What Is the Best Material for Isolator Pad Construction?

Vibration is present in all systems to some extent or other. Minute vibrations are created by actions as simple as taking a step or bending your elbow. However, in larger systems, those vibrations can become very problematic. For instance, consider the vibrations caused by a centrifuge used in a medical facility. The machine spins rapidly, creating a considerable amount of vibration. However, if that vibration were to go unchecked, it would eventually compromise the device’s performance and interfere with test results. Materials for isolator pad construction can greatly aid in reducing vibration within systems.

Vibration isolator pads do a different job than dampeners. Dampeners are responsible for eliminating mechanical energy within a system. In essence, they eliminate vibrations once they have started. However, isolator pads work before vibrations really get started. They keep the natural frequencies of a system to a lower level, reducing the problems of vibration. Obviously, this is a very important role, and the best materials possible should be chosen for the job. In many instances, metal springs and rubber bushings are used as isolators. However, this is not necessarily the right combination, as both materials have some problems.

Sorbothane, a unique blend of viscoelastic polymers, offers much better operation for isolator pad construction, and can also be used to manufacture vibration dampeners and shock absorbers for use in numerous different applications. Sorbothane is quite a bit different from other materials traditionally used to reduce vibrations. For instance, it has a much wider range of operable temperatures than rubber or silicone. It is also far longer lived than foam products, or even natural or synthetic rubber. In addition, Sorbothane offers a good damping coefficient.

In addition, those in need of isolator pad materials will find that Sorbothane is available in more than one durometer, which is a measure of hardness. Sorbothane is softer than most other materials used to create isolator pads, measured on the 00 Shore scale. Rubber, on the other hand, usually use the A or D scale. Of course, this material is available with different durometer ratings to meet the demands of different operating environments and vibration isolation needs.

For those in need of the best possible material for isolator pad construction, Sorbothane is an ideal solution. This material can provide considerable benefits, and suffers none of the drawbacks found with traditional materials used for the purpose.

Interested in learning more about Sorbothane’s solutions? Contact us today to learn more.