Acoustics is an extremely important consideration in architectural design. Locker Group meets the diverse needs of architects and designers with their perforated metal product supplied in custom shapes and sizes.
Perforated metal finds widespread application in acoustics design. There are two primary ways that perforated metal can be used in acoustics – as a facing, and as a tuned resonant absorber.
Facing for acoustical material
Architects specify different acoustical materials including foam for absorbing, reflecting or scattering sound, based on the design objectives. These materials normally need to be encased for protection. With its perforations, Locker Group’s perforated metal is used in this application as a material that will let sound waves pass through, while still providing enough protection for the acoustic material.
Tuned resonant absorbers
Perforated metal is also used in acoustics with a tuned resonant absorber. When the objective is to reduce sound that's at a particular frequency, tuned resonant absorbers, which can absorb sound at a low frequency (100 Hz or under), are perfect for achieving this goal.
Perforated metal can actively assist with determining the frequencies that need cutting out. It is used in conjunction with a trapped layer of air to concentrate the sound absorption of the acoustical material onto the frequency range in which the sound that needs cutting out falls.
The air particles will begin moving in and out of the perforated metal's holes violently at the frequency the tuned resonant absorber is set at in the application. These air particles are then pumped back and forth with the adjacent acoustical layer. At this point, the acoustic energy will transfer into heat due to the friction created, suppressing the sound.
Perforated metal presents a simple solution for sound absorption and other acoustical objectives. Locker Group’s products come in a range of materials, including stainless steel, aluminium, mild steel, corten, titanium, copper, brass, alloys and polypropylene.
