10 Things to Consider When Buying vibration damping

As a leading specialist in rubber vibration mounts, we offer our extensive expertise using a step by step guide to help you choose the correct rubber mounts. Read on to read our easy to follow guide to choosing the best anti-vibration mount to suit you.

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What are Anti Vibration Mounts?

Anti-vibration mounts are fastened to machines to eliminate vibration and noise. Machinery vibration from equipment can be transferred to the supporting structure and travel large distances to be emitted as noise elsewhere in a building or structure. The mounts are typically made of rubber or a combination of rubber and other materials. Rubber vibration mounts are particularly effective in preventing the transfer of vibrations that machines generate.

Anti-vibration mounts have excellent shock absorption and vibration dampening properties. Pieces of equipment and machinery subjected to noise, shocks and vibrations can be extremely damaged, affecting their lifespan, efficiency and safety. An increased risk of damage can often lead to more frequent repairs and replacements, increasing costs for the company or individual. With this in mind, it’s not surprising that these mounts are so widely used, found in industries ranging from the defence sector to renewable energy and power generation.

How to Choose an Anti-Vibration Mount:

1. Identify the total weight (kg) of the equipment/machinery and the number of mountings that’ll be required.

The larger the total weight, the larger the mountings or, the higher the number of mountings needed to reduce the machine vibrations.

2. Calculate the weight of each mounting. Make sure to consider that the weight on the machinery may not be evenly distributed.

For example, if the machinery weighs 340 kg, the equipment would require rubber mounts with a weight of 85 kg each if four mounts were purchased to distribute the weight evenly. Check the centre of gravity to ensure an even distribution of load as different mounts may be required in different locations.

3. Measure the running speed of the machinery.

Calculate the normal running speed of the machinery, referred to as the forcing frequency and also the lowest operating speed (normally at idle).

4. Determine the static deflection of the mounting.

Static deflection is simply the amount that a vibration dampening mount compresses under the weight of the equipment. The more static deflection, the more work the mount has to do. For example, if a spring is 10 cm high when unloaded and compresses to 9 cm when carrying the weight of the equipment, the static deflection is 1 cm. This is how static deflection is calculated.

5. Based on the load per mounting, select a suitable mounting type to give the required static deflection.

Take into account specific application requirements and the reduction in vibration required. Graphs showing vibration isolation against deflection can be used to determine the levels of vibration reduction – please contact us for guidance or further details.

6. Ensure all connections and services to equipment, like the exhausts, pipework and ducting are flexible for the machinery to move freely.

Rubber vibration isolation mounts have several benefits and offer great overall value for money. They not only serve to protect the machinery by reducing the impact of machines power but also benefit the life of equipment, vehicles and structures. Without rubber vibration mounts on the machinery, the sheer impact of the vibrations can cause weakening and even result in failure. It is, therefore, crucial to protect not only your equipment but also the well-being of the workers using the machinery with suitable mountings. Vibration damping mounts are easy to install and are available in a variety of sizes, designs and load capabilities.

Types of Anti-Vibration Mounts

By utilising the correct type of mount, you can increase the lifespan of machinery whilst reducing the adverse effects of vibration, noise and shock. GMT design, manufacture and supply a wide variety of specialised mounts, offering both stock and custom solutions for a multitude of industrial applications:

1. Vibration IsolatorsOur range of isolators work to reduce any noise transmitted outwards from the machine (active). Isolators can also reduce the number of vibrations travelling to the machine from an external source such as its foundations (passive).

Vibration isolators have many applications, such as in machinery for the food and pharmaceutical industries. Specific examples of use include heating and ventilation equipment, fans and power generators.

2. Rubber Vibration Mounts

Unlike vibration isolators, rubber mountings can provide vibration and shock protection in three separate directions. They also provide high levels of resistance to grease and oil, making them a popular choice in both the automotive and marine industry. Rubber vibration mounts are often found in both engines and generators.

3. Wire Rope Mounts

Corrosion-resistant and completely manufactured from stainless steel, our specialist selection of wire rope mounts are designed to withstand the toughest environments. They isolate shock and vibrations from all directions and offer a maintenance-free solution to the most demanding tasks.

This resilience makes our range of wire rope mounts ideal for military use, certified to standards MIL-STD-167 for vibration, MIL-STD-810 for environmental conditions and MIL-S-901 for shock. They can be found in rough terrain vehicles, aircraft and vehicle carriers.

