Rubber Mounts
Rubber mounts are a type of shock absorber used to relieve stress and kinetic energy that is produced by vibrations in devices such as engines, production machinery and more. Vibration is defined as a series of oscillations that move at a cyclic pace at varying frequencies and when applied consistently to motor parts or components can drastically increase the rate of material deterioration.
Quick links to Rubber Mounts Information
Advantages to Rubber Mounts
There are a number of benefits to using rubber mounts in vibration control including the reduced maintenance costs which occur as the mounts provide a protective element to the effects of wear and tear. As they are composed of rubber, which displays many elastic qualities, rubber mounts are an ideal for vibration absorption and can often satisfactorily reduce most of the unwanted energy that results from machinery operation.
Rubber mounts are used in engines, pumps, air conditioning units, fans, appliances, audio speakers, and transportation vehicles. They are most often available in stock sizes which are able to be shipped immediately and are more than suitable for many of these standard applications. They can however, be custom fabricated if specific sizes or shapes are required, however the machining costs may be a little more expensive.
Another advantage of using rubber mounts is that they are low maintenance components of a system and typically require minimal upkeep or lubrication. However, as with all rubber based products, there will be deterioration over time. This may be impacted by the specifics of the mounting application, and will be expedited by exposure to water, oils or other operating fluids. Therefore, rubber mounts will have to be periodically replaced to ensure the system is running at its optimum level.
Design of Rubber Mounts
Rubber mounts typically have two parts: an isolator and fasteners. They are classified according to applications and specific characteristics such as marine, cone, shear, center bonded, machine leveling, stationary or hanging, shear and specialty. In general, the fasteners are composed of threaded metal, while the isolator core is composed of natural or synthetic rubber used to absorb vibration.
- Vibration
- May come from an external source or from within the equipment. Internal vibration is often caused by an imbalance between equipment components and mounts are used to prevent this imbalance from causing operating problems in the engine. Vibration mounts can be constructed of a variety of materials, rubber being one that is very common due to its ability to absorb kinetic energy and prevent the transfer of vibration or movement. Rubber mounts isolate the equipment to which the mounts are attached, preventing the spread of vibrations throughout the equipment.