air control valves to reduce noise from air discharge
Damping
Damping Tile and Damping Compound
  • Liner for chutes, hoppers, conveyors, vibrator bowls, machinery guards, metal cabinets, grinders, food processing equipment, mixing machinery, air conditioning housings
Soundscreen™ Acoustical Ceiling & Wall Baffles
Applications
  • Wall-mounted baffles
  • Ceiling-suspended baffles
  • Excellent alternative to drop-in ceilings
  • In-plant ambient noise reduction
  • Manufacturing facilities
  • Gymnasiums
Features
  • NRC up to 0.94
  • Easy to install
  • Tuned for low to mid frequencies
  • Durable and Easy to clean
  • Moisture resistant
  • Custom designs available
These suspended Soundscreen acoustical ceiling and wall baffles offer excellent noise reduction. They are moisture resistant and environmentally safe.
  • McGill AirSilence's Soundscreen acoustical ceiling and wall baffle (ACWB) is a scrim-wrapped, highly efficient, tuned baffle designed for mid to low frequency noise absorption. The ACWB consists of a semi-rigid fiberglass core completely encapsulated within a 2-mil-thick, reinforced foil/polypropolene cover.
  • The ACWB is available in standard sizes up to 4 feet by 8 feet, and in thicknesses of 1 inch (ACWB-1) and 2 inches (ACWB-2). NRCs are 0.75 and 0.94, respectively, when tested in a number 4 mounting (direct mounted). The ACWB has flame spread and smoke spread developed ratings of 5 each making them suitable for applications requiring low flame and smoke emissions.
  • These board-like baffles provide good structural integrity and are damage resistant. They can be used in temperatures ranging from -40°F to 450°F.
Acoustical Performance
Model 1/3 Octave Band Center Frequency (Hz) NRC
125 250 500 1,000 2,000 4,000 1K 2K 4K
ACWB-1 0.13 0.32 0.95 1.08 0.62 0.46 0.75
ACWB-2 0.26 0.80 1.23 1.00 0.71 0.43 0.94
Physical Properties
Product Weight (lb/ft2) Thickness (in) Thick (in) Service Temp. (°F) Permeance (MVTR) Puncture Resistance Beach Tensile Strength (PSI)
ACWB-1 1.5 1 or 2 -40 to +450 0.02
(ASTM E-96)
Dry Cup, Proc. A Perms. Max 		100
(ASTM D-781) 		40
(ASTM D-828)
Flammability Properties
ACWB-1 E-84 Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials:
Meets Class A Rating: Flame Spread Index = 5, Smoke Density Index = 5
Environmental Testing
Weather Resistance No corrosion or delaminating at 120°F, 95% relative humidity for 30 days.
Temperature Resistance Laminate withstands 4 hours at 150°F without delaminating
Water Resistance Withstands 24 hours water immersion at 70°F without delaminating
Cold Weather Flexibility At -40°F passes with no cracking of the polypropylene surface (ASTM D-1790)
Dimensional Stability A.D. ± 0.125%, M.D. ± 0.125%
Soundscreen™ Wedge Foam
Fire Retardant
  • Our fire-retardant Class 1 wedge foam can withstand constant temperatures up to 302°F and short-term temperatures up to 482°F. It meets tough government fire codes for schools, churches, and laboratories. Like Soundscreen standard Wedge Foam, our 2- by 4-foot sheets of fire-retardant foam can easily be cut to fit smaller spaces.
  • A Hypalon® coating my be applied to the foam surface to repel oil, acid, and solvents. The Hypalon coating makes the foam washable.
WEDGE FOAM ABSORBS NOISE IN INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL ENVIRONMENTS
Soundscreen wedge foam is made specifically to absorb reverberant noise in manufacturing plants, offices, and recreational facilities.
The foam's patented wedge shape provides 450 percent more surface area to absorb noise than the flat surface of regular foam. The wedge shape is also a design element; it creates a clean and modern look when installed. The extra surface area and aesthetic appeal of wedge foam make it an ideal noise control solution for public area. Custom colors are available.
The frequency of noise to be controlled determines how thick the foam should be. Lower frequency noise is controlled best with thicker foam. Refer to the Sound Absorption Coefficient chart to see how 2- and 4-inch-thick foams behave when subjected to various noise frequencies.
