PET felt panels thickness options

PET Felt Panels Thickness Options: A Technical Guide to 10mm, 20mm, 30mm & Beyond

For technical professionals—engineers, architects, and project managers—selecting the right PET felt panels thicknessisn’t a cosmetic choice. It’s a performance decision that impacts acoustic efficiency, structural integrity, installation feasibility, and long-term durability.

PET felt’s versatility lies in its ability to be engineered to precise thicknesses, but navigating 10mm vs. 20mm vs. 30mm (or custom variants) requires understanding how each spec aligns with your project’s demands. Below, we break down key technical parameters(density, NRC, flexural strength) and real-world use casesfor each thickness—so you can spec with confidence.

Why Thickness Matters for PET Felt Panels

• Acoustic Performance: Thicker panels = higher mass = better sound absorption/reduction.

  
  

• Structural Strength: Thicker = more rigid = less prone to warping or bending under load.

  
  

• Weight: Thicker = heavier = requires sturdier mounting systems.

  
  

• Installation Complexity: Thicker = harder to cut/shape (needs specialized tools).

  
  

1. 10mm PET Felt Panels: Lightweight & Versatile for Surface Applications

• Density: 150–200 kg/m³

  
  

• Flexural Strength: 8–12 MPa

  
  

• NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient): 0.6–0.7

  
  

• Thickness Tolerance: ±0.3mm

  
  

Ideal Use Cases

• Commercial Wall Decor: Retail stores, cafes, or offices use 10mm panels for branded accent walls or textured finishes. Their light weight allows for DIY installation with adhesive or small nails.

  
  

• Ceiling Liners: In low-traffic areas (e.g., break rooms, closets), 10mm adds subtle sound absorption without adding bulk. Pair with a perforated surface for mild NRC boost.

  
  

• Furniture Upholstery: Thin enough to bend around curves (e.g., chair backs, cabinet doors) while providing a soft, durable finish.

  
  

Installation Notes

• Use carbide-tipped bladesfor clean cuts (no fraying).

  
  

• For wall mounting, use low-VOC adhesives (e.g., polyurethane) or small brad nails (18–20 gauge).

  
  

• Avoid using 10mm for structural purposes (e.g., ceiling grids or outdoor facades)—it lacks the rigidity for long-term stability.

  
  

2. 20mm PET Felt Panels: The Balanced Choice for High-Performance Acoustics & Structure

• Density: 200–250 kg/m³

  
  

• Flexural Strength: 15–20 MPa

  
  

• NRC: 0.8–0.9

  
  

• Thickness Tolerance: ±0.2mm

  
  

Ideal Use Cases

• Office Acoustic Panels: In open-plan offices or conference rooms, 20mm panels reduce echo (NRC 0.85) while withstanding accidental bumps or mounting hardware (e.g., Z-clips).

  
  

• Hospital Ceilings: Hospitals demand low VOC emissions and cleanability—20mm panels meet EU REACH standards and resist scratching from medical equipment. Their NRC 0.8 helps reduce noise from carts or conversations.

  
  

• Retail Fixtures: Brands use 20mm panels for modular display walls—they’re rigid enough to hold shelves or lighting but lightweight enough to reconfigure.

  
  

Installation Notes

• For ceiling grids, use aluminum T-bar systemsrated for 20mm panels (avoid lightweight furring strips).

  
  

• For acoustic backing, pair with 10mm felt or foam to boost NRC to 0.95 (ideal for call centers).

  
  

• Cut with a table saw or track saw for precision—20mm’s density requires steady pressure to avoid chipping.

  
  

3. 30mm+ PET Felt Panels: Heavy-Duty for Industrial & Extreme Environments

• Density: 250–350 kg/m³

  
  

• Flexural Strength: 25–35 MPa

  
  

• NRC: 0.9–0.95+

  
  

• Thickness Tolerance: ±0.1mm

  
  

Ideal Use Cases

• Industrial Noise Barriers: Factories or warehouses use 30mm panels to line walls/ceilings—reducing machinery noise by up to 45% (NRC 0.95). Their rigidity prevents sagging under heavy dust or humidity.

  
  

• Outdoor Facades: For restaurants or hotels, 30mm PET felt cladding resists UV degradation (with UV stabilizers) and wind load. Pair with a waterproof coating for patios or balconies.

  
  

• Transportation Hubs: Airports or train stations use 30mm panels for acoustic ceilings—they withstand foot traffic, luggage carts, and echo from announcements (NRC 0.92).

  
  

Installation Notes

• Requires mechanical fastening(screws or rivets) every 300–400mm to prevent bowing.

  
  

• Use a diamond-tipped blade or water jet cutter for clean edges (thicker panels generate more heat during cutting).

  
  

• For outdoor use, specify IR reflective coatingsto reduce heat absorption—critical for maintaining color and structural integrity.

  
  

Custom Thickness: When Standard Isn’t Enough

• Lead Time: 2–3 weeks longer than standard sizes (due to tooling setup).

  
  

• Cost: 10–20% higher than standard, but offsets the need for multiple panel types.

  
  

• Testing: Request third-party verification (e.g., ASTM E84 for fire safety) for non-standard specs.

  
  

How to Choose the Right Thickness: A Technical Checklist

1. What’s the primary function?

   
   

• Decorative: 10mm

  
  

• Acoustic + Lightweight: 20mm

  
  

• Heavy-Duty Acoustic/Structural: 30mm+

  
  

2. What are the load requirements?

   
   

• Will panels hold shelves, lighting, or equipment? If yes, 20mm+.

  
  

3. What environment is it in?

   
   

• Humid/Outdoor: 25mm+ (higher density resists warping).

  
  

4. What’s your installation capability?

   
   

• Limited tools: 10mm or 20mm.

  
  

• Professional crew: 30mm+.

  
  

Wrap Up