Silent Panel 5kg/50mm — MLV & Acoustic Foam Composite Panel
The Silent Panel 5kg/50mm is a dual-layer acoustic composite panel combining a 50mm layer of 90kg/m³ high-density acoustic foam with a 5kg/m² mass loaded vinyl barrier, factory bonded and finished with a self-adhesive backing for direct installation onto walls and ceilings.
The 5kg/50mm is the higher-absorption variant in the Silent Panel range. Both the 5kg/25mm and 5kg/50mm deliver comparable sound blocking performance — the MLV layer in each panel is the same specification and provides the transmission loss. The distinction is in acoustic absorption. With an NRC of 0.75 and Sound Absorption Class C, the 5kg/50mm absorbs significantly more sound energy inside the enclosure across the full frequency range, particularly at lower frequencies where the 25mm variant is less effective. At 250Hz — where machinery, compressors, and low-speed equipment generate much of their noise — the 5kg/50mm absorbs at 0.45 against 0.25 for the 5kg/25mm. At 4000Hz it reaches an absorption coefficient of 1.00, absorbing essentially all incident sound energy at that frequency.
Choose the 5kg/50mm where the noise source has a strong low or mid-frequency component, where the enclosure interior needs to be as acoustically dead as possible, or where build-up of reflected sound within the enclosure is a concern. Choose the 5kg/25mm where space is limited and high-frequency noise is the primary problem.
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Where to Use the Silent Panel 5kg/50mm
The 5kg/50mm is designed for enclosed and semi-enclosed spaces where machinery or mechanical plant generates persistent broadband or low-frequency noise requiring both containment and internal absorption.
- Server rooms and IT equipment rooms — server infrastructure, UPS units, and cooling equipment generate constant broadband noise across a wide frequency range. The 5kg/50mm's high NRC across mid and high frequencies makes it particularly effective in server room environments, reducing noise escape into adjacent occupied spaces while preventing internal sound build-up that would otherwise find alternative exit paths.
- Plant rooms — HVAC equipment, pumps, and mechanical plant running continuously produce sustained noise with significant low and mid-frequency content. The 5kg/50mm's improved low-frequency absorption over the 5kg/25mm makes it better suited to plant room applications where the noise profile extends into the 250–500Hz range.
- Engine rooms and generator enclosures — combustion engines and generators produce intense broadband noise with strong low-frequency components. The 5kg/50mm's absorption performance across the full frequency range, combined with the 30dB sound reduction index from the MLV layer, makes it the appropriate specification for enclosures around high-output noise sources.
- Compressor enclosures — air compressors in workshop and industrial environments generate significant mid-frequency noise. Lining a purpose-built compressor enclosure with the 5kg/50mm reduces noise levels at the operator position and in surrounding areas, with the higher foam volume providing better performance across the frequency range most relevant to compressor noise.
- Custom acoustic enclosures — where bespoke enclosures are being built to specification around specific equipment, the 5kg/50mm simplifies the specification process by combining blocking and absorption in a single panel. The higher absorption class is appropriate for demanding applications where the 5kg/25mm specification would be marginal.
Product Benefits
- Superior low and mid-frequency absorption. With an NRC of 0.75 and Sound Absorption Class C, the 5kg/50mm absorbs significantly more sound energy than standard composite panels, particularly in the 250–1000Hz range where machinery and mechanical equipment generate the majority of their noise output. At 4000Hz the absorption coefficient reaches 1.00.
- 30dB sound reduction from the integrated MLV barrier. The 5kg/m² mass loaded vinyl layer provides 30dB of sound reduction independent of the foam thickness. Combined with the foam absorption layer, the panel addresses both transmission and reflection in a single installation.
- 90kg/m³ foam density for sustained performance. High-density foam maintains its acoustic properties under load and over time. At 90kg/m³ it is significantly denser than standard acoustic foam tiles, providing better absorption across the mid-frequency range and the structural integrity needed to support the bonded MLV layer without compression or delamination.
