The Official Blog of Polymer Technologies, Inc.

Improving Noise and Thermal Control in Equipment Doors and Plenums

outdoor power generator

Heavy-duty power generation equipment is engineered to move large volumes of air for cooling and combustion. When housed within metal enclosures, their powerful motors and cooling fans generate significant noise, creating conditions that can be difficult to work around and may impact operator health. Intake plenums, service doors, and hatches are essential openings that provide … Read more Improving Noise and Thermal Control in Equipment Doors and Plenums

Acoustic Foam Solutions for Creating Smarter, Quieter Medical Devices in 2026

female patient using a portable oxygen concentrator for a respiratory therapy

Learn how the design in medical devices is evolving for more in-home use and how this affects noise and thermal insulation. Topics explored will include the following: How medical devices are becoming smarter, smaller, and more portable to meet patient and provider needs. Why miniaturization and smart features could make products louder and even more … Read more Acoustic Foam Solutions for Creating Smarter, Quieter Medical Devices in 2026

Why Surgical Smoke Evacuation Is Mandatory and How to Manage Device Noise

Surgical equipment can sometimes emit smoke, having a proper device to perform surgical smoke evacuation is a must.

Key Takeaways from This Article: You will learn the importance of surgical smoke evacuation for ensuring a safe OR. Why it’s important to also account for acoustics when deciding which surgical smoke evacuation solution is best. The power of molded foam parts in reducing the noise volume in your OR when performing an surgical smoke … Read more Why Surgical Smoke Evacuation Is Mandatory and How to Manage Device Noise

Insulation Materials for Better Sound and Vibration Control in Modern Appliances

A barista pours a shot of espresso into a blender for a frozen drink in a busy cafe environment.

In this article, we will explore the following topics: Why modern appliances, especially those designed for commercial use, can create excessive noise and vibration for operators and customers. How certain acoustic materials, including melamine and hydrophobic melamine foams, are used to absorb airborne sound. Vibration damping materials can also help prevent resonance. When custom molded … Read more Insulation Materials for Better Sound and Vibration Control in Modern Appliances

How Custom Molded Foam Reduces Marine Motor Noise

A small fishing boat with an outboard motor is on the foreground with another boat nearby close to the shoreline.

In this article, you will learn the following: Why coastal and inland waterways have strict regulations regarding noise and distance to keep anyone in proximity safe. How certain foam materials, like polyurethane, help absorb noise effectively for marine vessels, especially the motor, where the majority of the noise comes from. Why custom molded foam is … Read more How Custom Molded Foam Reduces Marine Motor Noise

Engineered for Quiet Power: Insulation Materials for Generator Enclosures

outdoor generator enclosure

In this article, you’ll discover: Why mineral wool has been a traditional generator enclosure insulation material and some drawbacks in certain environments. The challenges of installing mineral wool insulation for workers. The benefits of using hydrophobic melamine foam, especially for outdoor environments that require superior moisture resistance. In construction, industrial, and other outdoor environments, power … Read more Engineered for Quiet Power: Insulation Materials for Generator Enclosures

Engineering Custom Foam Solutions for Smarter, Quieter Medical Devices

A CPAP machine sits on a bedside table waiting to be used.

For CPAP patients, a good night’s sleep is essential. However, the very device designed to aid breathing can be a source of disruptive noise. This illustrates a key challenge for medical device engineers: beyond pure function, devices must be compact, efficient, and user-friendly. Relying on off-the-shelf materials often necessitates difficult compromises among acoustic performance, thermal … Read more Engineering Custom Foam Solutions for Smarter, Quieter Medical Devices

Inside the Engine Compartment: Custom Molded Foam for Maximum Performance

A dark navy blue heavy truck cab drives down a highway. The surrounding blue sky with clouds and the fields are reflected on the side.

Protecting truck engine compartments from extreme heat, vibrations, and noise requires careful insulation choices. This insulation serves as the critical barrier between your truck’s powerhouse and sensitive components. While traditional die-cut foam has been standard, advanced 3D molded foams, like POLYFORM® High-Density Molded Foam, offer superior thermal insulation and vibration control by perfectly conforming to … Read more Inside the Engine Compartment: Custom Molded Foam for Maximum Performance

How Molded Foam Improves Hospital Equipment Performance

hospital bed mattress inflator with POLYFORM

Medical equipment manufacturers must deliver devices that are easy to use, meet rigorous safety standards, and promote patient comfort and well-being. Yet, these crucial machines can sometimes be loud and uncomfortable. Depending on a manufacturer’s needs, a traditional die-cut acoustic foam solution may be sufficient to absorb the noise generated by the equipment. But some … Read more How Molded Foam Improves Hospital Equipment Performance

A Better Ride: Replacing Fiberglass in Bus and Rail Car Insulation

Commercial bus driving on a sunny road

For frequent travelers of mass transit, the engine’s rumble, the tracks’ chatter, and the varying temperatures are well-known sensations. We often accept noise and fluctuating temperatures as part of the journey, but what if they weren’t necessary? Bus and rail car insulation has long relied on traditional fiberglass due to its fundamental thermal and acoustic … Read more A Better Ride: Replacing Fiberglass in Bus and Rail Car Insulation