In a great number of industries and applications, vibration control technologyhas a hugely important role. That being, to both control and mitigate vibration transmission. Because of how fundamental anti vibration technologyis to some sectors, for example construction and engineering, continuous developments are being made in the capabilities of components, designs, and vibration control techniques. .
As we stand in 2023, innovative technology is being developed and released all the time. And as a vibration isolation expert ourselves, we are both excited and hopeful about the future of this industry.
Today, we at AV Industrial Products are going to explore the vast world of vibration control technology. We are going to illustrate why this technology is so important whilst also providing an insight into the type of tech available today. For anyone who has an interest in vibration control, or works in a field that handles vibration management, there are an array of exciting developments that will propel the current landscape forward. Continue below for more information.
Vibration: The Basics
Before we delve into the often complex world of anti vibration technology, we want to ensure some basic concepts are outlined.
Most machinery and equipment, across the entire spectrum of industries and sectors, is susceptible to producing unwanted vibration. It is a phenomenon that is closely associated with a range of items, such as Internal combustion engines, vehicles and industrial machinery.
Whilst some level of vibration is safe, and to be expected, there are instances where it becomes unsafe. Machinery or equipment that cause high levels of vibration need to be managed, both from an internal and external perspective. If not, it can cause premature degradation of the equipment and even pose a health hazard to humans. See our article on hand-arm vibration for an insight on this.
Manufacturers from a range of niches have always sought to control vibration through vibration control technology. From tools with analysis capabilities to internal components such as Anti Vibration mountings that physically absorb vibration, the world of vibration control is broad and hugely varied.
Why Is Anti Vibration Technology Important?
The answer is quite simple. Excessive vibration, that is left unmanaged, has the potential to wreak havoc on equipment, the environment and people.
Examples vary from industry to industry. One common example is a construction worker handling industrial machinery that emits harsh vibration. Not only can this create excessive levels of noise, and erode the longevity of expensive machinery, but it poses a substantial health risk to the worker.
This translates to other industries too, however. Take aerospace or mechanical engineering. Operators, regardless of their specific niche, often have to operate under harsh or stringent conditions. Vibration cannot be allowed to interfere, as it holds the potential to affect output and accuracy of results. In some cases, this could be catastrophic.
In any industry where someone produces or handles vibrating equipment, anti vibration technologywill be present. But in 2023, what new technology are people relying on to stop vibration? We explore below.
Vibration Control Technology & Innovations
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Anti Vibration Mountings
Rubber Anti-Vibration mountings have been in use for decades, however with the development of accurate measuring equipment and processing software, AV engineers are able to accurate determine the vibration signature of a piece of equipment, allowing a tailored anti-vibration mountings to be created. This can include fine tuning of the mounting natural frequency, adjustment of damping factors, and modification of rubber formulations to ensure the very best performance is achieved. -
Hybrid Visco Elastic Components
The use of Hydro Elastic products within the anti-vibration field is rapidly developing within the industrial sector. The principle of utilising rubber, as in the above example, to isolate against vibration, along with a viscous damper to control excessive shock and amplitude. The damping factor can be controlled, whilst the rubber can remain relatively soft to provide high levels of vibration isolation
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Conversion Technology
Many people are looking at how we can repurpose vibration. Manufacturers of vibration powered generators, for example, are looking at ways of taking vibration and movement and converting it into electrical energy.
Wouldn’t it be fantastic if excessive vibration, that historically causes so many issues, could be captured and reversed in order to create energy?
Paving the Way at AV Industrial Products
As a front runner who is often responsible for delivering vibration isolation solutions, we have put a lot of resources and thought into vibration control technology.
Our hydro mounts are an example of this. Historically, rubber mountings have been used to control vibration. This still remains the case today.
However, our team has developed a range of hydro-elastic product which, in addition to having a rubber element, also has a hydraulic chamber and piston. This piston absorbs shock and high amplitude vibration, whilst the soft rubber element delivers high vibration absorption.
We work both on a consultative and practical basis to deliver leading anti vibration solutions. If you would like to discuss how we can help you, we encourage you to contact us today.