The Hohenstein Institute, Germany, has teamed with technical textiles manufacturer Rökona Textil-werk GmbH and Reutlingen University, both based in Germany, to develop new methods for measuring the acoustic properties of industrial, automotive and construction textiles as well as in hunting and military gear and apparel.

The new testing procedures are expected to enable manufacturers to cost-effectively test fabrics in a range of conditions to determine sound-absorption and noise-generating properties. Testers and product designers may analyze the data obtained to specify the cause of undesired noise and facilitate product design optimization prior to production.

September/October 2012