If it shakes, rattles or rolls, chances are you can solve vibration issues with rubber. Custom manufactured vibration mounts are commonly used in machinery. This is because they relieve vibration, which can pose operational challenges and deteriorate equipment. Vibration isn’t a simple issue, however.
The complexity of solving noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) issues requires thoughtful, often customized, solutions. Magnitude, pulse shape, orientation, and load direction are all part of this conversation. The size and shape of vibration mounts are essential to proper function. Here’s why:
Size and shape matter. What vibration mounts are made of matters too. Your best options will probably be natural rubber or neoprene.
Natural rubber and neoprene are polymers. Natural rubber is extracted from a tree and neoprene is a synthetic compound. Both have ideal properties for vibration control. They are flexible and strong. While similar, they are not the same. Each has unique properties that make them best suited for specific applications. Here’s the breakdown.
| Natural Rubber |
Neoprene |
| Made from sap |
Comes in solid rubber or latex form |
| Can withstand temperatures up to 200℉ |
Can withstand temperatures up to 275℉ |
| More sensitive to ozone and oxidation: shorter outdoor lifespan |
Resists ozone and oxidation: longer outdoor lifespan |
| Lower resistant to oil and grease |
Higher resistance to oil and grease |
| Lower cost |
Higher cost |
| Better flexing at low temps |
Poorer flexing at low temps |
| Lower compression set |
Higher compression set |
Both natural rubber and neoprene are great because of:
Both natural rubber and neoprene are used in multiple applications for vibration mounts.
Vibration isolation mounts come in a few basic shapes and designs. They are essentially supporting structures that absorb impact, removing force and shock from equipment that would otherwise break down faster or incur damage.
There are a few basic kinds of isolating mounts that provide bracing on different machine parts:
Go here for a full list of RPM’s vibration control products.
Sometimes, to best isolate disturbing frequencies, molded rubber parts or rubber bearings are alternated with steel plates or involve hybrid isolation methods. All of the above are used to minimize vibration in vehicles and machines for numerous industries.
As mentioned before, anything that moves is a candidate for vibration isolation technology. The natural movement of machines risks friction and ultimately damage to machines. When bonded to metals, both natural rubber and neoprene can become a vital working part of machines. Most commonly, these will be used in applications like these:
Vibration mount isolators work well both for light loads and heavy loads. On a small scale, they play a key role in computers and precision equipment.
The size, shape, material, and intended use are key components to nail down before moving forward with a vibration mount. The last piece to consider is highly technical and takes the frequency isolation into account. In addition to movement, vibration also causes mechanical stress. The range of sound frequencies emitted by vibration poses a health and safety risk. Minimizing or eliminating that vibration may be essential for machine use.
A skilled engineer will probably need to assess this issue, as it requires some unique understanding. In short, they will determine the frequencies and source issues and what kind of isolator is best suited to solve the problem. RPM has teams that can assist with this determination.
The bottom line is that there are numerous technical components to this discussion. It’s essential to invest in products that will provide optimal outcomes, both for ease of operation and to lengthen the life of your machine and parts.
How can you tell if a vibration mount is designed to spec? One indicator is to look at what’s missing. In other words, directional voids are a key indicator of how specific the shape and structure are to the mount. How does the vibration mount accommodate the machine’s movement?
Determining the material and processes to solve specific needs is where RPM comes in. The experienced engineers on our team can tell you every style of mount and the benefits of using one over the other. It’s tempting to turn to the internet. Instead, understanding your specific application needs can actually accelerate the process of getting the right product in your hands.
RPM is a leading rubber manufacturer with world-class processes and perfectly designed rubber parts and products. We have highly-trained customer service and engineering teams who will help every step of the way. Our services include:
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