applied

sciences
Article
Noise Reduction Using Active Vibration Control
Methods in CAD/CAM Dental Milling Machines
Eun-Sung Song 1 , Young-Jun Lim 2, * , Bongju Kim 1 and Jeffery Sungjae Mun 3
1 Clinical Translational Research Center for Dental Science, Seoul National University Dental Hospital,
Seoul 03080, Korea; songeunsung@gmail.com (E.-S.S.); bjkim016@gmail.com (B.K.)
2 Department of Prosthodontics and Dental Research Institute, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University,
Seoul 03080, Korea
3 Department of Biology, Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, PA 19081, USA; jmun1@swarthmore.edu
* Correspondence: limdds@snu.ac.kr; Tel.: +82-02-2072-2040




Received: 28 February 2019; Accepted: 8 April 2019; Published: 12 April 2019


Abstract: Used in close proximity to dental practitioners, dental tools and devices, such as hand pieces,
have been a possible risk factor to hearing loss due to the noises they produce. Recently, additional
technologies such as CAD/CAM (Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing) milling
machines have been used in the dental environment and have emerged as a new contributing noise
source. This has created an issue in fostering a pleasant hospital environment. Currently, because
of issues with installing and manufacturing noise-reducing products, the technology is impractical
and insufficient relative to its costly nature. In this experiment, in order to create a safe working
environment, we hoped to analyze the noise produced and determine a practical method to attenuate
the noises coming from CAD/CAM dental milling machines. In this research, the cause for a noise and
the noise characteristics were analyzed by observing and measuring the sound from a milling machine
and the possibility of reducing noise in an experimental setting was examined using a noise recorded
from a real milling machine. Since a milling machine generates noise mainly due to vibration of the
dust collector, the possibility of reducing noise was examined by controlling vibration. This study
was conducted to understand the cause for noise from the milling machine and verify the possibility
of improving noise by a tactile transducer.

Keywords: noise reduction; active vibration control; tactile transducer; anti-vibration; dental
milling machine

1. Introduction
Workplace noise exposure directly influences the health of workers. Dental professionals are
exposed to high levels of noise while working in dental clinics or laboratories. Both the intensity and
long duration of noise from dental work environments are known to contribute to hearing loss [1].
Recent studies have assessed noise exposure and hearing problems in dental practices on students
from a dental college located in the United Arab Emirates (UAE); about 80% of students experienced
some noise, 54% reported that they have hearing problems, and 10% reported hearing loss. The study
recommended the use of sound absorbing materials in the construction of dental offices and laboratories
in order to reduce the noise levels [2]. Dental professionals who regularly used high-speed hand pieces
had worse hearing than those who did not use these hand pieces [3].
In addition to the existing noises, studies by Fabry, Gijbels et al. and Messano and Petti indicate
that the introduction of new technologies such as three-dimensional (3D) CAD/CAM milling machines
have contributed to the existing noise source of dental clinics and laboratories, causing greater than
expected hearing loss in dental professionals than before [4,5].

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 1516; doi:10.3390/app9081516 www.mdpi.com/journal/applsci

 Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 1516 2 of 12

In general, there are two ways to reduce environmental noise: passive and active. The passive
method uses techniques such as enclosures, barriers, and silencers [6]. While these passive noise
control techniques can help facilitate noise control of mid and high frequencies, they are inefficient
and costly at lower frequencies. The active method uses an active noise control (ANC) system to
cancel the unwanted noise based on the principle of superposition [7]. Specifically, identical amplitude
and antiphase anti-noise is created and actively integrated with the first noise, thereby triggering the
elimination of both noises [8]. Several studies were published on the application of ANC methods
(such as active noise canceling for headphones using a hybrid structure, active noise control in headsets
by using a low-cost microcontroller, a low-power broad-bandwidth noise cancellation for in-ear
headphones, adaptive feedback active noise control headset and sound quality of the machine) [9–15].
Although various problems are raised and relevant studies are constantly increasing to address noise
problems, studies on noise in the dental treatment room including the medical industry are inadequate.
In addition, efficient production methods considering costs and methods are needed to apply this noise
elimination method into machines aiming for commercialization [12,14]. We recently investigated
a more effective approach to noise reduction in the CAD/CAM milling machine using tactile transducers
to produce tactile sound. This study was designed to determine the main noise source generated from
CAD/CAM milling machines installed in dental clinics or the laboratory, and to create a pleasant clinic
environment by applying a noise reduction method.

