Sound Damping Sheet (SDS)
Surface Preparation and Application Guide
This inexpensive, multi purpose noise
reduction material damps and absorbs vibration
from virtually any solid to which it is securely
attached. It transforms vibration energy into a
low level heat, and is made from a
mineral-filled asphalt polymer. It also adds
significant mass which generally lowers the
resonant frequency of the object to which it is
adhered. The product has a pressure-sensitive
adhesive backing, and will conform to contours
of irregular surfaces.
VE-1 is formulated for maximum damping
efficiency over a broad frequency and
temperature range. It is made of a
mineral-filled viscoelastic polymer. It provides
twice the damping of asphalt-based products
without the weight and odor. The VE-1 has a
grain leather finish and is cosmetically
pleasing, so it can be used on front speaker
baffles and other applications where the
material may show. The flexible nature of the
VE-1 damping sheets enables it to easily mold
and conform to irregular surfaces.
Surface Preparation and Application
Guide for SDS
1. Thoroughly Clean the Surface Area
Clean each area to be treated
with a residue free solvent such as isopropyl
alcohol or acetone.
2. Cut and Heat
Using a sharp utility knife or
heavy duty scissors, cut the SDS to the desired
shapes and sizes of the corresponding panel
areas to be treated. Remove the blue liner that
covers the adhesive backed side of the SDS that
is to be affixed to the panels. When applying
large SDS sheets, it is recommended to only
remove about 8 to 10 inches of the blue liner at
a time and slowly work your way down the panel.
It is also recommend that you warm the adhesive
side of the sheet and panel using a heat gun.
This will ensure maximum adhesion to the surface
area, and allow the sheet to better conform to
the surface. For maximum effectiveness apply
heat to the SDS after it has been applied to the
panel area.
3. Press and Roll
While still warm, use a roller
tool to work the SDS into crevices and
irregularities and to smooth surface. Starting
from one end, work out all of the trapped air
between the SDS and panel that you can.
Additional Installation Tips:
-
Though 100% coverage is
recommended for maximum noise reduction, 50%
to 75% coverage will effectively damp
vibration in most vehicles.
-
When 100% coverage
desired, it is best to butt SDS end to end,
instead of overlapping the edges.
-
For best results, apply
SDS only when the ambient air temperature
exceeds 70° F.
How much damping material do I need?
The amount of damping material
needed for an application varies greatly with
type of vehicle, area to be damped, and amount
of damping desired. Calculate the surface area
by blocking it off into squares and rectangles.
Multiply the length of an area times the width
(in inches), then divide by 144 to derive square
feet. The rule of thumb is to add about 25% to
your final area calculation to allow for
trimming for irregularly-shaped areas and
contours.
Length in inches x Width in
inches ÷ 144 = Area in square feet.
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