Acustimet®, Meta Material Invented By Sontech

Acustimet® is our innovative microperforated panel in all-metal and no fibres. Since we first developed the product in our labs 20 years ago, we have made continuous improvements to the material as well as its applications. Acustimet® is especially well-suited for high temperatures and fire resistant applications. Some of its advantages include the following:

Non combustible
Does not attract fluids or dirt
Easily cleaned
Withstand high temperatures
Does not age
Resistant to chemicals
Fibre free
Good sound absorption
Mechanically rigid and tough
Aesthetic appearance
Resistant to wear
No static electricity
Easy to form

Acustimet explained

Invention By Sontech

ACUSTIMET®

More about Acustimet, samples and technical data:

Sontech Use Case – Construction Machinery Cab Noise Reduction

Construction Machinery

From 86 to 83 dB(A) – a quieter cab for better working conditions

How Sontech helped a European municipality reduce operator cab noise in a municipal tractor below the 85 dB(A) threshold.

The Challenge

A European municipality operated a small tractor and implement carrier for municipal maintenance work. During loaded driving, the noise level in the operator cab was measured at 86 dB(A) – exceeding the recommended limit of 85 dB(A).

Prolonged exposure to noise above 85 dB(A) increases the risk of hearing damage, tinnitus and fatigue. For the operator, this represented a daily health hazard, and for the municipality, an occupational health issue that needed to be resolved.

The cab had already been partially treated with Acusticab 19 SA in the ceiling, rear pillars and sides, along with a heavy floor mat (13 kg/m²). Despite this, the noise limit was exceeded. The source of the remaining noise needed to be identified and addressed.

The Solution

Sontech performed an acoustic analysis of the cab and identified two primary noise transmission paths: the hydrostat and the instrument panel. Targeted measures were implemented to treat these areas.

Hydrostat Treatment

The hydrostat was treated with a rubber mat and AC 30 S (30 mm self-adhesive sound absorbent). The sealing over the lever to the hydrostat was improved to eliminate airborne noise leakage.

Instrument Panel Treatment

The instrument cover was treated with AC 30 S combined with ISO 7 (bitumen-based insulation, 7.5 kg/m²) on the back of the instrument panel. This reduced both airborne and structure-borne noise.

AC 30 S

30 mm self-adhesive air sound absorbent. Effective damping of mid- and high-frequency airborne noise in confined spaces.

ISO 7

Bitumen-based insulation with a surface weight of 7.5 kg/m². Provides mass-based sound damping and vibration reduction on thin sheet metal and panel structures.

Acusticab 19 SA

19 mm self-adhesive air sound absorbent. Already installed in the ceiling, rear pillars and sides as the cab baseline treatment.

Results

After treatment, the noise level was re-measured during loaded driving with the microphone positioned at the operator’s right ear (Brüel&Kjær type 2230 with octave and third-octave filters type 1625).

dB(A)

86 → 83 dB(A)

dB(A)

Reduction

<85

dB(A)

Target met ✓

Octave Band Spectrum – Before and After

Before After

What We Delivered

🎤

Acoustic Measurement

Professional noise measurement in the cab using calibrated equipment according to standard.

📊

Analysis & Design

Identification of noise sources and transmission paths, and design of the right treatment package.

📦

Product Supply

AC 30 S, ISO 7 and Acusticab 19 SA – the right material for the right application.

✅

Verification

Post-treatment measurement confirming the noise level dropped below the 85 dB(A) limit.

Acustimet®, Meta Material Invented By Sontech

Acustimet explained

Invention By Sontech

ACUSTIMET®

More about Acustimet, samples and technical data:

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From 86 to 83 dB(A) – a quieter cab for better working conditions

The Challenge

The Solution

Hydrostat Treatment

Instrument Panel Treatment

AC 30 S

ISO 7

Acusticab 19 SA

Results

Octave Band Spectrum – Before and After

What We Delivered

Acoustic Measurement

Analysis & Design

Product Supply

Verification