2. Methodology
The first step to reducing the noises produced by CAD/CAM milling machines was through
an investigation of the causes and sources of noise level through experimentation in a closed
environment. After determining the cause and location of the noise source, we identified the
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 3 of 13
main target area for noise reduction. Using the information on the targeted area, a noise control method
was proposed. A block diagram description of the method is shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1. Noise improvement process.

Figure 1. Noise improvement process.

Dental CAD/CAM milling machines can be categorized as drying or wetting type depending on
the use of water during the milling process. A more suitable method is determined by considering
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 1516 3 of 12

Dental CAD/CAM milling machines can be categorized as drying or wetting type depending on
the use of water during the milling process. A more suitable method is determined by considering
the type of material and milling process used. The wet type does not require a dust collector because
it uses water. On the other hand, the drying type requires a dust collector because it produces dust,
but the dust collector causes noise. Therefore, the process conditions were classified as follows and the
investigation methods of milling machine noise were selected accordingly (Table 1).

Table 1. Investigation of milling machine noise.

Process Conditions Use Conditions Investigation Methods

Dry milling process Use of dust collector Vibration and noise level
Wet milling process No use of dust collector Noise level

2.1. Equipment
The CAMeleon CS®CAD/CAM milling machine (NeoBiotech, Seoul, Korea) was employed to
obtain all test results presented in this study (Figure 2). The noise level was measured while the
machine was running with a diamond bur cutting a zirconia block.
The noise was analyzed by sound pressure level, frequency spectrum and vibration. The sound
level intensity was measured with a Digital Sound Level Meter (Lutron Sl-4013®, Lutron, Taipei,
Taiwan) by using the dB scale. The frequency spectrum of noise was investigated by a half-inch
microphone (ECM8000®, Behringer, Willich, Germany). The vibration frequency of noise was analyzed
by a Vibration Tester (AV-160B ®, Vetus, Guangdong, China). The equipment used for noise level
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 4 of 13
evaluation are presented in Table 2.
Table 2. Equipment list used for noise level evaluation.
Table 2. Equipment list used for noise level evaluation.
Equipment Microphone Sound level Meter Vibration Tester
Equipment Microphone
Behringer Sound Level Meter
Lutron Vibration
Vetus Tester
Company/Model
ECM8000 (USA)
Behringer Sl-4013(Taiwan)
Lutron A-160B(China)
Vetus
Company/Model Frequency
ECM8000 (USA) Sl-4013 (Taiwan) A-160B (China)
Measurement range: 30–130 Frequency range: 10 Hz–1
Specifications range: range:
Frequency Measurement range:
Specifications dB Frequency range:
kHz. 10 Hz–1 kHz.
15–20,000
15–20,000 Hz Hz 30–130 dB

Figure 2. Equipment used to measure and record; noise dust collector and milling machines
Figure 2. Equipment used to measure and record; noise dust collector and milling machines
(CAMeleon CS® ).
(CAMeleon CS®).
2.2. Noise Survey Method
To determine the cause and location of the noise, the sound level intensity was measured with
a Digital Sound Level Meter. Noise investigation can be conducted in various aspects for hearing loss,
talking disorders, noisiness, and improving noise. This study was carried out for investigating noise
to identify the noise source in order to improve noise. Measurement location and measuring methods
were therefore selected as comparatively easier ways to compare test results, not to measure the
 Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 1516 4 of 12