4. Conical Mounts

Conical mounts are also referred to as rubber cone mounts. With the correct washers, these mounts are suited to both compression and shear loadings. Featuring a failsafe capacity and a high load capacity, they are designed to suit mobile applications for the automotive, commercial vehicle and marine industries.

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5. Machine Feet

Machine feet work to reduce vibrations whilst dampening shock loads. With the option of rebound control and a variety of rubber hardness options to suit each application, it isn’t difficult to see why machine feet are used so extensively in industries such as renewable energy, power generation and agriculture and forestry. Common applications include marine mountings, engine mountings and generator mountings.

Excessive vibration can have a significant impact on the efficiency, lifespan and safety of machinery and equipment. Whether it’s in industrial manufacturing, automotive applications or HVAC systems, excessive vibrations can lead to wear and tear, noise pollution and even structural damage.

Selecting the right anti-vibration mounting is not just about reducing vibrations; it’s about enhancing performance and protecting your equipment. With so many anti vibration mounts available to choose from, understanding the key factors around your choice is crucial.

At AV Industrial Products Ltd, we have been manufacturing and supplying rubber mounting solutions for over 30 years. Within this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about anti-vibration mountings, including their types, considerations and applications.

What Are Anti-Vibration Mounts and Why Are They Important?

Anti-vibration mounts are specially designed engineering components used in industrial machinery and vehicles to reduce vibration. They are typically made from a combination of metal and rubber, with the latter providing the vibration absorption properties.

What Do You Need to Consider When Choosing an Anti-Vibration Mount?

Selecting the ideal anti-vibration mount for your equipment is a meticulous process. For optimum performance and durability, you will need to consider a number of factors, as choosing the wrong type can lead to more damaging effects on your machinery.

What do you want to achieve?

The first consideration you must make is what you are looking to achieve from your anti-vibration mount. Maybe you are looking to improve operator comfort, increase efficiency or reduce the noise pollution in your work environment. The result you wish to achieve from your anti-vibration mount will play a part in your selection.

What type of machinery or equipment do you have?

Not all rubber mounts are suited to specific machinery or equipment, they are often manufactured with a particular type of application in mind. For instance, captive transit mounts ​and marine engine mounts ​may seem similar visually, but have different properties in relation to lateral and longitudinal stiffness.

Your machinery will dictate which anti-vibration mount is best suited for you. If you are unsure, our team is happy to help and discuss ​your options.

What is the weight of your machinery?

The weight of your machinery will give you an idea of the size and number of mounts you need. The more the machine weighs, the more mounts you need. From this, you can then calculate the weight distribution needed for each mount. For instance, if your machine is 240kg and has an even weight distribution and centre of gravity, you may wish to install four mounts, each supporting 60kg. If your weight is not evenly distributed throughout the machine, you will need to adjust the mounting support in response to this, for example by varying the rubber hardness.

What is the static deflection of your mounting

The static deflection refers to the compression of your mounting under the weight of your machinery. This figure is calculated by the amount of compression, for instance if your mount is compressed from 50mm to 45mm when bearing weight, the static deflection is 5mm. This static deflection has a direct correlation with vibration isolation. The higher the deflection, the higher the isolation. However, you should also consider that the mounting deflection will affect the movement of the equipment, particularly during start-up and shut-down.

Understanding Different Types of Anti Vibration Mount

Once you have considered your equipment, machinery and goals, it’s time to select an anti-vibration mount suitable for your application. Anti-vibration mounts often have the same end goal - to reduce and eliminate vibration. However, there are many different types, all designed and suited to various applications, so it is important to understand the different types of anti-vibration mount before choosing. One of the key considerations is whether your application is Static or Mobile. If mobile, a captive (fail-safe) mounting should ideally be used.

There are numerous anti-vibration mounts that can be used, however we are going to focus on 6 core products that can be used for a number of applications.

Common Mistakes When Selecting Anti Vibration Mounts

Selecting the right anti-vibration mounts is crucial for effective vibration isolation and equipment longevity. It is easy to find yourself making a mistake, whether this be misjudging your requirements or failing to account for other factors. Some common mistakes that are made often include:

• Ignoring load capacity or load distribution
• Miscalculating static deflection
• Failing to account for external factors
• Not considering dynamic forces
• Not taking into account shock and rebound forces.

How AV Industrial Products Ltd Can Help.

At AV Industrial Products, we manufacture and supply a range of anti-vibration mounts to industries across the UK and beyond. We offer both standard and bespoke mounting solutions to improve your equipment’s performance, longevity and reliability.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of adss hardware. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.