Sound insulation for wood processing and sawmills
Customized solutions from sta Group
Custom Noise Protection for Woodworking and Sawmills by sta Group
Noise protection in woodworking is one of the most demanding disciplines in industrial noise control. Woodworking machines generate extreme sound levels that far exceed the legal exposure limit of 87 dB(A) under the German Noise and Vibration Occupational Safety Regulation (LärmVibrationsArbSchV). Employers are required to provide hearing protection from 80 dB(A), and wearing it becomes mandatory from 85 dB(A). The typical noise levels in sawmills and woodworking operations illustrate the scale of the problem.
| Machine | Sound Level |
|---|---|
| Circular saw | 85 to 110 dB(A) |
| Planing machine | 92 to 103 dB(A) |
| Band saw | 75 to 90 dB(A) |
| Chainsaw | 100 to 115 dB(A) |
| Dust extraction system | approx. 85 dB(A) |
Saw blades and planer heads produce high-frequency, piercing sounds that are particularly harmful to human hearing. Large workpieces such as logs, boards and beams also require wide material openings in enclosures, and multiple machines running simultaneously significantly increase the cumulative noise exposure throughout the entire hall.
Noise-induced hearing loss (occupational disease BK 2301) was the most common occupational disease in Germany in 2024, with 8,897 recognised cases. Workers in woodworking are among the most at-risk occupational groups, as hearing damage is irreversible once it occurs. Professional noise protection in woodworking safeguards your employees against permanent damage, ensures compliance with legal requirements and increases productivity across your entire operation.
Custom enclosures and cabins for woodworking companies
Machine enclosures are among the most effective soundproofing measures in woodworking. Depending on the design, double-walled steel structures filled with mineral wool can reduce noise levels by 20 to 45 dB(A). This reduces the sound level of a circular saw from 100 dB(A) to below 60 dB(A), which is a noticeable relief for all employees in the surrounding area.
For operating personnel, soundproof cabins offer a complementary solution directly in the production hall. These cabins create a protected work area and enable concentrated work at reduced noise levels. Soundproof walls additionally separate noisy work areas from quieter ones and create defined protection areas for different activities within the hall.
Each solution is individually tailored to the conditions on site. Using a state-of-the-art 3D scanner, the sta Group creates digital measurements accurate to the millimeter, so that enclosures and cabins can be manufactured to fit perfectly. Elements up to 6 m in length are produced in-house on an automated plasma system that can create any desired contour.
sta Group as a partner for sound insulation in the wood industry
As a full-service provider, sta Group supports wood processing companies and sawmills from the initial analysis to the final installation. Experienced project managers assess the noise situation on site, identify the critical sources of noise, and develop a customized protection concept. The sound insulation consultation also includes a well-founded cost-benefit analysis for your company.
With its own production facilities, in-house trained specialists, and experienced installation teams, the sta Group guarantees on-time implementation with the highest quality standards. In 2024, the company was named a TOP 100 Innovator, making it one of the most innovative medium-sized companies in Germany. Since 1986, sta has been implementing challenging sound insulation projects for well-known industrial companies from a wide range of industries.
Whether it’s an enclosure for a single machine or a comprehensive acoustic concept for an entire production hall, the sta Group delivers tailor-made sound insulation for wood processing and noise protection for sawmills of all sizes. Get in touch and let us advise you without obligation. Together, we will develop a solution that protects your employees and optimizes your production in the long term.
Automotive industry. Equipment manufacturers. End customers.
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Fire-safe solutions for sound insulation in the wood industry
Sound insulation in the wood industry requires a well-thought-out fire protection concept. Wood dust is combustible and explosive in certain concentrations. All sound insulation materials must therefore comply with at least fire protection class A2 in accordance with DIN EN 13501. Ideally, class A1 for non-combustible building materials should be used to ensure maximum safety in dust-laden production environments.
Mineral wool as a filling material combines excellent sound insulation properties with fire protection class A1. In contrast to combustible foams, it is suitable for ATEX-relevant areas. All metal components are professionally grounded to prevent static charges, which are a potential source of ignition in dusty environments.
The design also takes into account access for maintenance and cleaning. Perforated metal surfaces with an absorber behind them are much easier to clean of wood dust than open-pored materials. Inspection hatches and removable wall elements allow quick access to machine components without permanently compromising sound insulation.
Combining dust extraction, suction, and sound insulation in the wood industry
The integration of extraction systems into soundproof enclosures presents a particular design challenge. Extraction pipes and extraction openings break through the closed shell and create potential sound bridges. At the same time, extraction is indispensable, as TRGS 553 and DIN EN 12779 define clear requirements for the collection of wood dust and chips.
Silencers in the extraction pipes effectively reduce sound transmission through the ventilation ducts. The extraction systems themselves often generate around 85 dB(A) and require their own acoustic measures. Well-designed constructions combine dust collection with soundproofed ducts, thus minimizing the overall noise level at the workplace to a level that complies with standards.
Large material openings for boards, planks, or logs require special solutions. Soundproof airlocks, strip curtains, and automatic closure systems keep noise levels low without hindering the flow of material. Every design must take the entire production process into account so that noise protection and efficiency in the sawmill go hand in hand.
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Sound insulation systems
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