Acoustic characterisation of an impact forming machine

Abstract The quantification of the acoustic quality of an impact forming machine by a single parameter, such as the sound power, is usually inadequate. This is so since the sound power of such a machine can vary within wide limits depending on the levels of process variables selected in carrying out a forming operation. This paper describes the procedure of determining experimentally the sound power of a forming machine and discusses various aspects related to its acoustic quantification. The problems encountered in performing tests on a machine located in a general workshop, together with the relevance and limitations of sound power as an acoustic yardstick for machines creating transient noise, are also discussed.