2.2. Noise Survey Method

To determine the cause and location of the noise, the sound level intensity was measured with
a Digital Sound Level Meter. Noise investigation can be conducted in various aspects for hearing
loss, talking disorders, noisiness, and improving noise. This study was carried out for investigating
noise to identify the noise source in order to improve noise. Measurement location and measuring
methods were therefore selected as comparatively easier ways to compare test results, not to measure
the absolute sound level serving as the criterion of hearing loss or noisiness, but to identify locations of
noise source and causes. Three measuring points (front, left, and right) were selected and measured in
an appropriate measuring perspective to identify the sound causes and locations of milling machines.
The noise meter repeatedly measured three times per 10 seconds from 1.2 m above the ground.
The place of highest noise level was chosen as a target noise source. The measurement locations were
held constant during the experiment as shown in Figure 3.
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 5 of 13

Figure
Figure3.3.Experimental
Experimentalarrangement for
arrangement measurement
for measurementlocation.
location.

TheThedetermination
determinationofofthe themechanical
mechanicalvibration
vibrationand andacoustic
acousticnoise
noiseproduced
producedbybythe thedust
dustcollector
collector
systemofofthe
system themilling
millingmachine
machineconsists
consistsofoftwo
twosteps.
steps.Initially,
Initially,twotwomeasurements
measurementswere wereperformed
performedfor for
fiveminutes
five minuteswhile
whilethe
thedust
dust collector
collector was turned
turned on: on: (1)
(1) measurement
measurementofofthe theacoustic
acousticnoise
noiselevel
levelin in
the
dust
the dustcollector;
collector;(2)(2)
measurement
measurement of of
thethe
vibration
vibration around
around thethe
center of the
center dust
of the dustcollector.
collector.
Then,ininorder
Then, orderto
to discern
discern the characteristics
characteristicsofofthe thenoise
noiseandand vibration
vibrationof the dust
of the collector,
dust the noise
collector, the
signals
noise were were
signals recorded using using
recorded both a both
microphone and vibration
a microphone sensor simultaneously
and vibration during the
sensor simultaneously period
during
of period
the time atof which
time the dust collector
at which the dust was running.
collector In other words,
was running. In otherrecorded frequency
words, recorded and vibration
frequency and
frequency
vibration were compared
frequency by measuring
were compared vibrations and
by measuring recording
vibrations andnoise as a way
recording to see
noise as awhether
way tomajor
see
noise sources
whether major are created
noise sourcesby vibration.
are created Thebyrecording
vibration.microphone
The recording and microphone
sound level meter were located
and sound level
at a distance
meter of 30 cm
were located at horizontally,
a distance ofin30the cmpositions of A (Figure
horizontally, in the 4). Noise was
positions of Aanalyzed
(Figure by4). sampling
Noise was the
analyzed
signal ofby thesampling
microphones the signal
with a of the microphones
frequency up to 44.1with kHz.aAfrequency up to 44.1
spectral analysis waskHz. A spectral
performed using
analysis
the Fastwas performed
Fourier Transform using thealgorithm
(FFT) Fast Fourier Transform
to identify (FFT) frequencies.
dominant algorithm toThe identify dominant
vibration, as well
frequencies.
as the noiseThe vibration, aswas
measurement, wellrealized
as the noise measurement,
by real-time recording wasofrealized by real-time
the signal recording
using a vibration of
tester
the
forsignal using a vibration
five minutes tester for of
during operation five minutes
the during operation
dust collector. The location of the
ofdust collector. measurement
the vibration The location
ofpositions
the vibration measurement
was determined positions
in the was determined
same manner as those of in the
thenoise
samemeasurement
manner as those of the
points. noise
Vibration
measurement
sensors werepoints.
attached Vibration sensors
to the flat surface were attached
on the to thenear
steel cover flat the
surface on the steel
precipitator hosescover nearAthe
at point (see
precipitator hosesthe
Figure 4) where at point A (see
strongest Figure 4)
vibration where the strongest vibration is triggered.
is triggered.
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 1516 5 of 12
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 6 of 13

Figure 4. Dust collector noise level recording points.