Installation is easy. Use a utility knife to cut the foam on its flat side, then attach it to walls or partitions with a fast-tacking contact cement.
Acoustical Performance
Model 1/3 Octave Band Center Frequency (Hz) NRC*
125 250 500 1,000 2,000 4,000 1K 2K 4K
Standard 2* 0.08 0.25 0.61 0.92 0.95 0.92 0.70
Standard 4* 0.20 0.70 1.06 1.01 1.01 1.00 0.95
Class 1 0.16 0.34 0.81 1.00 0.99 0.97 0.80
Class 1** 0.18 0.65 1.04 0.73 0.68 0.56 0.80
*Noise Reduction Coefficient  **With Hypalon® coating
Physical Properties Standard Foam Class 1* / Class 1 with Hypalon**
Material Open-cell polyester urethane foam Pourous acoustic melamine
Size 2' by 4' sheets 2' by 4' sheets
Thicknesses 2", 3" and 4" 2"
Colors Brown, charcoal, and beige white*, white**, gray**, black**
Density 2.0 lb/ft3 0.7 lb/ft3
Tensile Strength 20 psi 8 psi
Flammability UL-94HF-1 UL-94V-0
Flame Spread 95 5* / 185*
Smoke Density 340 45* / 185*
*Class 1    **With Hypalon® coating
Soundscreen™ Acoustical Foam
Installation
  • Acoustical foam is a light-weight cellular plastic material with high tear and shear strength. The material is easily trimmed to size with a knife or scissors. The most common attachment method is a solvent base contact adhesive. Mechanical pin fastening can make some difficult overhead surface applications easier.
  • Pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) backing is available but not recommended for custom projects or low volume useage. A PSA installation system is usually only cost effective when the savings in production line labor exceed the adhesive's premium cost. PSA is not recommended for use where service temperature exceeds 150°F or where high humidity or oil mist is present.
As a general rule, 70 percent of noise buildup can be eliminated by covering 50 percent of the exposed side surface.
  • ACOUSTICAL FOAM KEEPS REVERBERANT NOISE LEVELS LOW
    Soundscreen Acoustical Foam is a 2 lb/ft3 density flexible polyurethane polyester foam. The open cell construction provides an attractive non-reflective surface that absorbs airborne noise. The charcoal gray foam is a safe, non-toxic pleasant handling material that's easily cut with a knife, scissors, or steel rule die.
  • PRODUCT FACING SELECTION
    • Plain Unfaced Foam (FOA-P): This basic acoustical grade foam from which all versions are derived, is excellent for clean, non-abusive applications, such as business machine enclosures.
    • Clear Polyester Facing (FOA-C): The lowest price facing that effectively protects the open cell foam structure from dirt, moisture, lubricants, and similar contaminants. It is recommended for applications where charcoal gray is aesthetically acceptable.
    • White Polyurethane Facing (FOA-U): A mid-priced, slightly tougher facing. Recommended for applications where the aesthetics of a cleanable white surface are as important as the facing's contaminant and abuse resistance properties.
    • Perforated Vinyl Facing (FOA-V): Best suited for applications such as vehicle cabs or equipment enclosures where durability and decorativeness of the black vinyl surface is needed.
Acoustical Properties: Absorption Effectiveness
Foam Thickness Frequency (Hz) NRC*
125 250 500 1,000 2,000 4,000 1K 2K 4K
1" 10% 28% 71% 100% 91% 95% 0.73
2" 30% 66% 92% 99% 100% 100% 1.00
Values are representative for random incidence test per ASTM C423. Effectiveness will vary with facing selected.
Physical Properties of Basic Foam
Density Tensile Strength (psi) Tear Strength (psi) Elongation Color
2.0 ± 10% greater than 17.0 greater than 1.6 greater than 130% charcoal gray
Product Availability
Model Thickness (psi) Size* Type of Foam Facing
FOA-P1 1" 50' roll uncovered
FOA-P2 2" 10' sheet uncovered
FOA-C1 1" 50' roll clear polyester
FOA-C2 2" 10' sheet clear polyester
FOA-U1 1" 50' roll white polyurethane
FOA-V1 1" 50' roll perforated vinyl
*All rolls and sheets are a nominal 54" wide. Trimmed and die cut sheets are available. Please specify.
