Polyurethane foam maker Vita Group launches state-of-the-art noise reduction test

Vita Group, one of Europe’s leading suppliers of flexible polyurethane (PU) foam, has taken its research and development capabilities to the next level by introducing advanced acoustic testing techniques.

Middleton-based Vitec, part of the Vita Group, invested in the installation of the Alpha chamber, which provides in-depth data on the acoustic insulation and noise absorption properties of foam products. This will help the Vita Group to further formulate materials and composites with optimal levels of noise reduction for end users in a range of market segments.

Vitec can now carry out innovative high-end acoustic tests within its own research department. This enables the R&D team to test more batches and respond more quickly to customer requests or internal R&D breakthroughs.

Understanding the acoustic properties of foam is critical for many applications, including creating a relaxing environment in cars and airplanes, reducing noise transfer between multi-family homes, and achieving high levels of sound quality in movie theaters and other auditoriums. Understanding how sound travels through foam can also help minimize disturbance from noisy equipment such as heating, ventilation and air conditioning units, and reduce the potential risk of hearing damage in noisy industrial spaces by quieting heavy machinery and equipment.

Thanks to investments such as the Alpha cabin and the expertise of the Middleton Innovation Center, teams at Vita Group can tailor foam solutions to absorb specific frequencies. This means that if the specific interfering frequency is known, the foam can be tuned to best meet the challenge at hand.

Stuart, general manager of technology and flooring at the Vita Group
Roby said: “Having the Alpha pod at our Middleton Innovation Center is an exciting development. It opens up many opportunities for us to research foam solutions for noise. There is a lot of interest in this noise reduction from data centers to manufacturing centers and theaters.” There is a need for systems and a desire to understand how to solve tough sound-related problems. Whether it is a data center, manufacturing center or theater, we can now support the needs of all our customers to solve tough sound-related problems.”

“Our ability to quickly complete state-of-the-art testing and then use this information to customize foams for specific situations simplifies the research process and makes us an ideal partner for companies that want to understand how foams can solve their acoustic challenges and problems.”