Figure 4. Dust collector noise level recording points.
3. Experimental Result
3. Experimental Result
3.1. Analysis of Noise Characteristics of Milling Machines
3.1. Analysis of Noise
Noise from Characteristics
milling machinesof was
Milling Machines
recorded as 80.2 dB(A) on the front, 82.4 dB(A) on the
left, Noise
and 78.8
fromdB(A) on machines
milling the right was
when precipitators
recorded are used
as 80.2 dB(A) in front,
on the the case
82.4 of normal
dB(A) operation.
on the left, and
When
78.8 dB(A) on the right when precipitators are used in the case of normal operation.the
precipitators are not used, sound pressure on the front is 71.2 dB(A), 72.4 dB(A) on left,
When
and 67.8 dB(A)
precipitators areonnot
theused,
right.sound
Table pressure
3 shows sound
on thepressures of milling
front is 71.2 dB(A), machines
72.4 dB(A)andon Figure
the left,4 and
presents
67.8
resultson
dB(A) as the
causes of generated
right. noisesound
Table 3 shows and locations
pressuresofofmajor noise
milling sourcesand
machines afterfigure
investigating
4 presents noise.
results
as causes of generated noise and locations of major noise sources after investigating noise.
Table 3. Noise level of the milling machine using and not using a dust collector. SPL = sound
pressure
Table level. level of the milling machine using and not using a dust collector. SPL = sound pressure
3. Noise
level.
Noise SPL (dB(A)) Front Left Right
Noise SPLdust
Not using (dB(A)) Front Left Right
71.2 72.4 67.8
collector
Not using dust collector 71.2 72.4 67.8
Using
Usingdust
dustcollector
collector 80.280.2 82.5
82.5 78.8
78.8

As shown in Table 3, the milling machine generates a louder noise when using a dust collector
As shown in Table 3, the milling machine generates a louder noise when using a dust collector than
than when it was not used. Therefore, the use of a dust collector indicated the target noise of
when it was not used. Therefore, the use of a dust collector indicated the target noise of CAD/CAM
CAD/CAM machines. In this study, a focus was placed on the noise reduction of the dust collectors
machines. In this study, a focus was placed on the noise reduction of the dust collectors attached to
attached to milling machines.
milling machines.
3.2.
3.2. Analysis
Analysis of
of Noise
Noise Characteristics
Characteristics of
of Dust
Dust Collectors
Collectors
Table
Table 44 indicates
indicates that
that the
the vibration
vibration frequency
frequency at
at point
point A
A was
was 59.4
59.4 Hz
Hz when
when thethe noise
noise from
from the
the
dust collector was recorded and measured. It approached 60 Hz around the hose of the dust collector,
dust collector was recorded and measured. It approached 60 Hz around the hose of the dust collector,
which is
which where the
is where the center
center and
and the
the most
most powerful
powerful energy
energy sound
sound pressure
pressure level
level (dB)
(dB) was
was observed.
observed.
Seeing that 60 Hz and the noise of harmonics accord with the number of revolutions
Seeing that 60 Hz and the noise of harmonics accord with the number of revolutions of the compressor of the
compressor inside the dust collector in the bottom of the milling machine, it is supposed that the
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 1516 6 of 12

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 7 of 13

inside the dust collector in the bottom of the milling machine, it is supposed that the noise was
noise was generated because the vibration of the compressor was transmitted to the dust collector
generated because the vibration of the compressor was transmitted to the dust collector case.
case.
Table 4. The sound pressure level of the dust collector at the recording point A.
Table 4. The sound pressure level of the dust collector at the recording point A.
Dust Collector A
Dust Collector A
Sound pressure level (dB(A)) 82.5
Sound pressure level (dB(A)) 82.5
Vibration frequency (Hz) 59.4
Vibration frequency (Hz) 59.4

