Tier One supplier Saint-Gobain has developed an all-new state-of-the-art anechoic chamber at its facility in Bristol in the UK, as the company looks to produce silent bearings and tolerance rings.
The new hemi-anechoic chamber is designed to absorb reflections of sound and is insulated from all exterior sources of noise. This provides an optimal environment for noise testing conditions in applications such as seats, car doors and steering systems.
The installation, while being unique to a component supplier in the industry, allows the company to provide OEMs and system suppliers with the data to identify possible improvements.
As electrification of the automotive industry continues, the quieter engine means the way vehicles sound is getting a lot more attention. BSR noise from within the cabin is becoming more noticeable.
Thanks to the anechoic chamber, the Tier One supplier can evaluate the assembly right down to component level; this means that the Saint-Gobain-made bearings and tolerance rings can have a major impact on noise reduction.
Simon Hughes, specialist at Saint-Gobain, said of the benefits the anechoic chamber brings to the company, “We recognize that noise has become one of the important factors for perceived quality of automobiles and other transportation. The need to reduce noises in certain systems is something our customers feel very strongly about. For some it emphasizes the parts of the car they want to be heard, such as the engine, and for others it simply creates a more serene driving environment.
“This advanced facility truly sets us apart for a supplier of smaller component parts, such as our Norglide bearings and Rencol tolerance rings. It is unique at this level of automotive manufacturing and we look forward to showing manufacturers and system suppliers its impressive capabilities.”
September 20, 2017