Acoustic fabric: features, varieties and applications

Special materials are used to separate sound frequencies in sound reproducing equipment. Among the first such material was acoustic fabric, which appeared more than 100 years ago and in those distant times was called radio fabric. Masking some parts of the radio receiver, such a fabric also performed the function of conducting sound through itself without distortion. Over time, various types of similar acoustic fabrics have been developed, which are used by all modern sound technology manufacturers today.

The acoustic fabric was originally made from cotton, later it was sometimes made from natural silk. The peculiarity of such materials was the special weaving of threads. With the development of science and industry modern samples of such acoustic materials began to be produced from synthetic threads - polyester... The material is used for decorative purposes, as well as to provide a soft pleasant sound to the speakers.

Over time, the production of acoustic fabric has become even more perfect, and today this textile is not only distinguished by a variety of colors and textures, but also has a special fire-resistant impregnation.

The main working properties of an acoustic material are:

• low ability to absorb moisture;
• reinforced strength and wear resistance;
• some species are resistant to fire;
• resistance to the effects of many types of chemical components;
• high level of acoustic effect, removal and reflection of sound waves.

Acoustic textiles, upon closer inspection, may have various weaves of threads that form a lattice structure.

Modern acoustic material is used not only for decorating acoustic systems - these fabrics began to be used for arranging the space inside these structures.

Today, such materials are divided into 2 types:

• sound absorbing fabric used to reduce the level of vibration of sound waves;
• sound transparent fabric used for acoustics in order to amplify it.

The main property of a sound-absorbing material is considered to be the suppression of sound waves by absorbing them. Such fabric is especially effective in relation to sounds that, reflecting from surfaces, return to the sound source and interfere with it. Such materials appear porous and rather dense in structure.

Recently, the automotive industry began to use similar types of materials, equipping car interiors.

Sound-transparent fabric has the opposite properties - it perfectly transmits sound waves and shields them in the opposite direction to the sound source. Besides, the fabric reliably protects the speakers of sound equipment from accidental damage... Such a fabric can look like a light chiffon material, or resemble a thin matting with a loose weave of threads. It is the special interweaving of the threads of the material that allows the sound to pass through it unhindered and be perceived by the human ear without distortion.

They use sound-absorbing acoustic fabrics in the manufacture of audio speakers, acoustic speakers and car audio systems, decoration of cinema halls, creation of curtains and curtains for concert halls, classrooms for listening to music, halls for conferences and symposia.

The sound-absorbing material can be replaced by using several layers of thin and durable spunbond - covering nonwoven fabric. Sometimes thick woolen textiles or polyester are used as sound absorbers. Thick velvet with a long pile and a material called blackout are good sound absorbers.

Fabrics with a sound-transparent property are used for the manufacture of audio speakers, while the material serves as a decorative role and protects the sound device from dust and dirt, mechanical damage. Such acoustic textiles are fixed on speakers or special hinged frames using glue or metal staples. It is not difficult to work with the fabric, since its edges do not have the peculiarity of crumbling when cut.

The cost of acoustic radio tissue in Russia today is quite high and averages 3,500 rubles. per running meter with a width of 1.5 meters. This price is explained by the fact that such a product is made mainly for enterprises that produce audio equipment, and it is rather difficult to find it in free sale, but the demand for this product at all times remains quite high.

When buying such acoustic textiles, you should pay attention to the following points:

• uniformity of fabric thickness over its entire area;
• the weave threads should be located with the same tension, without loops or breaks;
• the composition of the material should be made of polypropylene, cotton or silk.

When purchasing acoustic fabric, you should pay attention to its manufacturer. It is not uncommon for unscrupulous sellers to offer quite a few non-acoustic fabrics. These materials for acoustics are best purchased in specialized stores. To avoid counterfeiting, try to find products from such world manufacturers as Gutermann (Germany), Vescom (Holland), Guilford (USA), Drapilux (Germany).

For the features of acoustic fabric, see the following video.