Vibration Mounts
Vibration mounts are used to support heavy mechanical or industrial
equipment, and to isolate and absorb vibrations which result from the
running of the machines or equipment. Continuous vibration takes its
toll on parts and components, resulting in equipment malfunction or
faulty product manufacturing. The noise caused as a result of some
vibrations can also create an unpleasant working environment and may be
hazardous to worker safety.
Shock absorbers and vibration control parts are used to prevent kinetic energy and motion from flowing through two connecting surfaces, thereby reducing the effects of vibration and the potential for resulting noise. Furthermore, sensitive equipment and control panels, as well as precision machines can be protected from damage or irregularities that may occur from exposure to powerful vibrations by the use of mounts or another energy absorption device such as rubber bumpers. Vibration mounts typically consist of two parts: the isolator and the fasteners. The fasteners are metal studs used to attach the mount to its fixed surface and to the piece of equipment which it is to control the vibration for. The isolator is the vibration absorbent material that surrounds the fasteners. This is typically made from a mix of polymers, such as rubber and a plastic. Vibration mounts can be plate mounts, seismic mounts, stud mounts, cylindrical mounts, ring mounts and more, depending on the intended applications.
Industries as varied as power plants, laundry facilities, food processing and air conditioning all use vibration mounts in certain applications in order to achieve greater output and performance from the machines, reduced maintenance and repair costs and a longer operating life. Vehicles, generators, pumps and centrifuges, fans, marine equipment, air compressors and most rotating industrial equipment all use various forms of vibration mounts or vibration absorbers. They are typically easy to manufacture and relatively cheap in terms of benefits realized from their use. Rubber is a durable material and so provides a low maintenance option for vibration control. Stock items can be used for most general applications; however, custom specifications are able to be met by many manufacturers in terms of size, absorption capabilities and mounting configurations. Choosing a mounting type is based on application and needed load bearing range. For low frequency disturbances such as in fridges or air conditioners, a spring mount can adequately meet the vibration control needs. For heavier-duty applications, a seismic mount or a stud mount might be more appropriate.