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Procedure for selecting a vibration isolator
- Determine the load (weight) of the unit that requires isolation. Divide the weight of the system by the number of isolators to be used. This is the load per isolator. standard sheet stock. See the sheet stock section or contact the factory for further information. Applications range from rocket launchers to cell phones. Volumes range from 50 pieces to 100,000s of pieces. Consult the factory for volume quotes.
- Determine the lowest critical frequency (excitation frequency) of the system. For example: RPM of the motor, rate at which a cylinder strokes, output speed of a speed reducer. Divide minute-based information, such as RPM, by 60 to convert to Hertz (cycles per second).
- Select an appropriate isolator by using the information charts supplied with each product. Generally, an appropriate isolator will create a system natural frequency at least one third lower than the excitation frequency. For instance, if the source of the vibration is an 1800 RPM motor, then the excitation frequency is 1800/60 = 30 Hertz. The resultant, (damped) system natural frequency should be 20 Hertz or less.
- Select the isolator that meets the technical and physical requirements of your system. In addition to a part number, you must also specify the durometer of the Sorbothane part required to get the specified load rating. Do not oversize isolators. Oversized isolators raise the natural frequency and reduce the effectiveness. Sorbothane's standard colors are black, gray and royal blue. Other colors are available for large quantity special orders.
- Remember: A bad design can actually make things worse for vibration damping. Consult the factory if you are having problems.
- Remember: Sorbothane works best in compression. If you have a tension application, bushings or a custom variation of the bushings are your best options.
