Noise Reduction Enclosures for Machines: A Quick Guide
Machines make noise, and some of them make a lot of it. Over time, if placed next to work or staff, that noise can wear them down, and even harm them. It can permanently damage hearing, and also create stress, which of course makes it difficult to focus. With noise reduction enclosures over your machines, however, you can contain most of that sound. In this article, we’ll discuss what they are, where they’re used, some of the materials used for them, and more.
What Are Noise Reduction Enclosures for Machines?
When machines get loud (which inevitably, they do), you need a way to keep the sound in check. Noise reduction enclosures are structures that go around a machine to help dampen the sound that it makes. There are some that cover the entire unit, and others just shield the part or parts that make the most noise.
To accomplish this, these enclosures are mostly built with thick, layered panels. One layer might be heavy and solid to block the sound. Another might be softer. Usually there’s some kind of metal on the outside, too.
The goal here is both to quiet things down, as well as to do this without getting too much in the way. Most often, a machine still needs airflow so that it doesn’t overheat, and there still needs to be some room for technicians and maintenance.
The size and setup really depend on the equipment and how the space is used.
Materials
Of course, the right materials will make all the difference in preventing sound from escaping the enclosure. Ideally, you’ll want something heavy (to keep noise from escaping) as well as something soft inside to absorb it. Some common materials include:
- Vinyl
- Mineral wool or acoustic foam
- Perforated metal
- Special fire-rated or chemical-resistant panels
Where They’re Used
Noise enclosures are used in a wide range of settings. If the equipment is loud, there’s a good chance someone has built a structure around it. As a result, they’re commonly used in:
- Factories
- Data centers
- Power generation plants
- Automotive testing labs
- Food processing lines
- Aerospace production facilities
- Packaging and bottling plants
(This by no means an exhaustive list.)
A Few Design Considerations
When designing these types of enclosures, it helps to know exactly how loud the machine is, as well as how much quieter it should be. Without that, you’ll just be shooting in the dark.
You’ll also need to think about airflow. Just about every machine heats up while in use, and some will need ventilation as well. But every vent is also a way for sound to leak out, so you’ll need to plan it such that air can move freely without giving the noise an easy way out.
As we touched on briefly already, access matters too. If there’s an operator, they’ll need space to use the machine. If the enclosure makes it hard to reach switches or panels, this can become a problem.
Then there’s the space that the enclosure will take up. The entire enclosure has to fit without blocking paths/workflows, or else creating tight corners. If it crowds your work areas, it may do more harm than good.
Creating the right enclosure isn’t only about blocking sound; it’s also about creating a space that is compatible with the rest of your operations.
The Bottom Line
Loud machines can become a problem for workers, whether by damaging their hearing directly, or by being so much of a nuisance that it’s hard for them to be productive. Noise reduction enclosures, and especially modular ones, are a quick and practical fix.
Interested in reducing loud noise from equipment at your location? Reach out to the experts at MachineEnclosure.com to get a quote on new enclosures today.
