I need a Class A absorber - What Are My Options?
Often times a designer knows they need some acoustic absorption product – and their first stop is to call out the Class A absorbency rating; not necessarily knowing what it means but understanding enough to know its the highest acoustic absorbency rating possible.
So to help with the product selection process we seek to explain the options and the impact each one has on acoustic comfort.
Option 1 – ReSound
ReSound is an acoustic product that’s made from compressed fibres of glass. The process of compressing the fibres creates a rigid state product that is extremely efficient at absorbing sound – in actuality, fibreglass is one the most effective absorbers there is with a noise reduction coefficient of 0.95 to 1 (Class A) so every time you specify ReSound 40mm thick you know you are getting a Class A absorber (we also provide this product as 25mm thick but the reduced thickness provides Class C acoustic absorption rating).
Due to its rigid state, ReSound is perfectly suited to being wrapped in decorative fabric; so long as the fabric used is “porous”, the applied fabric will not negatively impact ReSound’s absorption properties.
ReSound, too, can be applied in many ways:
1. Suspended from the ceiling horizontally – commonly referred to as rafts.
2. Suspended from the ceiling vertically – commonly referred to as baffles.
3. Applied to walls – commonly referred to as wall panels.
Option 2 – Mellow
Mellow is a polyester – polyethylene terephthalate (PET). It is made by mixing ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. That all sounds extremely scientific, but, put simply, polyester is a kind of plastic. Our Mellow polyester product is made from 60% recycled plastic and is 100% recyclable at end of life.
Similar to ReSound, Mellow contains fibres that are compressed into a rigid state. This enables the boards to be manipulated and utilised in many ways to create acoustic solutions that look amazing.
Our Mellow 24mm thick panel products achieves a Class A absorption rating when it is applied off-set from the wall with a 200mm air-gap behind. Alternatively, if it is applied as a vertically hung ceiling baffle, with 200mm gaps between adjacent baffles, this too will provide a Class A absorption rating.
Mellow is very versatile and can be applied in an infinite number of ways to meet any design intent:
1. Decorative suspended ceiling rafts.
2. Ceiling suspended baffles.
3. Wall panels.
4. Grooved for added effect.
5. 2-Tone Groove – applied fabric and then grooved for tremendous design opportunity.
6. Free-standing screens.
7. Sliding panels
Option 3 – Acoustic aRT
Acoustic aRT panels comprise aluminium frames cut and mitred to a precise size with an acoustic foam infill and tensioned polyester fabric face. The fabric has an integrated silicone edging that fits into the aluminium frame.
The acoustic core we use is compressed glassfibre (same as the ReSound base material) so achieves Class A absorption naturally. If any depth of frame less than 45mm is used, the absorption rating will not be Class A.
Acoustic aRT is a wall panel system only and its primary purpose is to provide graphic appeal and flexiblility as a result of the ability to replace/swap the fabric at any time.
Summary
ReSound 40mm is in itself a Class A acoustic absorber, regardless of how it is applied.
Mellow 24mm becomes Class A if applied as stated above – with Mellow, its about how its applied that makes the difference. Applied with apertures and cavities enhances its ability to contain/absorb to a standard that’s Class A.
You can explore our range of acoustic solutions by clicking here, or get in touch if you have any questions.