German manufacturer Pinta (formerly Illsonic and Illbruck), is a specialist in use of foam materials for acoustic correction and noise reduction. Their ‘individual’ applications include specialised panels to reduce noise transmission inside cars, noise reduction techniques for laser computer printers, a variety of ambient noise control systems for industry, and even specialised environments like shooting ranges. The professional audio user requires acoustic treatments to improve the acoustics of a room or hall; this is the specialist end of Pinta’s work.
Pinta products (registered trademark) are manufactured by Pinta GmbH in Germany.
Types
Sonex
These have sculpted profile of 45mm in thicknesses, and are 1250mm x 625mm. These tiles are suitable for a wide range of applications.
Audio
A special high-performance version of Sonex. Audio Willtec tiles are 90mm thick, 600mm x 600mm.
The sculpted tile profile have a complex design pattern is the main reason why Pinta outperforms other acoustic tiles. It optimises absorption from all angles, the differing dimensions of the profile varying with different tile types for different applications, from extremely deep profiles for high performance wide-band studio work, to low cost shallow profile for machine noise reduction, where low frequencies are less significant. The deeper the profile, the better the low and low-mid frequency absorption. The complex shape of the profile leads to a smoother attenuation curve across the frequency spectrum, and a far greater absorptive surface than all conventional noise absorbing systems. Sound pressure waves are absorbed by the open cellular structure of the foam, and the contoured profiles provide the ability to trap waves at all angles of incidence, progressively weakening them as it bounces between the sides of the troughs in the surface. The sculpted design is produced by cutting (rather than moulding) to ensure the front face is fully open-celled. All tiles have bevelled edges to allow fitting in any combination, always presenting a ‘finished’ edge face.
Willtec is a newly developed foam with a melamine resin base. The high quality properties of this foam, which under normal conditions does not burn independently, are essentially due to its physical make-up. The foam structure consists of a spacious meshwork, the individual struts of which are extremely soft and flexible because they are thin. Thus, out of the original brittle material, a soft elastic, membrane-free and completely open-celled foam is produced, which is suitable for numerous sound absorption applications. Willtec can be used in all those places where normal or highly inflammable materials cannot be applied, and where mineral wools and impregnated foams, which have up to now been used, have to be replaced for weight reasons. Willtec is characterised by its ability to sustain high temperatures (>150°C), its low density (11kg/m3), and its exceptionally good sound absorbing properties. It is resistant to organic solvents and a variety of diluted acids and alkali.
For flammability and burning performance, Willtec complies with national and international regulations, and receives the highest rating possible for an organic material. Under intense heat it does not start to drip, and produces no after-glow. Moreover, it produces only very small amounts of fumes in these circumstances, and these contain no possible toxic elements.
This foam has the best possible rating in spread of flame tests. It is rated class B1 to DIN4102, and class 0 to BS476 (part 6). It is available as tiles either in its basic white uncoated form, or with a coloured surface finish. The most popular colour is light grey, which tends to mask dust and dirt discolouration building up over the years. All data and prices shown below are for the coated versions.
Uncoated Willtec is pure white. Any RAL reference colour can be supplied to special order, subject to a minimum quantity of 100m2 and subject to a small additional charge.
Installation of all types of Pinta tiles is simple, and cost of installation very low. Tiles can be cut with a sharp knife, and are usually glued into position, though other fixing methods can also be used. Canford stocks a special low-volatility silicone based adhesive specifically suited to this application, which permits ‘easing’ of the tile to its exact position after it has come into contact with the mounting surface, making accurate location and alignment very easy. The adhesive is supplied in standard industrial mastic cartridges, each tube containing enough adhesive for about 2m2 of tiles mounted onto a rough surface, or 2.5m2 onto a smooth surface. Suitable mastic guns are also stocked.
Ordering note
The most popular types of Pinta tile are held as stock items, and unless stated otherwise are sold per tile. Other, more specialised types, are available to special order and are only available in full boxes. Please allow 4 - 6 weeks for delivery of special order types.