Anti Vibration Mounts

Anti-vibration mounts, commonly known as AV mounts, act as a low-cost vibration damping device, noise reducer or shock absorber in various machine applications. These mounts are designed to minimise the transmission of vibrations and noise from machinery to surrounding structures, improving operational efficiency and comfort. Anti-vibration mounts have male and female threads for easy installation and are often made from durable materials like stainless steel and natural rubber.

The operating principle of anti-vibration mounts is based on isolating vibrations by absorbing and dissipating the energy generated by machinery. When a machine operates, it generates vibrations that can travel through the mounting points into the supporting structures, causing noise and potential damage.

For example, in systems with relay sockets, these mounts ensure stable operation by preventing mechanical stress. Similarly, in HVAC systems, anti-vibration mounts provide significant soundproofing by reducing noise, thus improving system efficiency.

The rubber component of the anti-vibration mount acts as a vibration isolator that flexes and absorbs these vibrations, converting the mechanical energy into heat, which is then dissipated. This process effectively reduces the vibration and noise transmitted, protecting the machinery and the surrounding environment.

Considerations for Selecting an Anti-Vibration Mount

Selecting the appropriate anti-vibration mount is crucial for ensuring optimal performance and longevity of your machinery. Here are key considerations to keep in mind:

• Determine machinery weight and number of mounts: Start by determining the total weight of the machinery. Heavier machinery will require more or larger mounts to distribute the load effectively.
• Calculate weight per mount: Calculate the weight each mount will need to support, considering any uneven weight distribution. This ensures each mount can handle its share of the load without failure. For instance, M6, M8, and M10 rubber mounts provide varying support capacities.
• Assess operating speeds: Evaluate the machinery’s normal and lowest operating speeds. Different mounts are designed to perform optimally at specific vibration frequencies, so knowing these speeds helps to select the right mount.
• Choose mounting type: Select the type of mount based on the load and required static deflection. Different mounts offer various load support and deflection levels, so choose the one that matches your application needs.
• Identify static deflection: Identify the mount’s static deflection, which is the amount of compression the mount will undergo due to the equipment’s weight. This helps in understanding how the mount will behave under load.
• Ensure flexible connections: Ensure the equipment connections are flexible enough to allow free movement. This prevents rigid connections from transferring vibrations, which can reduce the effectiveness of the mounts.

Types of Anti-Vibration Mounts

The range of anti-vibration mounts include:

Cylindrical mounts

Also known as bobbins, cylindrical mounts are used in compression or shear applications. They include waisted bobbins with low shear stiffness properties and various thread configurations and hexagon bobbins which are designed so that mountings can be held with a spanner to avoid twisting the rubber during installation. They are commonly found in diesel engines, generator sets, control panels and industrial machinery. For instance, M8 and M10 anti-vibration mounts are cylindrical mounts suitable for different load requirements.

Buffers & rubber bumpers

These vibration isolators made of rubber include flat buffers used in compression and have various mounting configurations and conical buffers which give high levels of deformation under impact/load and provide progressive stiffness to absorb energy which protects equipment. Their applications include agriculture, suspension and general industrial machinery.

Failsafe anti-vibration mounts

Failsafe anti-vibration mounts like bell mounts are designed with an integral overload stop to control the movement of equipment during transit. They are universal, cost-effective, high performing and easy to install. Used in shear compression with 95% vibration reduction. The cab and cone are robust with high horizontal stiffness and excellent vibration isolation properties. They can be supplied with bump and rebound washers for failsafe mounting and low-profile installation. Their applications include engines and construction.

Rectangular anti-vibration mounts

Rectangular anti-vibration mounts were designed for marine propulsion engines and can accommodate thrust. They are high-performing, easy to install and cost-effective. Their applications include marine propulsion engines, generating sets, diesel engines, vehicles, pumps and compressors.

Standard rubber anti-vibration mounts

Standard rubber anti-vibration mounts such as M6, M8, and M10 are low cost and include a turret, flanged circular and sandwich. The turret was designed for static applications in the HVAC industry. The bonded rubber encapsulates the metal parts to avoid corrosion.

Levelling feet

Levelling feet allow machinery to be levelled while vibration and noise are reduced. Applications include machine tools, lathes, presses, heavy industrial equipment, conveyors, food processing and pharmaceuticals.

Anti-vibration pads

Anti-vibration pads are compact, easy to install, and cost-effective solutions that help isolate vibrations. Available in various sizes and materials, these mounts are used extensively in industrial machinery, HVAC systems, generators, pumps, and motors.

Shear compression mounts

Shear compression mounts work in both compression (axial) and shear (radial) modes. They are easy to fix and install, offering excellent performance for applications requiring a combination of load-bearing and vibration isolation. These mounts are ideal for controlling vertical and horizontal vibrations in machinery.

Industrial Applications

Anti-vibration mounts are essential in various heavy-duty industrial applications for reducing noise, damping vibrations, and absorbing shocks, thereby protecting machinery and infrastructure. In manufacturing plants, they help stabilise heavy machinery such as presses, lathes, and milling machines, ensuring precision and prolonging equipment life. For instance, using anti-vibration mounts together with contactors ensures stable and reliable operation, reducing wear and tear caused by vibrations.

In power generation facilities, anti-vibration mounts help isolate generators and turbines from the surrounding structure, minimising operational vibrations and enhancing efficiency. HVAC systems also benefit from these mounts, as they reduce noise and vibration in compressors, fans, and ductwork, leading to quieter and more efficient climate control.

Buying Anti-Vibration Mounts: Ordering and Delivery Information for Australia

RS is a trusted supplier and distributor of anti-vibration mounts, providing a wide range from top brands such as RS PRO, FIBET, Paulstra Hutchinson, and SKF.

If you want to order our anti-vibration mounts, you can do it online or by calling us at 1300 656 636. To order online, add products to the cart, or enter RS stock numbers directly. After finalising the quantity of the anti-vibration mounts, choose from delivery options, i.e. next working day delivery or forward order for a future date within the next 12 months. After that, review your order, select your payment method, and finalise your purchase. Please note that we offer next working day delivery only for orders placed before 5 pm AEST Monday to Friday.

Additionally, delivery is free for approved business account customers on orders over $40 and there is a charge of $10 for smaller orders. For any inquiries or information regarding ordering and delivery, get in touch with our customer service.