Sound Proofing / Insulation: Description and Operation

Expanding Foam Acoustic Seals

Expanding foam acoustic seals are used in various closed sections of the body to improve vehicle refinement. The seals expand during the factory paint process, thus locking them into position. The seals are used in various locations throughout the vehicle.

The main function of the seals is to insulate the cabin from noise and vibrations, particularly road noise. They are located such that they prevent noise accentuation along a section and also reflect air borne noise away from the cabin.

A secondary function of the seals is that the internal sections are sealed from the infiltration of water, air, dust and gases.

Another advantage of the seals is that they marginally increase the overall stiffness of the body and its structural performance in case of a crash.

The seals are manufactured from an expandable synthetic rubber, 'Betacore 4300'.

All the seals are fitted in the body-in-white areas, and after going through the paint baking process expand up to eight times original size.