- Comprehensive fire certification for commercial installation. Rated Class 0 under UK building regulations (BS 476 pt 6 & 7), UL94 V-0, Class 1 Surface Spread of Flame, and Class A under ASTM E84-95. Suitable for commercial and industrial installations where fire compliance is a specification requirement.
- Self-adhesive installation onto prepared surfaces. Factory-applied adhesive backing allows direct installation without mechanical fixings. Each panel covers 0.72m², making coverage calculations straightforward for any enclosure geometry.
Installation
The mounting surface must be clean, dry, and free from oil, dust, and defects before installation. For a guaranteed bond, prime the surface with Advanced Acoustics High Bond Contact Adhesive before offering the panel into position. This is particularly important on painted, powder-coated, or porous surfaces. The 5kg/50mm panel weighs 6.3kg — ensure the mounting surface is structurally sound and capable of supporting the panel weight before installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
I need to reduce noise from a compressor in a workshop — will one layer be enough?
It depends on the intensity of the noise and how completely the enclosure is lined. A single layer delivers 30dB of sound reduction, which is substantial for moderate-intensity machinery. The critical factor is coverage — any untreated surface or gap becomes the primary sound escape path, and a well-lined enclosure with complete Silent Panel coverage will significantly outperform a partial installation of a higher-specification product. For high-output industrial equipment, the 10kg/50mm version may be the appropriate specification.
Is this product suitable for a marine environment?
Yes. The Silent Panel is used in marine engine room applications. The MLV layer and polyurethane foam construction resist moisture and do not degrade in humid environments. Ensure mechanical fixings used in conjunction with the product are appropriate for the corrosive conditions of the specific installation.
What is the difference between the Silent Panel and fitting separate MLV and acoustic foam layers?
The acoustic result is similar. The Silent Panel is faster and simpler to install — the barrier and foam are pre-bonded and self-adhesive, removing the need to install two products in sequence. For enclosure lining where installation speed matters, the Silent Panel is the more practical choice. For large-area wall and floor installations, separate MLV and foam allows each layer to be independently specified and sized, which is typically more economical at scale.
Can it conform to curved or irregular surfaces?
The bonded foam layer constrains flexibility compared to standalone MLV — the Silent Panel is best suited to flat or near-flat surfaces. For curved surfaces such as round ductwork or pipe lagging, Self-Adhesive SilentBarrier5 is the more appropriate product as it conforms more readily to irregular profiles.
What if the noise reduction isn't sufficient after lining the enclosure?
All products carry a 30-day money-back guarantee. If the result falls short, the most common cause is incomplete coverage — gaps around cable entries, ventilation openings, or access panels left untreated. Every penetration needs to be addressed for the enclosure to perform to its potential. Contact us and we will advise on what may be creating the weak point.
The Technical Details
| Product Name | SilentPanel 5kg/50mm |
| Product Size | 600mm x 1200mm x 53mm |
| Area Covered Per Panel | 0.72sqm |
| Product Colour | Black |
| Sound Absorption Class | C |
| Noise Reduction Coefficient | 0.75 |
| Absorption at 250Hz | 0.45 |
| Absorption at 500Hz | 0.80 |
| Absorption at 1000Hz | 0.85 |
| Absorption at 2000Hz | 0.90 |
| Absorption at 4000Hz | 1.00 |
| Sound Reduction Index | 30dB |
| Product Weight | 6.3kg |
| Fire Classification | Fire Propagation Index - < 12 (BS 476 pt 6) Surface Spread of Fame - Class 1 (BS 476 pt 7) Building regs. 1991 (Fire Safety) - Class 0 (B S467 pt 6 & 7) UL94 Classification - 94 V-O Surface Burning Behaviour - Class A (ASTM E84-95) |
| Acoustic Foam Density | 90kg/m3 |
Performance Data
