Project Challenge

This 210㎡ precision 3D printing workshop in inner Auckland, New Zealand houses industrial SLA printers, post-processing stations and a small quality control lab. Printing equipment, ventilation systems and curing units run continuously, generating steady broadband noise. The noise interferes with dimensional measurement accuracy, and workshop technicians face long-term noise exposure shift after shift. The workshop maintains strict dust control and cleanability standards, so acoustic materials must be non-shedding, wipeable and compliant with precision workshop hygiene requirements.

Our Solution

We fitted the entire workshop ceiling with high-density inorganic fiberglass acoustic ceiling tiles, NRC 0.90–0.95, inherent ASTM E84 Class A fire resistance. The interconnected porous structure efficiently absorbs full-spectrum reflected noise from equipment and airflow, while the dense hardened surface resists dust build-up and supports regular wipe-down cleaning — critical for precision printing environments. Around the curing equipment perimeter, we added partial perforated acoustic panels with mineral wool backing to help control mid-low frequency equipment noise.

All materials are non-particulate and fiber-shedding free, meeting workshop dust control requirements. The system holds stable performance even in temperature-fluctuating industrial environments.

Project Results

Ambient noise in the main production area dropped by an estimated 40%, falling within acceptable limits for precision measurement work and reducing acoustic interference to print accuracy. Technicians report less end-of-shift fatigue and much clearer verbal communication during work. Print dimensional consistency also showed measurable improvement following the upgrade.