In clean rooms, in basements, on top floors and on factory floors, everything vibrates. Elevators, a machine’s natural frequency, machinery, weather and other factors can cause vibrations. The shaking and accompanying noise can result in damage to equipment. Excessive wear, decreased longevity and even structural damage can occur if vibrations are not controlled. Companies install vibration isolation products to prevent this from happening.
What They Do
These devices lessen the impact of the vibration and/or noise on the various elements of the workplace. This includes the people as well as the equipment or structure. The best examples of vibration isolators reduce the natural frequency of the items in question, decreasing it to below either the disturbing or excitation frequency.
Applications
Isolation products are available for several applications. Among the most common are:
1. Machinery
2. Ductwork
3. Piping
Thus, vibration isolation technology is in place for HVAC systems. However, it is also available to address any vibrations issues in electromechanical and optical equipment. In cleanrooms, great care is taken to install the right isolation products to prevent problems from occurring.
Among the industries that utilize vibration isolation products are:
• Aerospace
• Interferometry
• Materials fabrication
• Microscopy, e.g., AFM, STM, SEM, STEM, white light and laser
• Micro harness testers
• Optics
• Profilometry: Utilizing an instrument to measure the profile of a surface
When selecting the product, it is imperative to choose the right one for the application.
Vibration Isolation Products
When it is essential to install a vibration isolator, companies can select from various models and types. While metal is available, hard rubber is often the preferred material. The devices come in diverse types. These are passive (without energy supplies) or active isolators. Three common formats are:
1. Mounts
2. Hangers
3. Pads
After consideration of the specific demands of the application, companies will work with engineers and other specialists in this area to ensure the installation of the most compatible, efficient and effective vibration isolation products.