Figure
Figure 55shows
showsthe thepower
powerspectrum
spectrum analyzed
analyzed using
using datadata recorded
recorded around
around pointpoint A, where
A, where the
the noise
noise
level of the dust collector is the highest. In this spectrum, frequency changes according to the lengththe
level of the dust collector is the highest. In this spectrum, frequency changes according to of
length
the noiseof period,
the noise and period,
it can beandseen
it can
thatbetheseen
noisethat the noise isat generated
is generated a constant at a constant
level level and
and concentrated
concentrated
in the frequency in the
bandfrequency
of 60 Hz. band
As aofdiscrete
60 Hz. Astone,a discrete
the noisetone, thedust
of the noise of the dust
collector has acollector
fundamentalhas a
fundamental frequency of nearly 60 Hz and a regular sound pressure variation
frequency of nearly 60 Hz and a regular sound pressure variation to bring about the sense of pitch to bring about the
sense of pitch
consisting consisting
of multiple of multiple
harmonics. When harmonics.
it comes toWhen it comes
frequency, to frequency,
this noise has a linethis noise has
spectrum a line
(Figure 5).
spectrum (Figure 5).
It was found that the prominent band of the frequency spectrum obtained from the microphone
It was
and the main found
peakthat
of thethevibration
prominent band ofobtained
frequency the frequency
from the spectrum
vibration obtained from the
test coincided at microphone
about 60 Hz.
and
Basedtheonmain
thesepeak of the
results, the vibration
vibration frequency
generated fromobtained fromcollector
the dust the vibration test coincided
was confirmed as theat about
main 60
noise
Hz. Based on these results, the vibration generated from the dust collector
source. Vibration and noise generated from precipitators are considered as noise caused by vibrationwas confirmed as the main
noise source.
transferred fromVibration and noise
compressors. generated
Generated fromlocations,
causes, precipitators are considered
and results as noiseascaused
can be analyzed shownby in
vibration transferredon
Figure 6 depending from
test compressors.
results. Generated causes, locations, and results can be analyzed as
shown Asin Figure 6 depending
a consequence on test
of analysis results.
of noise characteristics, the noise from the dust collector is caused by
vibration transmitted from around the hose characteristics,
As a consequence of analysis of noise located on the side. the noise from the of
The structure dust
thecollector is caused
dust collector (see
by vibration transmitted from around the hose located on the side. The
Figure 7) makes it difficult to add a noise reduction device (such as rubber/damper) inside. structure of the dust collector
(see Figure 7) makes
Therefore, it difficult
we propose to add
a noise a noise
control reduction
method device (such as
using anti-vibration asrubber/damper)
the most efficientinside.
method to
reduceTherefore, we propose
the undesired noise. a noise control method using anti-vibration as the most efficient method
to reduce the undesired noise.

Frequency analysis and noise sound spectrum (linear scale).

Figure 5. Frequency
 Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 8 of 13

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 1516 7 of 12

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 8 of 13

Figure 6. Identifying the main noise source of milling machines.

Figure 6. Identifying the main noise source of milling machines.
Figure 6. Identifying the main noise source of milling machines.

Figure 7. Internal structure of the dust collector.

