Vibration Control Products
Many mechanical components and systems have a limited tolerance for vibration. Left unchecked, vibration creates noise, causes user discomfort, loosens fasteners, damages seals, and leads to fatigue-induced failure in metals and plastics. Whether your application calls for a custom-designed component or one made to your print, RL Hudson’s vibration control products can help you “get a grip” on vibration. Our material experts and design engineers understand what it takes to meet your most demanding requirements.
BUMPERS reduce the peak force exerted on a component by deforming under impact load. When a moving object contacts a stationary one, its speed instantly becomes zero, sending a shock wave through both objects. Bumpers extend the impact time, thus reducing impact forces, and many designs also absorb impact energy. Although they are usually rubber, or a combination of rubber and plastic or metal, bumpers may also contain springs and/or shock absorbers. Bumpers are usually designed to recover their original dimensions after impact.
SURFACING PRODUCTS
APPLICATIONS INCLUDE:
Appliances
Door close cushions
Isolating motor mounts
Rack and door bumpers
Agricultural & Heavy Equipment
Seat suspension shock absorbers,
bumpers
Hose and wiring harness retainer
cushions
Electronic equipment mounts
Vehicles & Engines
Suspension stop bumpers
Hose & wiring harness retainer
cushions
Marine
Hatch close cushions
Fan/blower motor mounts
Electronic equipment mounts
Pump/generator isolators
Outdoor Power Equipment
Backpack engine isolators
Tool handle isolators
Fuel tank cushions/retainers
Recreational Vehicles
Suspension stop bumpers
Suspension springs
Battery cushions
Electronic equipment mounts
CUSHIONS can absorb shock, reduce the transmission of vibration, or distribute applied forces over a larger area. In mechanical systems, they are often used where there is little or no relative motion between two objects. They may also perform the same functions as bumpers or shock absorbers. Cushions are often low-hardness solid rubber or foam rubber (or in some applications, plastic foam) but some designs use an oil-filled damping cylinder. Such cushions are often used on doors and hatch covers.
DAMPING To “damp” means to reduce or restrain, as in to damp vibration. Damping products absorb and dissipate energy from vibration, shock, or impact. Bumpers and cushions may or may not also perform a damping function. Certain solid rubber materials–notably, butyl (IIR)–readily damp vibration and impact, as do mechanical shock absorbers. Many rubber and plastic foams also damp vibration, shock, and impact.
ISOLATORS are used to separate (decouple) one or more components from a source of vibration. An isolator may simply allow two mechanically-linked components to vibrate at different frequencies, without absorbing any energy itself, or it may also be designed to absorb some energy. Isolators are usually rubber, or a combination of rubber and plastic or metal, but they may also employ springs.
SHOCK ABSORBERS usually consist of one or more closed cylinders that each contain a piston and a quantity of oil. The piston contains holes, valves, or both, to allow a restricted flow of oil as the piston moves in response to shock, impact, or vibration. This flow restriction absorbs energy. Shock absorbers may or may not be built with return springs. Some designs use air instead of oil.
SPRINGS A spring stores mechanical energy but does not absorb or dissipate energy. Springs are often used as isolators. They may be made of hardened steel, rubber, or plastic. A pneumatic spring design uses a tight-fitting piston inside a closed cylinder. The piston compresses the air when the assembly is put under load.
RUBBER SHEET has long been used as a sound and vibration damper under equipment supports and machinery bases. It’s available in a variety of hardnesses, thicknesses, and materials, and in both oil-resistant and non-oil-resistant compounds. Applications include battery tray cushions, engine mounts, harness retainers, and door bumpers.
LET US HELP RL Hudson supplies bearing and anti-friction products to some of the largest and most demanding manufacturing companies in the world. If we can be of service to you, please let us know. You can reach us at 1-800-722-6766.
