One of the greatest causes of wear and tear on equipment is through continual vibration causing components to rub and move against each other. Not only does this create surface damage with the possibility to increase corrosion and stress on the part or component, but it also creates noise, which can contribute to an unhealthy work environment.
The use of anti-vibration mounts is a low-cost, highly effective way to simply place a buffer between the two parts. The mounts, typically designed with a rubber or another material, are placed strategically between the two components. The choice of rubber also has the added benefit of eliminating the risk of electric shock, which is important in equipment as well as in systems.
Factors to Consider
The choice of anti-vibration mounts is a factor of the weight of the load, the type of vibration or shock present as well as the ability to position the mounts.
The weight to be supported by the mounts should be considered as the maximum possible weight, not the average weight. This is important to avoid choosing a mount which may have the ability to handle the typical load but may not have the ability to prevent vibration with the maximum possible load on the equipment or through the system.
The type of load can be compressed, which is a downward force, or shear. Shear force is the movement of the load, which requires a different design in vibration isolation requirements.
The number of mounts will be based on the equipment design as well as the capability for support of the mounts. There is a practical factor involved as well both in the structural design of the equipment as well as the limitations in positioning the mounts.
Working with a top manufacturer of anti-vibration mounts will ensure the correct mount for the job is selected. These companies can often provide custom mounts if required to provide the necessary isolation.