Kentstrapper 3D-Prints Acoustic Panel for School and Office Retrofits

Published October 1, 2026 at 8:42 PM EDT

Acoustic Panel Achieves Class A Sound Absorption

The 3D-printed panel demonstrated significant improvements in sound absorption compared to a standard mineral wool panel. It reduced reverberation time by 41% at 500 Hz and 45% at 1,000 Hz. These results suggest that the panel can effectively lower background noise and enhance the clarity of speech in environments such as classrooms and offices. The panel also improved the Speech Transmission Index (STI), a measure of speech intelligibility, from 0.47 to 0.52, further supporting its potential for use in spaces where clear communication is essential.

The findings from the acoustic panel were published in two academic papers. One, titled “Designing Sound with Geometry: A Hybrid 3D-Printed Acoustic Panel,” appeared in AM Perspectives. The second paper, focusing on additive manufacturing for low-impact facade systems, was published in issue 30 (2025) of TECHNE, the University of Florence’s architectural technology journal. These publications highlight the research and development efforts behind the panel and its potential applications in sustainable building practices.

REVERSING, the project behind the acoustic panel, is part of a larger initiative to develop regenerative facades for schools and offices. Funded by the Tuscany Region under the PR FESR 2021–2027 program, the project is led by the University of Florence’s Department of Architecture (DIDA) under the scientific direction of Professor Rosa Romano. The project aims to create a prefabricated, dry-assembled facade system that can be used for energy retrofits of existing buildings, reducing environmental impact while improving indoor comfort.

3D-Printed Panel Enhances Speech Intelligibility

Kentstrapper collaborated with several project partners, including Polistamp, Santelli Vetri, and Z-Lab. Polistamp provided opaque modules, Santelli Vetri contributed a high-performance transparent system, and Z-Lab conducted acoustic analysis and validation. The acoustic panel developed by Kentstrapper is one of the four key products in the system, designed for interior finishing in classrooms and offices. Its role is to control reverberation, which directly affects how well people understand speech in these spaces.

The acoustic panel features a sinusoidal profile with perforations of varying diameters, designed through acoustic calculations rather than aesthetic considerations. The hole diameter and the depth of the cavity behind the surface change from point to point, allowing the printed shell to function as an effective sound absorber. This design approach ensures that the panel is optimized for acoustic performance while maintaining structural integrity and ease of installation.

The prefabricated facade system developed by REVERSING is intended for the energy retrofit of existing buildings. It offers a sustainable solution for improving thermal and acoustic performance without the need for extensive construction. The system is designed to be dry-assembled, reducing the time and cost associated with traditional retrofitting methods. This approach aligns with the project’s goal of creating low-impact, energy-efficient building solutions.

Collaboration with University of Florence Project

Kentstrapper’s 3D-printed acoustic panel is part of a broader trend in additive manufacturing for architectural applications. The company has been developing industrial 3D printers in Italy since 2011, with each machine undergoing extensive testing before delivery. Their printers are designed for a range of applications, from prototyping to large-scale structural components. The company emphasizes the benefits of in-house 3D printing, including faster production times and reduced costs.

Kentstrapper’s printers are available in various configurations, including Core XY and Cartesian models, with different build volumes and heating capabilities. These machines are suitable for a wide range of materials, from standard thermoplastics to reinforced composites. The company highlights the durability of its technical materials, offering samples for evaluation. This approach allows users to assess the performance of the materials before making a purchase decision.

Kentstrapper's Role in Prefabricated Facade System

The collaboration between Kentstrapper and the University of Florence’s REVERSING project demonstrates the potential of 3D printing in architectural and acoustic applications. By leveraging additive manufacturing, the project has developed a sustainable and efficient solution for building retrofits. The use of 3D printing allows for precise control over the design and performance of the acoustic panel, ensuring that it meets the specific needs of the project.

The acoustic panel’s success in achieving Class A sound absorption highlights the growing role of 3D printing in the construction industry. As more research and development efforts focus on sustainable building solutions, additive manufacturing is becoming an essential tool for creating high-performance, low-impact materials. The collaboration between Kentstrapper and the University of Florence is an example of how industry and academia can work together to advance building technologies.

The results of the acoustic panel’s testing and its integration into the REVERSING project underscore the potential of 3D printing in addressing real-world challenges in architecture and acoustics. By combining innovative design with advanced manufacturing techniques, the project has developed a solution that improves indoor environments while supporting sustainable building practices. This work represents a significant step forward in the application of 3D printing for architectural and acoustic applications.