Figure 7. Internal structure of the dust collector.
Figure 7. Internal structure of the dust collector.
4. Noise Reduction Solution
4. Noise Reduction Solution
4. Noise Reduction Solution
Experimental Verification by Vibration Reduction Method
Experimental Verification by Vibration Reduction Method
Experimental
A final set of Verification
experiments by Vibration Reduction
was conducted toMethod
measure the sound cancellation achieved through
A final set of experiments was conducted to measure the sound cancellation achieved through
experimentation in
A final set ofin
experimentation
a laboratory
experiments
a laboratory was
setting. In
conducted
setting.
order tomeasure
verify
In order totoverify
thethevalidity
the validitysound of noise
cancellation
of noise
reduction
achieved
reduction through
through
thethrough
theexperimentation
vibration
vibration control
control method,
method, a
a recording
recording and
and noise
noise measurement
measurement environment
environment
in a laboratory setting. In order to verify the validity of noise reduction through the werewere constructed
constructed
through a computer
through
vibration acontrol
computer program.
program.
method, The
a The program
programand
recording was
was created sothat
thatthe
createdmeasurement
noise so thenoise
noise reduction
reduction
environment results
results
were couldcould
be be
constructed
analyzed after
analyzed creating
after an
creating experimental
an experimental environment
environment for
for vibration
vibration
through a computer program. The program was created so that the noise reduction results could control
control using
using recorded
recorded noise noise
files. files. be
Since Since the strongest
the strongest vibration
vibration occurred around the hose area of the dust collector, the tactile transducer
analyzed after creating anoccurred
experimental around the hose area
environment forof the dustcontrol
vibration collector, the tactile
using recorded transducer
noise files.
wasSincewas attached
attached to the area in which the strongestvibration
vibration (A) was generated to to
record the the
greatest
the strongest vibration occurred around the hose area of the dust collector, the tactile greatest
to the area in which the strongest (A) was generated record transducer
sound sound pressure.
pressure. A tactile
A tactile transducer
transducer thatwaswasused
used inin manufacturing the equipment andandcan can
generate
was attached
vibration is to
alsothe area
called whichthat
ain‘vibration the strongest
speaker’. Based
manufacturing
vibration (A) was
on the principle
the equipment
generated
that in the to record
domain
generate
ofthe
lowgreatest
vibration
sound is also
pressure. called a ‘vibration speaker’. Based on the principle that in the domain of low frequency,
frequency, it is A tactileto
possible transducer that was
feel with one’s body,used in manufacturing
not with one’s ears, thisthe equipment
speaker and can
can transmit low- generate
it isvibration
possible is to also
feel with
called one’s
a body, notspeaker’.
‘vibration with one’s Basedears,onthisthespeaker
principle canthattransmit
in the low-frequency
domain of low
frequency vibration to the surface it is attached to, since this has no diaphragm.
vibration to
frequency, the surface
it is possible
In addition it is attached
to feel
to the tactile to, since
with one’s
transducer, this has
body, was
a sensor no diaphragm.
not placed
with one’s
in theears,
area this speaker
in order can transmit
to determine the low-
In addition
vibrational
frequency to the to
frequency.
vibration tactile transducer,
Thesurface
the a sensora to,
speakeritreproduced
is attached was placed
recorded
since sound
this in
hasthenoarea
source toin order to
simulate
diaphragm. thedetermine
vibration the
vibrational
and frequency.
Innoise to The
generated
addition the speaker
bytactile
the dust reproduced
collector.
transducer, The atactile
recorded
a sensor wassound
transducers source
in thetoarea
placedreproduced simulate the to
anti-vibration
in order vibration
with the andthe
determine
noise generatedfrequency.
vibrational by the dustThe collector.
speaker The tactile transducers
reproduced a recorded reproduced
sound sourceanti-vibration
to simulatewiththethe vibration
sound
of the same frequency and size emitted by the dust collector to control
and noise generated by the dust collector. The tactile transducers reproduced anti-vibration with the vibration on the other side.the
The experimental set up is shown in Figure 8 and the noise control method and diagram are shown in
Figures 9 and 10.
 Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 9 of 13

sound of the same frequency and size emitted by the dust collector to control the vibration on the
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 9 of 13
other side. The experimental set up is shown in Figure 8 and the noise control method and diagram
are shown in Figures 9 and 10.
sound of the same frequency and size emitted by the dust collector to control the vibration on the
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 1516 8 of 12
other side. The experimental set up is shown in Figure 8 and the noise control method and diagram
are shown in Figures 9 and 10.

Figure 8. Experimental configuration.

Figure 8. Experimental configuration.
Figure 8. Experimental configuration.

Figure
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, x FOR PEER 9. The diagram for the vibration reduction method.
REVIEW 10 of 13

Figure
Figure 9. 9.
TheThe diagram
diagram forfor
thethe vibration
vibration reduction
reduction method.
method.

Figure10.
Figure 10.Vibration
Vibration speaker
speaker installed
installed at
at the
thedust
dustcollector.
collector.

The result of the test demonstrated that it was possible to reduce the level of noise by only
reducing vibration, because when the dust collector of the milling machine was used, vibration was
transmitted to the surface of the dust collector by the compressor and the noise generated this time
was dominant. Table 5 and Figure 11 indicate the result.
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 1516 9 of 12

Figure 10. Vibration speaker installed at the dust collector.

