The right rubber mounting enhances the efficiency of machinery or equipment. These components are designed to absorb and isolate vibrations that machinery generates in the course of operation. Failure to isolate the vibrational energy can accelerate the degradation of machinery parts, lead to operational inefficiencies, and cause safety risks. What factors should you consider when selecting the right Industrial Rubber Mounts?
Understand the Purpose of the Mounting
The rubber mount you choose should suit its application. To get it right, one should begin by defining the purpose of the mount. The aspects of the mount’s applications that should be carefully assessed include:
- Understanding of the system it will support
- The nature of the vibrations or forces it will encounter
- The broader operational environment
For static applications, such as in an HVAC system installed in a building, mounts made from natural rubber, which provide a good balance between load-bearing capacity and vibration isolation are ideal. Dynamic applications involve systems where motion, impact, or variable forces are significant, such as in industrial machines and automotive systems. The mounts for such applications often need enhanced damping properties to deal with vibrations over a broad frequency range.
Assess the Specific Load Requirements
Mounts are engineered to handle specific load capacities, which include static and dynamic forces. Ensuring the correct load capacity is essential for the mount to perform effectively. Overloading or underloading a mount can compromise its functionality, durability, and efficiency.
Consider a heavy-duty industrial compressor that weighs 2,500kg and operates with 5 mounts. The system produces vibrations due to moving components and may occasionally experience shocks during startup or shutdown. In this case, each mount should support at least 500kg. After you factor in the static load and the shocks, this compressor requires each mount to have a load capacity of about 700kg.
Select Mounts Made from an Appropriate Rubber Compound
Different rubber materials have unique properties, making them ideal for certain applications. For equipment in a stable environment, a mount made from natural rubber is ideal. The material is known to have excellent elasticity, superior vibration-dampening capabilities, and high tensile strength. These mounts are used in machinery operating indoors or in controlled conditions, such as compressors, fans, and small motors.
For equipment exposed to lubricants and oils, such as pumps, generators, and automotive components, the ideal Rubber Bushes should be made from neoprene. The rubber has excellent resistance to oils, greases, and mild chemicals. Additionally, neoprene offers decent weather resistance.
The Mount’s Design and Configuration Matters
Mounts come in a variety of shapes, each designed for specific applications, load-bearing capability, and installation constraints. Cylindrical mounts are among the simplest and most versatile designs. They are suitable for applications that require simple yet effective vibration isolation. For instance, these mounts are ideal for general-purpose industrial equipment, such as compressors, pumps, and small motors.
Cone-shaped mounts are designed to handle both compressive and shear forces. Because of their high load-bearing capacities, they are ideal for heavy-duty machinery, such as industrial vehicles, construction equipment, and large engines.
Consult Mounts’ Experts
The complexity of certain applications or unique operational challenges may require professional guidance. Consulting an expert ensures that you choose the most suitable solution tailored to your specific needs. Experts have extensive technical knowledge of anti-vibration mounts, including their materials, designs, and performance characteristics in various environments. By consulting a professional, you can save time, reduce operational risks, and ensure your equipment performs at its best.
Invest in the Best Industrial Rubber Mounts
Choosing the right anti-vibration rubber mounts requires careful consideration of load, material, environment, and design. For complex applications, consulting experts can ensure your machinery operates efficiently, safely, and with minimal part degradation. Make the right choice today to protect your investment for years to come.
At Fibet, we provide the best anti-vibration mounts. Fibet UK based customers are supported by our distribution site in Lancashire, which is managed by a small but very efficient team who will provide you with the highest level of personal – yet professional service that surpasses anyone else within our industry. This service is backed up with the widest range of Fibet parts held in stock at these premises for next day delivery. The Fibet Group has our head office in Turin, Italy where our key technical resources reside alongside our manufacturing facilities.