Flammability Properties of Basic Foam
Application Test Method Classification
Component Plastics UL-94 HF-1
Component Plastics ASTM D-1692 self-extinguishing
Motor Vehicle Interiors MVSS 302 SEO
Different film facings and adhesive systems will affect this flammability classification of the applied product.
Soundscreen™ Noise Dampining Sheet & Tile
Typcial resonating vibration noise applications:
  • Fan and blower housings
  • Equipment cabinets
  • Duct and pipes
  • Machine tools
  • Computer cabinets and consoles
  • Doors and panels
Typcial impact noise applications:
  • Vibratory
  • Chutes
  • Parts tumblers
  • Bins
  • Conveyors
Our noise damping materials are a cost-effective means to eliminate the buzzing sound of vibrating sheet metal or the irritating ring of impact noise in conveyors, chutes, and bins.
  • NOISE DAMPING SHEET AND TILE ARE COST EFFECTIVE
    Soundscreen Damping Tile is made of an extruded polymer composite of vinyl and graphite which has superior damping performance. This versatile material is avaiable in 0.035- through 0.580-inch thicknesses. The thin sheets can be inexpensively furnished in volume quantities, die-cut with or without high-quality pressure sensitive adhesive backing. Thicker 1/4- and 1/2-inch tiles are exceptional noise damping treatments for steel plate and fabricated plate structures.

    The 2- by 4-foot sheets of 0.062-inch-thick material with a bonded layer of Soundscreen Acoustical Foam form a unique acoustical liner. The foam absorbs reverberant noise, and the damping reduces radiated noise.
  • ADHESIVE APPLICATION
    Thicknesses up to 0.0125 inches are available with an acrylic-based, pressure-sensitive adhesive backing (PSA). This PSA combines high initial tack and a high degree of permanence. Peel strength is a minimum 6 pounds/inch per ASTM-D903-49 test specification.

    The preferred adhesion method for all thicknesses of tile are a 100 percent solids epoxy or a two-part urethane adhesive. To ensure a strong bond, follow the adhesive manufacturer's application instructions.
Physical Properties
Density 95 ± 5 lb/ft3
Solids Content 100%
Color Black
Flame Retardance Self-extinguishing (ADTM D-635)
Flame Point In excess of 400°F
Oil and Water Resistance Good
Appearance Smooth surfaces with no foreign substances to hinder adhesion
Operating Temperature Range Effective in the range from 35°F to 100°F, with maximum loss factor of 0.8 in the band from 65°F to 100°F
Product Availability
Model Thickness Size
DM-035-1 0.035" 12" x 12" tile
DM-062-1 0.062" 12" x 12" tile
DM-125-1 0.125" 12" x 12" tile
DM-375-1 0.375" 12" x 12" tile
DM-500-1 0.500" 12" x 12" tile
DM-625-1 0.580" 12" x 12" tile
DM-035-2.5 0.035 12" x 30" sheet
DM-062-4 0.062" 24" x 48" sheet
Soundscreen™ Vinyl Noise Barriers & Mats
Installation:
  • The 1/8-inch-thick loaded vinyl comes in rolls and can be easily cut with a knife, shears, or steel rule die. When suspended from an existing wall or partition, the vinyl should be pinched between bolted support strips and suspended from a suitable structural support.
  • For curtain applications, a grommeting kit (Soundscreen GK-1) containing a tool and grommets is available for economical self-installation. Grommets should be spaced on maximum 12-inch centers, and adjacent sections can be overlapped 6 inches to reduce acoustical leakage.
  • A variety of methods can be used to acoustically seal overlapping seams. For flashing existing partitions up to a ceiling, the adjoining vinyl sheets can be riveted or bolted together. For custom-designed curtain enclosures and barriers, Velcro® strips can be sewn onto the vinyl edges to provide a positive sealing mechanism.
  • Loaded vinyl contains a plasticizer ingredient that can create adhesion problems. For applications where an adhesive seal is appropriate, using a two-part urethane is recommended.
Our vinyl noise barriers are easy to install. Materials may be laid on floors, draped over uneven surfaces or suspended as a curtain wall.
