Both a standard VEIL metal ceiling tile and a VEIL acoustic tile with aSoft backing are custom-perforated steel panels. They are the same panel format (596 × 1196mm), the same laser-cut steel construction, the same RAL K5 powder-coated finish. The difference is what is behind the metal face — and what that means for the acoustic performance of the ceiling.
What does acoustic backing do?
A perforated metal panel on its own reflects most incident sound. The perforations allow some sound energy to pass through the metal face into the plenum above, but without absorptive material behind the panel, that energy reflects from the hard surfaces in the plenum and returns to the room.
Acoustic backing — aSoft in VEIL’s case — is an absorptive layer placed behind the perforated face. Sound energy passing through the perforations hits the aSoft material and is converted to heat rather than reflected back. The result is a measurable reduction in room reverberation and noise levels.
What is the NRC of a VEIL acoustic panel?
NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient) for any perforated panel with acoustic backing is determined by the combination of perforation ratio, backing material, backing thickness, and plenum depth. VEIL’s aSoft backing is engineered to provide meaningful acoustic performance when combined with appropriate perforation density.
For confirmed NRC values for your specific VEIL configuration, consult the technical specification data. NRC requirements for the project should be established by the acoustic consultant before the VEIL panel perforation parameters are finalised in VEIL Studio — the two specifications interact.
Face vs. backer: which to specify?
aSoft face application places the acoustic material directly behind the perforations — maximising contact with sound energy passing through the holes. This is generally the higher-performance option for NRC.
aSoft backer application places the acoustic material on the reverse face of the panel. This is appropriate when the panel face must remain fully exposed — for example, when backlit panels are also specified, or when the plenum above the panel contributes its own acoustic volume.
Both options are specified in VEIL Studio. Both are integrated at manufacture. The panel arrives crated, complete, ready to drop into the grid. The simple part is yours.