Sound solutions to noise from Dynamat
Celsus, the European distributor of Dynamat, are reminding customers to look carefully at the benefits, as well as the specification and performance, of noise control systems.
High levels of noise or heat are accepted to increase stress, fatigue and discomfort. This was long regarded as a problem to be suffered with certain vehicles, until Dynamat set out to create automotive solutions with their USA-made products.
Dynamat Original launched in 1989 to reduce noise caused by automotive structural vibration. The thin, flexible, easy-to-cut-and-mould sheet used an extensional damper technique to convert vibration. Since then, Dynamat has gained distribution in over 50 countries and has been installed in millions of cars all over the world. It has been through multiple generations of improvements so today’s Dynamat Xtreme is 25% thinner, 50% lighter and 4-5 times higher in damping efficiency than Dynamat Original.
Damping is the physics term for energy conversion. When Dynamat Xtreme is applied to a surface and subjected to vibration, it is the most efficient material available for converting that vibration motion into silent energy. It does this by deflecting the vibration, instead of trying to stop it by adding weight to the panel. In fact Dynamat, through patented VectorTM technology, can deliver up to 10 times greater damping (using a 10th of the weight for the same effect) compared to other sound damping materials.
The silent energy is actually converted into an insignificant low grade latent heat, generated on a molecular level. When a panel flexes during vibration, shear strains develop in the damping layer. This energy is converted through deformation of the damping material, rather than the mounting panel, to provide an at-source control of noise problems.
Dynamat’s physical qualities make it easy to install; it’s just 1.65mm thick, is extremely flexible and can mould to fit any contours. It retains these shapes, fits by peel-and-stick and adds very little weight. Dynamat can be trusted to last for the life of the vehicle too. Unlike some copy-mat products, that are not true damping materials, Dynamat Xtreme will function well through all environmental conditions, including extreme temperature ranges from - 45 º C to beyond +150º C.
“An automobile is inherently noisy. It is a rolling sheet metal box powered by explosions, traveling on pothole and crack covered roadways,” said Scott Whitaker, Founder and CEO of Dynamat. “Every driver can relate to the problem; we all experience the lowering of the noise floor when we pull off the motorway. The reduction of speed results in a reduction of noise so the in-car audio system suddenly sounds much louder so we turn it down.
“The same thing can also be said when using your hands free phone kit whilst driving; you can end up shouting to be heard because to the listener you sound like you’re inside an oil drum rolling down a hill!”
An application of Dynamat to the vehicle, depending how much you use, can typically reduce road noise dramatically by between 3 and 15 dB, equating to a massive 30 to 80% reduction. This makes for a quiet, relaxed, stress-free environment - where you can actually hold a normal conversation with your passengers.
“Besides the audio applications, there’s been really strong interest amongst owners of classic vehicles and for restoration projects,” said Mark Baker, Celsus Marketing Director. “Dynamat has potential to show the greatest difference on older cars where factory-fitted noise reduction and heat shielding was so limited. Even car doors will then shut with that reassuring vault like click rather than a clang after Dynamat is fitted, giving the perception of quality and a better car.”
Installing Dynamat is quick and simple, requiring only basic tools. You can apply Dynamat in patches as typically, 25 to 50% area coverage will prevent a specific panel from resonating. Otherwise, it can be applied over the entire floor, doors, or boot to create a complete sound barrier and vibrational damper.
Chris Bennett Director of Dynamat Business Development said: “Scott Whitaker is a highly respected car builder in his own right and someone who really understands cars. He developed Dynamat to help us do a better job as an industry by building better cars to provide the ultimate in customer satisfaction by exceeding their expectations.
“From 21 years selling Dynamat in the UK and Europe, we find once people experience the Dynamat difference for the first time they say they would never build another car without it. Top car builders and restorers round the world use Dynamat extensively because it works !”
You can see examples of recent projects by checking out @LesNoyse on Twitter. Then visit www.dynamat.co.uk to view videos demonstrating the Dynamat difference, buy online for UK delivery, or find your local Dynamat distributor.
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