  • SOUNDSCREEN VINYL NOISE BARRIERS EFFECTIVELY BLOCK AIRBORNE NOISE
    Soundscreen Vinyl Noise Barrier is flexible fused vinyl sheet material loaded with high density inert fillers. This combination of materials provides the limpness and mass necessary for the effective blocking of airborne noise. Easy to cut and install, the material may be laid on floors, draped over uneven surfaces or suspended as a curtain wall.
  • STANDARD PRODUCTS
    • Reinforced Loaded Vinyl (LVR): The basic 1/8-inch-thick, 1 lb/ft2 density loaded vinyl is reinforced in the center with a polyester scrim. Use in all hanging or other applications where superior integral material strength is needed.
    • Clear Vinyl (LVC): Used as a transparent curtain or as a window in a curtain enclosure, standard LVC is 0.08 inches thick to 0.5 lb/ft2 density. Where required, 0.75 and 1 lb/ft2 densities can be furnished.
    • Plain Black Reinforced (LV): Our lowest-cost LV bonds to sheet metal or plywood to make machinery covers or walls. Lay it under rugs or over ceilings to cut down on noise transmitted into plant offices.
    • Floor Mat (FVM-1 or FVM-1S): Unreinforced black loaded vinyl with a 1/4-inch backing of decoupling foam fused to LV. It is used on floors, bulkheads, and side panels to cut down road, engine, and drive train noise. Plain surface model (FVM-1) is coated with a scuff-resistant vinyl to improve wear resistance (FVM-1S).
Acoustical Properties
Foam Thickness Typical Sound Loss in dB STC
125 250 500 1,000 2,000 4,000 1K 2K 4K
1 lb/ft2 LV and LVR 15 19 21 26 33 37 27
0.5 lb/ft2 LVC 8 19 16 21 25 30 20
Physical Properties
Product Thickness and Weight Temperature Range (°F) Color Resistance (all products)
LVR 1/8", 1 lb/ft2 0 - 180 black water: excellent
petroleum: excellent
alkalis: good
flame: meets MVSS 302
LV 1/8", 1 lb/ft2 0 - 180 black
LVC 0.08", 0.5 lb/ft2 0 - 120 clear
Product Availability
Model Roll Size Vinyl Description
LVR 54" x 60" gray, reinforced vinyl
LVC 48" x 60" clear vinyl
LV 54 x 60" black, unreinforced vinyl
FVM-1 54" x 60" black, vinyl floor mat
FVM-1S 54" x 60" black, vinyl floor mat with scuff coating
Soundscreen™ Acoustical Lining
Installation:
  • Both Foam/Vinyl/Foam and Foam/Damping materials can be cut with standard sheet metal shears. The linings can also be readily supplied as die cut pieces ready for installation into equipment housings.
  • Barrier linings must be bonded to the structure by their 1/4-inch-thick compliant foam layer. A solvent-based contact adhesive is a proven adhesion method.
  • The preferred adhesive for Foam/Damping linings is a two-part epoxy.
  • Foam/Damping linings with pressure sensitive backing on the damping sheet is also available. This is not recommended for critical damping applications where service temperature exceeds 150°F or where high humidity or oil mist is present.
Our acoustical lining combines several basic noise control materials into a simple, multi-layered acoustical composite material.
  • SOUNDSCREEN ACOUSTICAL LINING PROVIDES ABSORPTION AND DAMPING
    Soundscreen Acoustical Lining combines several basic noise control materials into a simple, multi-layered, acoustical composite material. Two basic linings satisfy most applications: absorbing foam plus noise barrier, and absorbing foam plus damping. Acoustical liners convert bare metal into effective noise enclosures by adding the right combination of sound deadening material to the inside surfaces.
  • PRODUCT SELECTION
    • Foam/Vinyl/Foam Barrier Lining: This barrier lining is available with 1 lb/ft2 density loaded vinyl and is the same as the inner septum layer. This lining material is excellent for building factory partitions. Adhered to 1/4-inch plywood, the material provides approximately 50 dBA transmission loss at the critical 1000 and 2000Hz frequencies — equivalent to the noise reduction of an 8-inch masonry block wall!