The result of the test demonstrated that it was possible to reduce the level of noise by only reducing
vibration,The resultwhen
because of the
thetest
dustdemonstrated that
collector of the it was
milling possible
machine wastoused,
reduce the level
vibration wasoftransmitted
noise by only
reducing
to the surface vibration,
of the dustbecause
collectorwhen the
by the dust collector
compressor and of
thethe milling
noise machine
generated thiswas
timeused, vibration was
was dominant.
Tabletransmitted to 11
5 and Figure theindicate
surface the
of the dust collector by the compressor and the noise generated this time
result.
was dominant. Table 5 and Figure 11 indicate the result.
Table 5. Result values before and after.
Table 5. Result values before and after.
Before After
Sound pressure level (dB(A))
82.5 Before
71.4 After
Sound pressure level (dB(A))
82.5 71.4

Figure
Figure 11. Result
11. Result of noise
of noise reduction
reduction (frequency
(frequency analysis
analysis and noise
and noise sound
sound spectrum
spectrum (linear
(linear scale)).
scale)).

5. Discussion
For these experiments, noises produced from the milling machine varied according to the
conditions of use: (1) types of materials used in processing, and (2) operation conditions (wet or dry).
In Table 3, the use of a dust collector for CAD/CAM milling produced the highest levels of noise—about
60 Hz. Therefore, in this paper, a focus was placed on the noise analysis and reduction of the dust
collectors attached to milling machines. The experiment indicated the results of the noise coming from
the milling machine were being influenced by the vibrations of the dust collector.
As mentioned earlier, it seems that the noise is generated as vibration from the dust collector,
which is then transmitted to the external case by the compressor inside the dust collector. It is
anticipated that this can be applied not only to CAD/CAM milling machines for dental clinics but also
to any machine using a dust collector and a compressor.
The key point in designing a successful controller is to first find the appropriate place for
an actuator to be set. Second, the type of available and accessible sensors and actuators should be
specified. In this paper, we have chosen an electro-mechanic transducer called an exciter (also called
a tactile transducer) as an actuator. The exciter is normally a moving coil device, which is carefully
positioned and designed to optimally excite the natural resonant modal structure of the panel [16].
also to any machine using a dust collector and a compressor.
The key point in designing a successful controller is to first find the appropriate place for an
actuator to be set. Second, the type of available and accessible sensors and actuators should be
specified. In this paper, we have chosen an electro-mechanic transducer called an exciter (also called
a tactile transducer) as an actuator. The exciter is normally a moving coil device, which is carefully
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 1516 10 of 12
positioned and designed to optimally excite the natural resonant modal structure of the panel [16].
Tactile transducers create and transmit low frequency vibrations to create tactile sound. Tactile sound
isTactile
present in the vibratory
transducers signature
create and transmitof low
musical instruments,
frequency automobiles,
vibrations aircrafts,
to create tactile andTactile
sound. refrigerator
sound
compressors
is present in [17,18]. In addition,
the vibratory signaturewhen a soundinstruments,
of musical is generatedautomobiles,
by a tactile transducer, it performs
aircrafts, and refrigeratora
linear motion and can create strong vibrations (see Figure 12). As an actuator of a linear
compressors [17,18]. In addition, when a sound is generated by a tactile transducer, it performs a linear motor type
speaker,
motion and tactile
can transducers
create strongare able to(see
vibrations control
Figurevibrations
12). As anby sound of
actuator with easemotor
a linear and accuracy. In
type speaker,
addition, linear actuators,
tactile transducers into
are able contrast
controltovibrations
electric motors,
by soundare with
able to deliver
ease energy notInonly
and accuracy. in the linear
addition, form
of vibrations,
actuators, in but also in
contrast tothe formmotors,
electric of actualare
motion.
able toThe use ofenergy
deliver the tactile
not transducer
only in the (vibration speaker
form of vibrations,
orbutexciter)
also inmakes
the formit possible to generate
of actual motion. Thevibration
use ofwithout designing
the tactile a complex
transducer structure
(vibration for or
speaker vibration
exciter)
reduction. Besides, this can be applied to various devices and is very efficient to
makes it possible to generate vibration without designing a complex structure for vibration reduction. control and in
reducing the cost.
Besides, this can be applied to various devices and is very efficient to control and in reducing the cost.

