Impact Resistance:
A question we are regularly asked is “what is the Impact Resistance of your panels?”.
We are most frequently asked this question during Sports Centre projects where decorative acoustic panels are being used on courts for ball-sports; where the panels are at risk of being directly hit by balls. Other examples where products may require a level of Impact Resistance from moving objects, include:
- Shopping Centre Ramps, with risk of impact by trolleys, packaging, prams, baskets or bags.
- Throughfares or public corridors with high pedestrian commuter traffic – such as train stations, airports, schools and hospitals – with risk of panels being impacted by luggage or other moving objects such as beds in the case of a hospital.
As a supplier of Decorative and Acoustic Lining Systems, we do not have any data surrounding the Impact Resistance for our panels, however from our experience on various school, sporting, shopping centre and transit projects we have developed a list of learnings and recommendations regarding Supawood acoustic ceiling panels and wall tiles.
Abbotsleigh School for Girls, Wahroonga NSW
Our suggestions include: 1) Reviewing panel type selected, 2) Considering the suitability of the finish and, 3) Adding protective barriers to avoid direct impact to the panels.
Suggestion One – Review Panel Type
Specifically for Sports Courts, when selecting the type of acoustic panels, we recommend our perforated SUPACOUSTIC options. With alternating slots of no longer than 200mm and, if the ceiling height allows, use of a solid panel up to head-height and then acoustic ceiling tiles and panels above.
Suggestion Two – Review Finish Type
Selecting from a hardier finish, such as SUPAVENEER Natural Timber Veneer or SUPASURFACE V-Series textured, is generally suggested. Alternatively, a more durable option would be our Aluminium SUPAMETAL finishes – available in a Woodgrain look finish as an alternative to timbers or laminates.
Of note, finishes that are suitable would depend on the Fire Rating for the project. Our friendly and helpful Customer Care team can assist with recommendations specific to your project.
Suggestion Three – Put in place protective barriers
In combination with the above recommendations for the panel type and finish, further protection to the panels is recommended for certain applications. Such as:
- For high traffic areas or corridors, it is suggested to install dado rails, crash barriers or handrails.
- For the corner joints of panels, external corners can be protected from impacts and wear through the use of aluminium angles.
Of note, Impact Resistance is different to Scratch Resistance, which relates more specifically to the strength and wear resistance of the finish itself, rather than the panels themselves. SUPAWOODs products are designed as decorative linings and are unsuitable for joinery, where high scratch resistance would be required. For more information, download our Impact and Scratch Resistance Data Sheet below, or view our blog - 10 Reasons you should not use Supawood - Supawood.
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