Why Reducing NVH is Important

When making a buying decision, one of the highest priorities and perhaps biggest influencing factors for customers is the cabin experience. This gives the design added emphasis as it offers significant opportunities for automotive manufacturers to differentiate their vehicle from competitors.  Layout, comfort, technology and audio experience all have a significant effect on customer perception.  It is for this reason that NVH is such a critical focus in the automotive industry that engineers address at the earliest stage of the design process.

The term noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) refers to the noise and vibration properties of automotive vehicles. When considering NVH in automotive, engineers are looking for the source of any shake, noise, or vibration, and it refers to the entire range of perception, from initially hearing it right through to feeling it.

Noise control however is not just about making cars quieter for a more relaxing ride, but also about enhancing the infotainment experience.  With increasing emphasis on in-car technology and connectivity, cars are rapidly becoming an extension of our homes and offices.  This puts a corresponding pressure on aligning the whole in-car experience with these areas.

Sources of NVH

There are many potential sources of NVH in automotive vehicles, typically noise from powertrain, road and wind noise.  With the introduction of hybrid and electric vehicles which have no/little engine noise masking, sub-systems such as electric motors, HVAC, braking and other static sounds suddenly become more significant.

NVH sources can be placed into various categories. Constant sources are road and wind noise.  While these may vary with external factors such as speed, surface etc, they remain a constant all the time the vehicle is moving.  Periodic sources are those that occur from the engine or transmission. These will be relatively constant sources of NVH.  Random disturbances are sources of NVH that happen intermittently. This could be from sub-systems such as pumps, HVAC or even when a tire hits a different type of terrain.

Automotive manufacturers have to consider these potential sources of NVH and take preventative measures against them through use of innovative materials and clever design.

Alfa® Technology Solutions to Reduce NVH

Tecman supply a range of solutions for the reduction of NVH, using the best quality automotive acoustic insulation materials. Alfa® Technology is the newest series of NVH materials introduced into our product portfolio. Alfa® Technology incorporates a range of acoustic and thermal insulation materials with a series of properties including ultra-light, high loft, heavy layer, and needle punch materials.

By combining high-performance acoustic and thermal insulation materials with sophisticated multi-layer laminates and innovative manufacturing capabilities, Tecman produce some of the most advanced NVH management solutions in the industry, helping to develop quieter, more comfortable vehicles whilst reducing the environmental impact and vehicle weight.

Our acoustic insulation pads are supplied with a range of features, including open, closed or sealed edges, clip insertion for easy BIW assembly and various adhesive back options include stripe coat, zone coat and full SAB.  Advanced manufacturing processes enable high efficiency, significantly reducing processing costs.  Parts are presented in various formats to reduce customer application time and improve assembly quality.

Tecman work with our clients directly to provide bespoke solutions for their automotive acoustic insulation requirements. We have over 25 years of experience working with speciality materials, allowing us to deliver solutions that match product to needs. If you would like any information about our NVH reducing materials please:

Contact us