If you work in an industrial facility, you’ve likely seen it before. Water and cleaning chemicals repeatedly penetrate fabric sound absorbing panels, and debris can get trapped inside. Over time, the panels become a hotbed for mold and bacteria, can no longer hold their shape, and might even fall off the wall due to moisture causing the adhesive to fail.
In harsh industrial environments, material durability is just as important as noise control for a sound panel’s performance in the long run. We’ll compare “standard” materials like fabric and foam against metal acoustic panels, and we’ll explain why sound absorbing metal panels are superior for many industrial uses.
Pros and Cons of Standard Acoustic Panels
Standard foam and fabric acoustic panels perform well in many applications. Their high NRC ratings, cost-effective materials, and visually adaptable aesthetics suit a wide variety of uses, from school gymnasiums to commercial offices to recording studios.
However, standard panels fall short in demanding manufacturing environments. Foam and fabric are highly absorptive. This is great for absorbing sound, but it also means that they draw in unwanted substances like oil and particulates, which limit their sound dampening effectiveness.
Standard panels are also easily damaged by common industrial factors like debris machinery. They’re simply not durable enough to last in a harsh environment.
Sound Absorbing Metal Panels Are the Noise Control Solution for Manufacturers
At demanding industrial worksites, perforated metal sound panels are a proven effective solution for noise control. They resist impact to everyday industrial factors and they wipe clean without absorbing oil, particulates, or bacteria.
Sometimes, manufacturers are hesitant to install perforated metal acoustic panels because they think the metal will reflect noise. This is a myth. It’s true that a plain sheet of metal on its own will reflect noise, but sound absorbing metal panels have more sophisticated designs. One design incorporates a perforated metal face and an absorptive core. Another design option features a metal sound panel with micro-perforations that absorb sound through air friction.
Standard vs. Perforated Metal Acoustic Panels: A Side-by-Side Comparison
To get the full picture of standard sound panel and metal acoustic panel capabilities, take a look at our comparison chart.
| Factor | Standard Sound Panel | Metal Acoustic Panel |
| Oil and grease | Absorbent | Wipes clean |
| High-impact environment | Fails and falls apart | Maintains structural integrity |
| NRC | 0.7-1.05 | 0.70-0.95 |
| Installation cost | Lower | Higher |
| Lifespan in a harsh environment | 1-3 years | 10-20+ years |
Answering Common Standard vs. Perforated Metal Acoustic Panel Questions
How do perforated metal panels actually absorb sound if the surface is hard?
Sound passes through the perforations into an absorptive material, or micro-perforations convert the sound energy into heat.Are metal acoustic panels as effective as fabric panels at reducing noise?
When properly designed for your facility, metal panels absorb sound just as effectively as foampanels. Sound absorbing metal panels will also perform better over time.Which panel is better for heavy machinery noise?
Metal acoustic panels are the best choice for industrial noise control.Can I use standard foam panels in a warehouse?
Specialized foam panels may be sufficient, but metal panels typically deliver better durability and acoustic effectiveness over time.What is the difference in installation for fabric and metal acoustic panels?
Each one has its pros and cons. Fabric panels are easy to install; they are lightweight and mount with simple hardware, but they are fragile and must be handled with care to avoid moisture and physical contact. Metal panels are heavier and require more robust corrosion-resistant hardware to install, but this heavy-duty quality means they will last longer.How do fabric and metal acoustic absorbing panels handle fire safety?
All materials including Fabric sound panels need to be Class A with their infill materials (mineral wool, for example) being fire-resistant. Metal panels are non-combustible, and infill materials are also fire-resistant.How To Choose the Right Sound Absorbing System for Your Facility
Knowing the differences between fabric and metal acoustic panels is critical for choosing the right noise control solution for your facility. For heavy industrial use, metal panels are the top choice.
As a leading metal acoustic panel provider for demanding manufacturing environments, O’Neill Engineered Systems can ensure optimal noise control through high-quality sound absorbing panels. Make sure you check out our Complete Guide to Noise Control with Sound Absorbing Panels to learn even more.
