Introduction to Soundproof Partitions

Soundproof Partition

An easy-to-use noise control solution—simply place it where it is needed

In factories, workshops, offices, meeting rooms, server rooms, and similar environments, machine noise, air-conditioning noise, office equipment noise, human voices, and reflected sound can affect both the working environment and the ease of communication.

However, not every situation requires a soundproof room or large-scale interior construction.

• “We only want to control noise around the sound source.”
• “We want to improve speech clarity in meetings and web conferences.”
• “We want to reduce noise around machinery or printers.”
• “We want to be able to change the layout even after installation.”

In these situations, soundproof partitions that are easy to move and install can be an effective solution.

SONORA’s soundproof partitions are self-standing noise control products that can be used simply by placing them in position. They do not require installation work by a specialist contractor and can also be arranged at angles of 90 degrees or more. Both sides are equipped with SONORA’s proprietary BFB sound-absorbing panels, providing not only sound absorption but also a structure designed with durability, scratch resistance, water resistance, and non-combustibility in mind.

Applications

Soundproof partitions are suitable when noise control is needed only in specific areas, without major renovation of an entire room.

Typical applications include:

• Localized noise control in factories and workshops
• Improvement of the acoustic environment in offices
• Soundproof partitioning for meeting rooms and discussion spaces
• Reduction of surrounding noise during web conferences and online streaming
• Noise control in server rooms
• Noise reduction around office equipment and printers
• Improvement of the acoustic environment in call centers and reception counters
• Simple sound insulation and sound absorption in laboratories, inspection rooms, and measurement rooms
• Improvement of speech privacy and communication environments in stores, showrooms, and business meeting spaces
• Reverberation control in educational, medical, and welfare facilities

By placing a partition between the sound source and the listener, it becomes easier to block direct sound while also reducing reflected sound within the room. In particular, when the partition can be installed close to the noise source, or arranged in an L-shape or U-shape to surround the source, a more effective noise control effect can be expected.

Features of the Soundproof Partition

Self-standing design requiring no installation work

The soundproof partition is self-standing, allowing it to be installed without fixing it to walls or ceilings. It can be easily introduced into existing offices, factories, meeting rooms, and other spaces, and its location can be changed as needed.

Flexible layout arrangements

In addition to straight-line arrangements, the partition can also be positioned at angles of 90 degrees or more. This allows flexible layouts according to site conditions, such as surrounding a noise source, creating a barrier on the worker side, or dividing a meeting space.

Equipped with BFB sound-absorbing panels on both sides

BFB sound-absorbing panels are installed on both sides of the partition. By providing sound-absorbing surfaces on both sides, the structure helps reduce reflected sound on both the sound source side and the receiving side.

Lightweight design of approximately 8 kg

Each unit weighs approximately 8 kg. Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry, even for women, and allows for easy layout changes or relocation to another floor. Since installation and removal require minimal effort, it is also suitable for creating temporary partitioned spaces.

Introduction to BFB Sound-Absorbing Panels

BFB is SONORA’s interior sound-absorbing panel, made by applying DuPont™ Tyvek® to the edges of a glass wool board in a framed configuration. It has obtained non-combustible material certification, with the certification number NM-4938.

Tyvek®, used as the surface material of BFB, has air-permeable properties. This allows the sound-absorbing performance of the glass wool backing material to be utilized while also providing water resistance, strength, and a clean appearance as a surface material.

Another feature is that the surface material does not use glass fiber, helping to reduce fiber scattering and the prickly sensation that can occur after installation.

In the soundproof partition, BFB sound-absorbing panels are used on both sides. This allows the partition to function not only as an easy-to-move partition, but also as a sound-absorbing divider.

Standard Specifications

The standard specifications are as follows.

When four soundproof partitions were installed in parallel inside our semi-anechoic chamber, a level difference of 12.4 dB was confirmed in the overall A-weighted sound pressure level.

Please note that the actual noise reduction effect may vary depending on the type of noise source, frequency characteristics, partition layout, room reverberation, and sound diffraction from the floor, walls, and ceiling. To improve effectiveness, it is important to install the partitions as close to the sound source as possible, minimize gaps, and combine multiple units when necessary.

Effective Usage

The effectiveness of a soundproof partition depends on how it is placed.

The simplest method is to place one partition between the sound source and the listener. This is suitable when the position of the noise source is relatively clear, such as a printer, server rack, small machine, or workbench.

For greater effectiveness, arranging multiple units side by side or placing them in an L-shaped or U-shaped layout is recommended. Since sound can diffract around the top and sides of the partition, surrounding the noise source helps reduce sound wraparound.

In rooms with strong reverberation, sound absorption is also important in addition to sound insulation. By using soundproof partitions equipped with BFB sound-absorbing panels on both sides, it is possible not only to block sound but also to help reduce reflected sound remaining inside the room.

Recommended Applications

The soundproof partition is recommended for the following situations:

• When you want to partially reduce noise, but do not need to install a full soundproof room
• When you want to make specific machine noise less likely to reach workers in factories or workshops
• When you want to create a simple space for web conferences or meetings inside an office
• When you want to reduce noise around servers, printers, or office equipment
• When you need a noise control solution that allows layout changes after installation
• When you want to use sound-absorbing materials with consideration for non-combustibility

Detailed specifications, measured examples of sound insulation performance, measurement conditions, and dimensional drawings are available on the product page.

Summary

The soundproof partition is an easy-to-use localized noise control product that can be used simply by placing it where it is needed.

Because it is self-standing and requires no installation work, it can be used in a wide range of locations, including offices, meeting rooms, factories, workshops, server rooms, and laboratories.

Since BFB sound-absorbing panels are installed on both sides, the partition is effective not only for blocking sound but also for reducing reflected sound inside the room. If you want to improve the acoustic environment without major renovation of the entire room, please consider using SONORA’s soundproof partitions.