Figure 12. Voice coil type tactile transducer and basic principles of exciter technology.
Figure 12. Voice coil type tactile transducer and basic principles of exciter technology.
Noise in the dental practice setting causes an unpleasant experience [19]. As shown in the study
by Lee et al.
Noise in[20], the highest
the dental dental
practice practice
setting causes noise level at the distance
an unpleasant of 100
experience [19].cm
Asisshown
77 dB,in
and
the82.5
studydB
forLee
by milling machines.
et al. [20], This dental
the highest suggests that the
practice emergence
noise ofdistance
level at the milling of
machines
100 cm ismay cause
77 dB, anda82.5
louder
dB
noise, which calls for attention. It was revealed that in this study, the noise reduction
for milling machines. This suggests that the emergence of milling machines may cause a louder noise, plan using the
vibration
which reduction
calls method
for attention . Itcan be effectively
was revealed thatapplied to the
in this noisethe
study, characteristics of the milling
noise reduction machine.
plan using the
However, the internal and external noises, including events while systems are
vibration reduction method can be effectively applied to the noise characteristics of the milling on or off, were not
considered in the present experiment. It is, therefore, thought that additional measures
machine. However, the internal and external noises, including events while systems are on or off, for reducing
the noise
were caused by in
not considered unpredictable and uncertain
the present experiment. events
It is, would
therefore, be needed.
thought In addition,
that additional the quality
measures for
and characteristics of the remaining sound after control were not evaluated. Therefore,
reducing the noise caused by unpredictable and uncertain events would be needed. In addition, the the proposed
method in this paper does not fully specify a solution to this issue.
In many practical active noise control applications, the undesired primary noise consists of
multiple harmonic-related tones, which can be effectively reduced by internal model control feedback
ANC systems [21]. In this study, we also created a simulated environment using tactile transducers and
sensors to confirm our prediction of the effectiveness of anti-vibrations in decreasing sound pressure
levels. However, our experiment did not completely cover significant aspects, which must have
been taken into account if experimentation had been done with real-time milling machine vibrations.
In order to resolve real-time noise levels, a feedback system should be established, which would be
able to consider factors such as the material, type of milling, and model type.
In addition, it is necessary to use additional sensors and identify the optimal algorithm to reduce
noise errors and in response to unexpected noise. Further research could focus on an in depth analysis
of the quality and characteristics needed in future studies after the removal of sound.
Furthermore, additional studies that could be done could focus on the improvement of clinical
noise levels in terms of sound quality and control. Our experiment indicated a decrease in noise levels.
However, determination of sound frequency disruptiveness varies from person to person, causing
subjectivity. To alleviate this issue, surveys and further research must be done to identify the types of
noises at which dental clinicians and patients find the most discomfort.
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 1516 11 of 12

6. Conclusions
The noise generated by CAD/CAM milling machine operation was reduced by 9 dB using the
proposed vibration control method. The noise intensities and frequencies of the milling machines were
mainly characterized by low frequency range vibrations (about 60 Hz) coming from the dust collector.
Our method significantly decreased noise levels in order to create a better clinical environment for
both dental professionals and patients. Further research could be done on not only identifying and
decreasing the intensity of noise, but also evaluating the quality and characteristics of the noise on the
qualitative level and developing a feedback system.

Author Contributions: Conceptualization, E.-S.S.; methodology, Y.-J.L.; software, E.-S.S.; validation, B.K.;
investigation, B.K.; data curation, E.-S.S. and B.K.; writing—original draft preparation, E.-S.S.; writing—review
and editing, Y.-J.L. and J.S.M.; visualization, E.-S.S.; supervision, Y.-J.L.
Funding: This work was supported by grant no. 04-2017-0092 from the Seoul National University Dental Hospital
Research Fund, Seoul National University Dental Hospital. The APC was funded by “Dental Research Institute,
School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea”.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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