    • Foam/Damping Lining: Foam/Damping is a sheet of absorbing foam bonded to a layer of 0.062-inch-thick Soundscreen LD-400 damping material. The material reduces the humming noise associated with vibrating sheet metal, as well as controls the reverberant noise inside cabinets or equipment covers.
    • As a combination of materials, each layer of the product serves a specific function. The 0.062-inch-thick layer of LD-400 damping material effectively controls radiation noise in metal up to 16-gauge thickness. The damping material is bonded directly to the metal structure for maximum effectiveness. The 1-inch thickness of acoustical foam faces the noise source so that it can absorb reverberant noise.
Acoustical Properties: Absorption Effectiveness
Thickness Frequency Hz NRC
125 250 500 1,000 2,000 4,000 1K 2K 4K
1" 10% 28% 71% 100% 91% 95% 0.73
Acoustical Properties: Transmission Loss
Frequency Hz STC
125 250 500 1,000 2,000 4,000 1K 2K 4K
1 lb/ft2 septum 15 19 21 28 22 37 27
Product availability
Model Material Composition Matl Comp Size Absorbing Foam Cover Type
FVF‑P
FVF‑U 		1" Absorbing foam, 1 lb/ft2 vinyl septum, 1/4" foam 54" x 50' roll uncovered white polyurethane
FD‑P1
FD‑U1 		1" Absorbing foam, 0.062" LD-400 damping sheet 2' x 4' sheet uncovered white polyurethane
FD‑P2
FD‑U2 		2" Absorbing foam, 0.062" LD-400 damping sheet 2' x 4' sheet uncovered white polyurethane
Other protective covering options are available.
Soundscreen™ Pneumatic Air Silencers
  • SOUNDSCREEN PNEUMATIC SILENCERS CONTROL EXCESSIVE EXHAUST AIR NOISE
    Control valves create a blast of noise when exhaust air is released directly to the atmosphere. Soundscreen Pneumatic Silencers control that excessive noise by reducing the velocity and turbulence of the exhaust air flow.

    Simple and easy to apply, the silencers screw directly into the exhaust port of the control valve. A Pneumatic Silencer can reduce the noise from a single exhaust port from 90 dBA to about 60 dBA. That reduction is significant. Ninety dBA corresponds to the noise of a heavy truck passing just a few feet away while 60 dBA is equivalent to normal conversation at a smiliar distance. Specific noise reduction varies with each application's size, working pressure, and exhaust configuration.
  • Shatterproof Nautre Increases Plant Safety
    Soundscreen Pneumatic Silencers have been tested at 200 psi. The maximum recommended working pressure and temperature is 150 psi and 165°F. An additional safety factor is the shatterproof nature of the silencer material. The porous body is made from tough, high-density polyethylene. The solid threaded base, made from the same grade polyethylene, is welded to the body to form an integral single piece unit. In the event of an accidental blow, the resilient, high density polyethylene prevents the silencer from shattering and sending dangerous fragments flying.
  • Low Maintenance
    Maintenance is usually unnecessary. The porous body of the silencer is made by the same powder sintering process used in making filter materials for gases and liquids. Moderatley clean air and water will pass through the Soundscreen Pneumatic Silencer, eliminating the problem of excessive clogging. Should cleaning be required, a solvent with low flammability such as methylene choloride, is recommended.
  • Availability
    All sizes are available for shipment from stock. Soundscreen Pneumatic Silencer model dimensions are shown below.
    Nozzle Sizes
    Part Number Size Weight
    ATN-18A 1/8" NPT 1 oz
    ATN-14A 1/4" NPT 2 oz
  • Factory Tested, 85 dBA Performance
    A few thousandths variation in slot gap can cause wide variations in air consumption and noise levels of nozzles. Soundscreen High Thrust Air Nozzles are individually tested and permanently set at the factory to obtain maximum thrust at an OSHA acceptable 85 dBA noise level for line pressures between 10 and 80 psig. This is a "close in" (two feet) noise level. For intermittent operation or for further distances away, the total noise exposure is significantly less.

    Useful air thrust is delivered even when the nozzle is placed some distance away. Performance over distance with 60 psig is shown in the chart below.
    Air thrust performance over distance at 60 psig
    Distance ATN-18A ATN-14A
    3" 11.1 11.5
    8" 10.2 11.0
    15" 9.2 10.2