Machine Sound Enclosures: A Guide to Industrial Noise Control
Factories and other industrial spaces are loud by default. And though it’s unfortunate, it’s difficult to avoid. However, when the noise from your machines starts causing issues with productivity, communication, or even the health of workers, it becomes a problem that needs fixing. Fortunately, there’s a relatively simple solution: adding enclosures around noisy machines. In this article, we’ll cover what machine sound enclosures are, their benefits, where businesses most often use them, and more.
What Are Machine Sound Enclosures?
A machine sound enclosure is simply a housing built around noisy equipment in order to block the noise. The basic idea is to keep the sound from spreading, whether that’s to shield a factory floor, quiet offices, or other places where important work is happening.
Different manufacturers may use different materials for these panels. Acoustic panels can help absorb the higher-pitched sounds that may be the most irritating. Other composite panels can layer dense materials with foam to both block and absorb noise.
Benefits of Machine Sound Enclosures
Creating sound enclosures for your equipment can benefit your workplace in more ways than one. Here are a few of the many benefits they can provide:
Meet Safety Standards
There are noise rules from OSHA and NIOSH that limit how much noise workers can be exposed to every day. Sound enclosures can help you stay within these limits and avoid fines.
Protect Hearing
As you might expect, long-term exposure to noise above 85 decibels can cause hearing loss, along with stress, irritation, and fatigue. Reducing noise helps create a healthier, safer workplace.
Improve Communication
When machines are too loud, workers will obviously struggle to communicate with one another. Lowering background noise can improve collaboration and teamwork.
Lower Legal Risks
Finally, managing noise properly can help you avoid legal troubles, and demonstrate that your company is protecting its workers (as well as the public).
Common Applications
Machine sound enclosures may be used in many types of businesses. Here are some of the most common uses we see at MachineEnclosure.com:
CNC Machining
CNC machines can get loud. Special enclosures can help cut the noise level significantly, which can protect both operators and workers nearby.
Packaging Machinery
Packaging lines can run at high speeds and as a result become very noisy. Soundproofing helps create a quieter environment.
Printing Presses
Further, printing equipment can also create a lot of mechanical and pneumatic noise. Sound enclosures especially designed for such equipment can help reduce both types of noise, and create a quieter production floor.
Laboratory and R&D Environments
Finally, laboratories often use equipment that creates distracting noises. Acoustic enclosures make it possible to carry out important scientific work without interruptions.
The Bottom Line
Machine sound enclosures are an effective way to control noise and overall improve your working environment/conditions. They can help you meet safety standards, protect your team, and generally avoid legal problems. If you need to reduce machine noise, enclosures are perhaps the most effective tool available.
Interested in setting up machine enclosures at your location? Reach out to the experts at MachineEnclosure.com today to get a quote and begin designing new solutions.
FAQs About Machine Sound Enclosures
1. Can I retrofit an existing machine with a sound enclosure?
Yes, absolutely! Many acoustic enclosures are made to fit around working equipment, even in tight spaces.
2. How do I measure the effectiveness of an installed sound enclosure?
The best way to measure its effectiveness is to use a sound level meter to check both before and after installation.
3. What is the typical cost range for acoustic enclosures?
Unfortunately, this is hard to predict accurately, and prices will vary. The more complex your design, the more it will cost. The best way to get an accurate estimate is to request one from a manufacturer.
