Why Rigorous Testing Matters to Gilcrest : Sonocore Panel Test Results

Posted: August 1st, 2025

In acoustic engineering, performance data isn’t just numbers on a chart, it’s the foundation of confident specification decisions. When architects and acoustic consultants choose building components for critical environments, we know they need more than manufacturer claims; they need independently verified, laboratory-tested evidence that panels will perform as promised.

At Gilcrest Manufacturing, this commitment to testing rigour drives our product development approach. This month, we completed comprehensive acoustic testing of four variations of our Sonocore panel at SRL Technical Services’ UKAS-accredited laboratories, examining how variations in core thickness, material thickness, and perforation patterns affect both sound absorption and sound insulation performance.

The results demonstrate not just the technical capabilities of our Sonocore range, but the systematic approach we take to understanding how design modifications influence acoustic behaviour in real-world applications.

Sonocore Sound Absorption Capabilities

Perhaps the most striking result from our absorption testing was the consistency of performance across all four panel variations. Every configuration achieved the maximum αw rating of 1.00 (Class A), demonstrating that Sonocore panels deliver exceptional absorption regardless of the specific design parameters tested. However, examining the detailed frequency response curves reveals important nuances for specification decisions:

Low-Frequency Performance (100-500Hz): The 100mm thick configuration showed enhanced absorption in the critical 100-315Hz range, achieving coefficients above 0.4 by 100Hz; significantly earlier than the 50mm variants. This enhanced low-frequency performance makes the thicker option particularly valuable for applications dealing with mechanical noise or deep-frequency rumble.

Mid-Frequency Consistency (500-2000Hz): All configurations achieved near-maximum absorption (α ≥ 0.95) across the speech frequency range, ensuring consistent performance for applications prioritising human comfort and communication clarity.

High-Frequency Behaviour (2000-4000Hz): Minor variations appeared in the high-frequency range, though all panels maintained absorption coefficients above 0.90, indicating excellent performance for controlling airborne noise from equipment and HVAC systems.

 

Sonocore Sound Insulation Capabilities

The sound insulation results revealed how specific design choices influence barrier performance. Critical information for applications where both absorption and isolation are required.

Core Thickness Impact: Comparing the standard control and the thicker core panel delivered minimal improvement in weighted sound reduction index (Rw 32 dB vs 31 dB). However, the frequency-specific data tells a more complex story. The 100mm configuration showed enhanced performance in the critical 1000-2500Hz range, reaching peak values above 55 dB.

Backing Material Thickness: The comparing against the standard and the thicker skinned panel demonstrates how reducing backing thickness from 0.7mm to 0.5mm impacts overall mass and subsequently reduces the weighted sound reduction index by 2 dB (Rw 32 dB vs 30 dB). While this difference appears modest, it represents a meaningful change for applications with stringent acoustic separation requirements.

Perforation Pattern Effects: The configuration with larger perforations, achieved Rw 31 dB, demonstrating that perforation size has minimal but measurable impacts on insulation performance. The larger perforations slightly reduce barrier effectiveness while maintaining excellent absorption characteristics.

The Value of Independent Testing

The consistency of our results across different test configurations reflects not just good design but, the value of systematic, independent verification. Testing at SRL Technical Services’ UKAS-accredited facilities provides third-party validation that goes beyond manufacturer claims.

The measurement uncertainties reported in our test certificates fall well within industry-accepted ranges, confirming the reliability of our performance data for specification purposes. Moreover, testing to frequencies beyond standard requirements (extending to 10kHz rather than stopping at 5kHz) provides specifiers with comprehensive insight into panel behaviour across the full range of building acoustic challenges.

Evidence Tested Specifying

While all Sonocore configurations achieved Class A absorption performance, the detailed frequency analysis reveals how design modifications create distinct acoustic signatures for specific applications. The 100mm configuration’s enhanced low-frequency performance, the measurable impact of backing material thickness on sound insulation, and the minimal effect of perforation patterns provide specifiers with the granular data needed for confident decision-making.

This systematic testing approach, independent laboratory verification across extended frequency ranges, highlights the standard of evidence that critical acoustic environments demand. When performance predictions must translate reliably into real-world outcomes, rigorous third-party testing isn’t just beneficial; it’s essential.

Ready to Specify with Confidence?

If you’re working on a project that demands verified acoustic performance, our technical team is ready to help find the best solution for your specific requirements. Contact us to discuss how our testing data can support your next acoustic design challenge or to review our Sonocore range click here.

For complete test reports including detailed frequency data, measurement uncertainties, and testing methodology, contact our technical team.

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