703 or Mineral Wool?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Diffusion
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Diffusion

Future Astrophysicist
I'm building some absorbtion panels, and was wondering which material I should use. OC 703 or mineral wool? I can get mineral wool for 1/3 the price that I can get 703 fiberglass... do these materials have similar absorbtion capabilities or what? I was thinking that since the mineral wool is so much less expensive it would be a better idea just to get the mineral wool in a 3" or 4" thickness... has anyone else here used mineral wool?
 
I think you answered your own question...

and yes, the coefficients for rockwool and mineral wool are quite similar to 703
 
so id be better off just getting the mineral wool then... but if thats the case then why does everyone still go to all that trouble to get 703 when mineral wool is much cheaper for basically the same absorbtion capabilities?

also... i know that 3lbs per sq inch is the best density but this mineral wool comes only in 4, 8, and 10lbs per sq inch.. will there be much difference between 3lb and 4lb densitys?
 
There is a little difference between the 3lb and the 4lb but not enough to worry about. If you're doing purely bass absorbtion, try the 8lb. For reflections, stay with the 4.

The reason people use the 703 can be a couple of things.

1. Rockwool is not cheaper everywhere.
2. 703 is available locally in some places from HVAC suppliers where rockwool may not be.
3. (and my personal reason) - rockwool is a royal PITA to work with. If you think fiberglass is nasty, wait till you work with this. Sheds at the drop of a hat. Just generally nasty stuff. I mean after all - it's made from slag. Does a good job though once you get done with it.

If you're willing to work with it, I'd take some of the savings and consider doing the bass absorbers 6" thick instead of 4". You'll still be out under half the price of 4" of 703 sounds like.
 
i need to build 13 absorbtion panels, so i think what ill do is order like 6 4" thick sheets of the mineral wool and see how I like it... if i dont ill just get the remaining 7 in 703 fiberglass... that way i could still save a little and would have a variation in materials...
 
Don't get me wrong. I'm all for saving money. A lot of people work with the rockwool and get very good results. I was simply responding to your questions as to why people would use 703 instead of rockwool.
 
If you are near a smelting operation rock wool will be dirt cheap. In most other areas fiberglass will be cheaper.
 
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