SONEXone™ Panels

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Solution to Reducing Background Noise in Large Open Area - Acoustic Panels Integral to Design of Electronic Research Lab

The 40,000 square foot electronics research lab at Juniper Networks, Westford, MA is designed to meet three criteria: provide an open, contiguous space for optimal worker flexibility; supply adequate power, cabling and cooling systems to support research and development; and create a pleasant and inviting work environment. Early on in the planning stages, designers recognized that such a large, open environment with its exposed mechanical systems would create a noise problem—making the third objective difficult to achieve. To solve the problem before it even started, designers installed SONEXone™ acoustic panels from illbruck, inc. to absorb background noise while allowing engineers to work comfortably and efficiently.

Juniper Networks develops core and edge routers used in the Internet provider industry. Combined with network and service management software, these electronic products allow service providers to offer a variety of Internet access and telephone services for business and residential subscribers.

"The core and edge routers in development at this site require lots of fans and motors running in the lab," said Steven Lyons, facilities manager, Juniper Networks. Plus, the lab's hard-surfaced materials—tile, sheetrock, metal and glass—reflect rather than absorb sound. Without some sort of acoustic control, reverberation from all these motors and fans would interrupt worker concentration and communication.

SONEX Acoustic Panels Integral to Design of Electronic Research Lab

From the beginning, Lyons ruled out the option of a standard suspended ceiling; there needed to be plenty of overhead room for the mechanical and electrical cabling necessary to support the lab. "In addition, standard ceiling tiles don't absorb enough background sound. We know that from previous experience in one of our other labs," said Lyons.

SONEXone Panels are installed with adhesive directly to the ceiling's steel pan, between each of the steel framing members. The steel frame and exposed pan areas were painted white to match the color of the panels, increasing the room's brightness. The panels' sculpted pattern provides a sound-absorbing surface area that efficiently reduces reverberation (echo) and background noise.

Made from willtec® foam, illbruck's proprietary melamine foam, SONEXone Panels are fiber-free and Class 1 fire-rated for flame spread and smoke density. The panels at Juniper Networks are coated with Hypalon® for added surface protection.

" The white panels lend to the room's spaciousness and the sculpted pattern adds dimension. Best of all, they perform just as we wanted, which is to dampen the echo effect. We have had no complaints about noise levels—and that is exactly what we want to hear," said Lyons.

illbruck manufactures a broad range of attractive acoustical ceiling tiles, wall panels, baffles, and other noise control products for commercial and industrial applications, including: SQUARELINE® Metal Ceiling Tiles, HARMONI™ and WHITELINE™ Ceiling Tiles, CONTOUR® Wall and Ceiling Tiles, FABRITEC™ Wall Panels, SONEX® Wall Panels and Baffles, and PROSPEC® Barriers and Composites.

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For more information contact:
salesinfo@memtechacoustical.com

Memtech Incorporated,
9033 General Drive, Plymouth, MI 48170
Phone: 1-800-634-4471 or +1 (734) 455-8550
Fax: 1-800-634-4472 or +1 (734) 455-8552
Email: salesinfo@memtechacoustical.com