How to Choose the Right Anti-Vibration Rubber Mounting
Whether you’re an OEM or machinery user, understanding and capitalizing on the benefits anti-vibration rubber mounts brings is crucial . Ans hence arises the question of How to Choose the Right Anti-Vibration Rubber Mounting.
Vibrations can cause:
Damage to machine and its Vibration sensitive controllers and panels
Loosening of screws ,gears, bearings , bolts etc. -escalating repair and maintenance costs
Loss of production – poor outputs , damaged component Finish, Accuracy and Part Tolerance
Transmitted noise, shock and vibrations, which can travel throughout a building
Damage to floors and structural units
Malfunctions , inaccuracies and disturbed alignment / calibrations of sensitive and precision equipments
Operator discomfort , unsafe workplace environment causing worker fatigue
Shortened lifespan of machine
Anti-vibration rubber mounts offer a cost-effective means to mitigate the adverse impacts of vibration on your equipment/machinery and surroundings. Natural Rubber or Neoprene elastomers or Dynemech customized elastomeric compounds handle most vibration isolation problems.
In this blog, we will explore the process of selecting the appropriate anti-vibration rubber mounts for your machinery. As a prominent manufacturer of anti-vibration products, we possess extensive experience in assisting our clients in identifying the optimal solutions for their requirements. Let’s begin!
Determine the Equipment’s Weight and load distribution
The first step in choosing the right anti-vibration rubber mounting is to determine the weight of the equipment that needs to be isolated. The weight of the equipment will determine the size , type and number of rubber mounting that will be needed. Identify the total weight (kg) of the equipment/machinery and the number of mountings that’ll be required. The higher the total weight, the larger the mountings or, the higher the number of mountings needed to reduce the machine vibrations.
Determine the weight allocation for each mounting.
We need to keep in mind that the machinery’s weight might not be uniformly distributed. And total machinery weight needs to consider the total weight of working components, tools and dies together. For example, if the machinery weighs 800 kg, you would need anti vibration mounts with a load-bearing capacity of 200 kg each when purchasing four mounts to evenly distribute the weight. Ensure an even load distribution by checking the center of gravity, as different locations may require mounts with varying load capacities.
Load per mounting (kgs) = total load (kgs) ÷ number of mountings
Pressure per mounting (kgs/sq cm) = Load per mount (kgs) ÷ mount/foot area (square cm)
Determine the Equipment’s Vibration Profile
The next step is to determine the vibration profile of the equipment – identify the frequency (Hertz, Hz) , amplitude , RPM (revolutions per minute).
Determine the normal operational speed of the machinery or RPM (revolutions per minute), referred to as the forcing frequency and also the lowest operating speed (normally at idle), which determines the amounts of vibration emitted by the equipment/ machinery
The forces and moments generated by this RPM will decide the choice of anti vibration mountings needed to mitigate vibrations.
When the vibration frequency is not known, calculations of the disturbing frequency (Hz) are based on the operating speed (RPM).
Disturbing frequency (Hz) = operating speed (RPM) ÷ 60
Determine the natural frequency (Hz) that the system needs for 80% isolation.
Required Natural frequency (Hz) = Disturbing frequency (Hz) ÷ 2.45
Determine the Operating or the Application Environment
Take into account the operating conditions and where the equipment is to be mounted- outside or inside buildings, rooftops, ceiling mounted, floor mounted or in any other positioning.
Exposure to temperature, humidity, and industrial chemicals , cleaning liquids, or harsh elements can influence the effectiveness of the chosen anti-vibration rubber mounting.
Ensure to select a rubber mounting designed to perform well in the specific operating environment of your equipment.The variant of rubber selected is based on the environment conditions. Our stainless steel variants offer rust free outdoors mounting options and spring isolators offer options to mount in varied positions offering effective vibration control in which ever way the machinery is supported or installed.
Dynemech also offers solutions in various mounting configurations- like bolted, free standing, bolt through, tapped hole, threaded studs or any other mounting applications. Clearance requirements between equipment and building foundation are also to be considered.
Consider the Type of Mounting
There are several types of anti-vibration rubber mountings to choose from, including but not limited to vibration insulation plates , wedge mounts, Screw support mounts, stud mounts and many more. The type of mounting that you choose will depend on the equipment, the vibration profile and damping requirements.
There’s an inverse relationship between vibration dampening and impact load resistance based on the natural frequency of the anti vibration rubber mountings. A lower natural frequency provides higher vibration dampening but lower impact load resistance, and vice versa .
Moreover, shape, size and material of vibration isolators differ offering customers a wide range to choose from.
Determining whether vibrational frequencies are traveling to the machinery or if vibrations generated in the equipment are to be dampened affect the mounting selection. Vibration isolators prevent the transmission of vibrations , wheres Vibration dampeners, also known as vibration dampers, work to minimize the transmission of vibrational energy affect the selection of anti vibration mountings.
Find the desired static deflection
Static deflection = incremental distance the isolator spring is compressed under equipment weight. Isolator’s static deflection & supporting load achieve the appropriate system natural frequency. The greater the static deflection achieved without compressing to solid, the more vibration isolation the anti vibration mounting must achieve.
Required Static Deflection = (5/Desired Natural Frequency)^2
δ = (5/f)^2
Static Deflection – (Measured in cm , δ) – Static deflection is the extension or compression of the constraint.
Frequency – (Measured in Hertz, Hz)
Consider the Maintenance Requirements
Finally, you’ll want to consider the maintenance requirements of the anti-vibration rubber mounting. Some mountings require more maintenance than others, so you’ll want to choose one that fits your needs. For example, some mountings may require periodic tightening or lubrication, while others may be maintenance-free.
Conclusion
Choosing the right anti-vibration rubber mounting is critical to ensuring the longevity ,stability and productivity efficiency of any manufacturing equipment. By considering the load distribution , vibration profile in terms of desired natural frequency and static deflection required , application environment, type of mounting, mounting and maintenance requirements, you can find the best solution for your needs. If you need help choosing the Right Anti-Vibration Rubber Mounting, our team of experts is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services.