Rubber springs – find manufacturers and suppliers

Rubber springs combine suspension and damping in a single component.

Rubber springs are elastic mechanical components that absorb forces, cushion movements, and reduce vibrations. Unlike metal springs, they provide inherent damping due to internal friction within the elastomer. This allows them to perform both spring and damping functions in a single compact component.
Rubber springs are used in mechanical and plant engineering, in vehicles, conveyor systems, presses, and numerous other technical applications. Depending on their design, they can be subjected to compression, shear, torsion, or a combination of these types of loads.

Below, you’ll learn how rubber springs work, what types are available, where they’re used, and what criteria are important when selecting them.

Structure and function of rubber springs

Rubber springs are made of natural rubber or engineering elastomers, with the material composition tailored to the specific application. Many designs are connected to metal plates, bushings, threaded bolts, or other metal fasteners. The bond between rubber and metal is often created through vulcanization.
When loaded, the elastomer body deforms and generates a restoring force. At the same time, part of the kinetic energy is converted into heat through internal friction. Rubber springs therefore not only provide spring action but also act as dampers.
The spring characteristic is determined by the geometry, the material hardness, and the direction of the load. Many rubber springs have a progressive characteristic curve: as deformation increases, the required force rises disproportionately. This allows smaller loads to be absorbed elastically while progressively limiting larger movements.
Since elastomers behave differently under static and dynamic loads, the manufacturer’s load-deflection curves and dynamic characteristics should be used for design purposes whenever possible.

Types of rubber springs

Solid rubber springs

Solid rubber springs have a compact elastomer body and are primarily loaded under compression. They are suitable for small deflections, high loads, and applications requiring a robust and simple spring system.
Depending on their shape, they can be cylindrical, rectangular, conical, or arched. The geometry influences the available travel and the shape of the spring characteristic curve.

Hollow rubber springs

Hollow rubber springs feature a hollow cavity or a specially shaped profile. This allows them to accommodate greater deflections than comparable solid designs. As the spring compresses, its geometry changes, often resulting in a distinctly progressive spring characteristic.
This design is used, among other things, as an auxiliary spring, a stop element, or a high-load-capacity spring element in machines and vehicles.

Bonded rubber-to-metal springs

In bonded rubber-to-metal springs, the elastomer body is firmly bonded to metal end pieces.. Threaded bolts, internal threads, flanges, or mounting plates facilitate installation and enable defined force transmission.
Depending on the design, rubber-metal springs can absorb compressive, shear, and combined loads. Tensile forces are only permissible if the element is specifically designed for this purpose and, if necessary, secured against tearing.

Rubber torsion springs

Torsion rubber springs utilize the elastic deformation of rubber bodies to absorb rotational movements. They can serve as a return spring element, an elastic joint, or a component of oscillating systems.
Typical applications include clamping devices, swing arms, conveyor systems, belt tensioners, and elastically mounted machine components.

Rubber Ring and Disc Springs

Ring- and disc-shaped rubber springs are subjected to axial or radial loads. Multiple elements can be combined into spring assemblies to adapt the load-bearing capacity, spring travel, and characteristic curve to the specific application.
They are used, for example, in buffer systems, couplings, suspensions, and industrial mountings.

Applications of Rubber Springs

Machinery and Plant Engineering

Rubber springs provide elastic mounting for machines, motors, pumps, compressors, and other units. They can reduce dynamic forces, dampen structure-borne noise, and protect sensitive components from impacts.

Conveyor and Screening Technology

In conveyor troughs, vibrating conveyors, and screening machines, rubber springs serve as load-bearing and restoring elements. They enable controlled vibrating motions and operate largely maintenance-free in many applications.

Tool, Press, and Mold Making

Rubber springs are used in press dies, punching fixtures, and ejection systems. They can hold workpieces in place, return components to their original position, or absorb movements at the end of a working stroke.

Automotive Engineering

In vehicles, rubber springs are used as primary springs, auxiliary springs, or bump stops. They are also found in axle suspensions, driver’s cabs, trailers, agricultural machinery, and construction equipment.

Tensioning and Drive Technology

Torsion rubber springs can keep belts, chains, or scrapers under tension while simultaneously absorbing peak loads. Thanks to their elastic flexibility, they can compensate for changes in length and wear within certain limits.

Advantages of Rubber Springs

• Suspension and damping are combined in a single component.
• Many designs feature a progressive spring rate curve.
• Shocks and short-term overloads can be absorbed elastically.
• Rubber springs operate quietly.
• They generally do not require lubrication.
• Many designs are low-maintenance or maintenance-free.
• Different geometries and elastomer compounds allow for application-specific design.
• Rubber-metal designs can be easily integrated into structures.
• The elastomer spring body is not susceptible to corrosion..
• The spring action can be utilized in multiple directions.

Key purchasing criteria for rubber springs

Load and travel

To make a selection, the static and dynamic loads must be known. In addition to the regular operating load, impact forces, load cycling, and potential overloads must be taken into account. The rubber spring should operate within the load and deformation range specified by the manufacturer.

Spring characteristic curve

The force-displacement curve shows the force required for a specific deformation. Depending on the application, an approximately linear or a distinctly progressive curve may be required. For dynamic applications, statically determined values alone are often insufficient.

Load direction

Rubber springs can be subjected to compression, shear, torsion, or a combination thereof. The permissible forces and spring travel vary depending on the direction of loading. Unintended tensile forces, tilting, or lateral overloads should be prevented through proper design.

Elastomer material

Natural rubber has good elastic and dynamic properties but is not suitable for every environment. NBR offers increased resistance to numerous oils and fuels, while EPDM is frequently used in applications involving weathering, ozone, and hot water. Other materials, such as CR, silicone, or polyurethane, can be used for specific temperature, medium, or wear requirements.
Actual resistance depends on the medium, concentration, temperature, and duration of exposure and should be verified based on the manufacturer’s specifications.

Hardness and temperature range

Elastomer hardness influences load-bearing capacity, deformation, and spring characteristics. At the same time, high and low temperatures alter the material’s stiffness and damping properties. Therefore, suitable material blends and sufficient safety margins are required for widely fluctuating temperatures.

Dimensions and mounting

The installation space, installation height, mounting dimensions, threads, and fastening method must be compatible with the design. The required spring travel must not be restricted by adjacent components. For rubber-metal springs, corrosion protection of the metal parts and the quality of the bond between the rubber and metal are also important.

Service life

Elastomers can change their properties due to aging, heat, UV radiation, ozone, chemicals, and permanent deformation. During maintenance, check for cracks, embrittlement, swelling, permanent deformation, and delamination at the metal parts.

Summary

Rubber springs are compact machine elements that combine elastic spring action with material-induced damping. Depending on their design, they can absorb compressive, shear, or torsional forces and provide linear or progressive spring characteristics.
The product range extends from solid and hollow rubber springs to rubber-metal designs, as well as torsion, ring, and disc springs. Key factors for proper selection include load, travel, spring characteristic curve, direction of load, elastomer material, temperature range, and mounting method.

Rubber springs can be purchased from various manufacturers and suppliers. You can find comprehensive information about manufacturers and suppliers of rubber springs from around the world on Exportpages.