Anti vibration pads, also called vibration isolation pads or vibration dampening pads, are devices that reduce or eliminate vibrations and shocks by absorbing and evenly distributing them. These vibration-dampening pads constitute incompressible and vibration-dampening materials that deflect the movement by changing their shapes. The fundamental function of an anti-vibration pad is to isolate vibrations and shocks from various machines, equipment, and even humans. This ensures the components’ structural integrity and improves the overall performance of sensitive equipment. Moreover, vibration isolation pads also help minimise noise levels and are lightweight. Depending on the type, these crucial pads are widely used in multiple commercial, industrial, and residential facilities.
Materials of Anti Vibration Pads
Anti vibration pads are typically made of highly vibration-resistant and incompressible materials with good vibration-damping properties, including rubber, neoprene, silicone, foam, and elastomers. The materials' choice depends on their intended applications, settings, and specifications. For instance, rubber antivibration pads are widely used among silicone and foam anti vibration pads.
Potential Benefits of Anti-Vibration Pads
Anti-vibration pads offer unprecedented benefits to users in various aspects, such as:
- They minimise expenses by avoiding equipment damage and frequent replacement.
- Made of rugged materials with a long lifespan.
- They are easy to install efficiently.
- Safeguard and improve the performance of valuable equipment, machinery, and appliances by distributing or dampening shocks and vibrations.
- Feature noise immunity, improving working conditions.
- Versatile and lightweight.
Types of Anti Vibration Pads
Several types of anti-vibration pads are available that suit various applications. Some are simple rubber or foam pads, while others have advanced designs providing better vibration isolation. There are pad models specifically designed for heavy machinery, HVAC equipment, or appliances like washing machines and refrigerators. Other anti-vibration pad types include:
- Rubber Pads
- Cork Pads
- Anti-vibration Mounts
- Elastomer Pads
- Gel Pads
- Neoprene Pads
- Spring Mounts
- Silicon Pads
- Foam Pads
- Machine Foot Mounts.
Typical Applications/Environments of Anti-Vibration Pads
Anti-vibration pads are indispensable tools to protect machinery, appliances, and equipment from damage caused by vibrations, increasing their lifespan. These pads are effectively used in various settings, including:
- Industrial Settings – Vibration isolation pads are found in heavy industrial machinery, pumps, compressors, generators, and manufacturing equipment.
- Commercial Buildings – Vibration dampening pads are used in commercial facilities in HVAC systems, elevators, and escalators.
- Residential Settings – Antivibration pads also find applications in domestic appliances like washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers.
- Scientific and Medical Equipment – Bespoke pads are utilised in health and scientific facilities, including laboratory instruments, microscopy setups, and medical imaging devices.
