Material and usage of aluminum honeycomb perforated sound-absorbing panels

When we strive for architectural spaces that offer both excellent acoustic performance and meet safety standards, aluminum honeycomb perforated sound-absorbing panels stand out as a capable solution. With its unique lightweight structure, exceptionally high sound absorption efficiency, and high-level fire resistance, it is a crucial material in modern architectural acoustics engineering. It seamlessly blends the industrial aesthetics of metal with the scientific design of a honeycomb structure, not only meeting the needs of controlling complex acoustic environments but also aligning with the trends of green building and sustainable development. Next, we will analyze the technical advantages and application scenarios of aluminum honeycomb perforated sound-absorbing panels from three aspects: uses, material characteristics, and fire resistance rating.

I. Core Application: Multi-scene adaptation, efficient noise reduction

Aluminum honeycomb perforated sound-absorbing panels, through the combination of a honeycomb core layer and a perforated panel, have achieved significant breakthroughs in both wide-band sound absorption and lightweight structure. They are particularly suitable for applications that are weight-sensitive, have stringent environmental requirements, or require high-strength fire resistance.

• Transportation hubs: In large spaces such as airport terminals, subway platforms, and high-speed rail waiting halls, it can effectively absorb reverberation noise and reduce interference from broadcasts.

• Public buildings such as stadiums, theaters, and conference centers can precisely control the sound absorption curve from low to high frequencies by adjusting the perforation rate and the thickness of the honeycomb core.

• In the industrial sector, it can absorb sound and provide electromagnetic shielding in high-frequency noise environments such as factory workshops and data center computer rooms.

• Commercial spaces: office building ceilings, shopping mall walls, etc. It has a simple metallic texture, making the space more modern, while also reducing environmental noise.

• Clean spaces: In places like hospital operating rooms and laboratories where high cleanliness is required, it is easier to clean than traditional porous materials and is also antibacterial and corrosion resistant.

II. Material Characteristics: Composite structure, superior performance

The aluminum honeycomb perforated sound-absorbing panel adopts a sandwich-like composite structure of "metal panel + aluminum honeycomb core + back panel", which perfectly combines functionality and aesthetics through precision craftsmanship.

Material composition:

• Panel: High-strength aluminum alloy sheet is used, with a thickness of 0.5-1.2mm. The surface is treated with anodizing, fluorocarbon spraying or powder coating, which makes it particularly weather-resistant and offers a variety of color options.

• Honeycomb core: Hexagonal aluminum honeycomb core with a pore size of 3-10mm and a foil thickness of 0.04-0.08mm. It has a low density of only 5-40kg per cubic meter, but high specific stiffness, which can greatly reduce the material's self-weight. The overall density does not exceed 5kg per square meter.

• Perforation design: Regularly distributed micropores are formed by CNC punching, with a pore diameter of 1-3mm and a perforation rate of 5%-30%. After sound waves enter the honeycomb core layer through the pores, the energy is consumed through air friction and vibration, and the sound absorption coefficient (NRC value) can reach 0.6-0.95.

Performance advantages:

• Lightweight and high-strength: Its bending strength can reach over 10MPa, and its span support capacity is excellent, making it suitable for large-span ceiling systems.

• Environmental tolerance: Waterproof, moisture-proof, and corrosion-resistant, it can be used stably in environments ranging from -50℃ to 150℃.

• Modular installation: It can be installed with exposed racks, concealed racks, or snap-on mechanisms, which can meet the needs of complex shapes such as curved surfaces and irregular shapes.

• Environmentally friendly and recyclable: The aluminum utilization rate can reach over 95%, meeting the requirements of green building certifications such as LEED and BREEAM.

III. Fire resistance rating: Metallic composition, safe and reliable.

Because aluminum honeycomb perforated sound-absorbing panels are made of metal, they naturally have excellent fire resistance and can meet strict building safety regulations.

• Combustion performance: The aluminum material has a melting point of up to 660℃, and both the honeycomb core and the panel are non-combustible materials. The overall combustion performance has passed the Class A non-combustible material certification (GB 8624-2012 A1 level), meeting the mandatory requirements of the "Code for Fire Protection Design of Buildings" (GB 50016) for densely populated places. Tested with a cone calorimeter, the heat release rate (HRR) does not exceed 5kW/m², the smoke density rating (SDR) does not exceed 15, and the smoke toxicity reaches AQ1 level (safety level). It will not release toxic gases during a fire, ensuring the safety of personnel evacuation.

• Engineering application advantages: It can replace traditional wood or mineral wool sound-absorbing panels for use in areas with fire resistance requirements of 1 hour or more, such as subway tunnels and underground commercial spaces. When integrated with a fire-resistant keel system, the overall structure can achieve a fire resistance rating of 2 hours, meeting the core fire protection requirements of super high-rise buildings and transportation hubs.

IV. Comprehensive Application Cases

In a project at the T3 terminal of an international airport, perforated aluminum honeycomb acoustic panels were used as the main ceiling material. The panels are 0.8mm thick pre-roll-coated aluminum sheets with an 18% perforation rate and a 25mm thick honeycomb core. Through acoustic simulation and optimization of the perforation layout, the reverberation time in the hall was reduced from 3.2 seconds to 1.5 seconds, and it passed fire safety inspection with its Class A fire resistance rating. Its lightweight design reduced the roof load by 40%, significantly saving structural costs and becoming a benchmark case for large-space acoustic engineering.

Conclusion

Aluminum honeycomb perforated sound-absorbing panels possess irreplaceable technological value in the field of architectural acoustics due to the inherent safety of metal materials, the scientific weight reduction achieved through honeycomb structure, and customizable acoustic performance. With the development of prefabricated buildings and smart cities, their modular design, rapid installation, and low-carbon characteristics throughout their entire lifecycle will become even more prominent, providing architects and engineers with a good solution that balances performance, aesthetics, and safety. In future buildings that pursue both "lightweight" and "high-performance," aluminum honeycomb perforated sound-absorbing panels will continue to lead the innovation direction of acoustic materials.