Vibration dampers for machines Manufacturers online

Vibration dampers for machines are technical components or systems that are used to reduce or completely suppress mechanical oscillations, shocks or vibrations in machines and systems.

The aim is to minimize the load on machines, components, foundations and people, improve smooth running, reduce wear and reduce noise.

Below you will find the function, types and designs of vibration dampers for machines, their use and the reasons for their use:

How vibration dampers for machinery work:

A vibration damper works by absorbing the energy of the vibration, dissipating it or converting it into heat. This usually takes place via elastic, viscous or friction-based elements. Damping takes place in one of three basic ways:

1. Elastic damping (spring action):
   An elastic element - e.g. rubber, spring steel or silicone - absorbs kinetic energy, deforming elastically and releasing some of the energy as frictional heat.
   These dampers often also act as vibration isolators.
2. Viscous damping (fluid friction):
   Here the movement is slowed down by the flow of a fluid, e.g. oil or gel, through narrow channels.
   The friction between moving parts and the fluid converts kinetic energy into heat.
   This is particularly effective at high frequencies or fast movements.
3. Friction damping (dry friction):
   Movement between two solid bodies creates friction, which converts vibrations into heat.
   These dampers often consist of metal or friction material pairings and have a very direct effect, but are not maintenance-free.

Types and designs of vibration dampers for machines:

There are a variety of different dampers, depending on the intended use and direction of force:

1. Rubber-metal buffers: combine elastic and damping properties; widely used for small to medium-sized machines.
2. Machine feet: Bearing elements that dampen vibrations and at the same time support the machine.
3. Air springs: For particularly sensitive or heavy equipment, e.g. measuring machines.
4. Hydraulic dampers: e.g. shock absorbers, oil dampers for linear movements.
5. Vibration absorbers: Passive or active devices that generate counter-vibrations to compensate for resonances.

Use of vibration dampers for machines:

Vibration dampers for machines are used in almost all technical areas. Typical areas of application are:

1. Machine tools:
High-precision machining requires absolutely smooth running.
Dampers help to minimize vibrations from spindles, guides or motors - especially during high-speed machining.

2. Pumps, compressors, fans:
These devices often generate pulsating forces.
Vibration dampers prevent the transmission of vibrations to the environment and reduce material fatigue.

3. Generators and motors:
Particularly with stationary diesel or gas engines, vibration dampers prevent engine vibrations from being transmitted to foundations, pipes or adjacent machinery.

4. Measurement technology and electronics:
In sensitive devices - e.g. laser scanners or electron microscopes - even the smallest vibrations can cause measurement errors.
Special damping systems completely decouple these devices from the floor.

5. Construction and conveyor technology:
Very high shock or vibration loads often have to be controlled in excavators, presses, conveyor systems or mixers.
Elastic mounts or hydraulic dampers take on this task.

6. Building technology and HVAC systems:
Ventilation systems, compressors and cooling units generate vibrations that can be transmitted via piping or steel structures.
Vibration dampers prevent disruptive structure-borne noise.

Why are vibration dampers necessary for machines?

Oscillations or vibrations occur in almost all machines, for example due to

• Imbalances of rotating parts.
• Rapid movements of pistons, valves or tools.
• Shock loads, e.g. in presses, hammers or compressors.
• Resonance phenomena during operation.

If these vibrations are not sufficiently damped, material fatigue, component failure, bearing damage or noise problems can occur.

Vibration dampers for machines are important components for the reliable, quiet and long-lasting operation of machines and systems. Their task is to reduce vibrations, protect components and prevent malfunctions. Depending on the area of application, there are different physical principles and designs that must be optimally adapted to the respective conditions.

Here are the most important aspects to look out for when purchasing vibration dampers for machines:

When purchasing vibration dampers for machines, much more is important than just the price or the size of the component. Vibration dampers must be precisely matched to the respective machine, the application and the ambient conditions in order to reliably reduce vibrations, avoid resonance and prevent damage in the long term.

• Before a damper type is selected, it is important to know where and how the vibration damper is to be used:
• Which machine or system is to be damped?
• What type of vibrations occur, e.g. low-frequency vibrations from motors, shocks from presses, high-frequency vibrations?
• How great is the load due to the weight of the machine or dynamic forces?
• In which directions do the forces act (horizontal, vertical, radial)?
• Without this basic data, it is not possible to make a well-founded selection.
• Vibration dampers must be able to safely support the weight of the machine, including additional dynamic forces:
• The static load capacity must match the machine weight.
• The dynamic load must also be taken into account, e.g. for rotating or reciprocating movements.
• Uneven load distribution, e.g. with an asymmetrical structure, must be compensated for during installation by using suitable damper sizes at individual points.
• Too weak a design leads to overloading, too strong dampers reduce the effectiveness.
• A decisive point in the selection is the so-called natural frequency of the damper. This should be as far below the excitation frequency of the machine as possible to ensure effective vibration isolation.
• If the natural frequency and operating frequency are too close together, resonance can occur - with increased vibrations instead of damping.
• Rule of thumb: The natural frequency of the damper should ideally be less than a third of the lowest excitation frequency.
• The damper will only work reliably if the frequency behavior is correctly tuned.
• Depending on the type of machine, forces do not only act in one direction. It is therefore important to clarify:
• Do the vibrations act predominantly vertically, e.g. on stationary machines, horizontally, e.g. through movements, or in several axes simultaneously?
• Does the machine require torsion protection or must it be able to remain in motion, e.g. in the case of mobile systems?
• This determines whether point, articulated or multi-axis dampers are required.
• Depending on the operating conditions, a different type of vibration damper is suitable:
• Rubber-metal elements for simple machine mounting.
• Air spring or pneumatic damping for sensitive equipment or vibrating floors.
• Hydraulic dampers for shock loads or long strokes.
• Elastomers for oil-resistant or chemical environments.
• Damping machine feet with height adjustment for installation work.
• The area of application determines the optimum design.
• Depending on the place of use, the dampers must be able to withstand certain environmental conditions:
• Temperature ranges: Some types of rubber harden in the cold or soften in the heat.
• resistance to oil, grease or chemicals: Particularly important for machines in industrial halls, chemical plants or workshops.
• UV or ozone exposure: For use outdoors or in air-conditioned rooms.
• Moisture or dust: Can severely affect the service life of unprotected dampers.
• The choice of material - e.g. natural rubber, NBR, EPDM or PTFE - must be adapted to the environment.
• Practical installation must also be taken into account during procurement:
• Does the damper fit mechanically: connection dimensions, thread, plates, screw connection?
• Must it be possible to readjust it, e.g. using leveling feet?
• Is the installation height limited** or must the damper be able to be under-mounted?
• Should the damper remain portable or be permanently installed?
• Adaptation work is often necessary for existing machines - it is worth carrying out a technical check beforehand.
• A durable damper reduces downtime and maintenance costs:
• Look for high-quality materials and tested quality.
• Does the manufacturer specify the service life under certain operating conditions?
• Are replacement dampers or individual parts readily available later?
• How easy is it to replace or inspect them when installed?
• Especially in continuous operation systems, durability is more important than the purchase price alone.
• In some industries or applications, dampers must comply with specific standards or safety requirements:
• CE marking.
• Fire protection requirements, e.g. flame-retardant materials.
• Approvals for ATEX zones (potentially explosive atmospheres).
• Specifications from machine guidelines, VDI guidelines or DIN standards.
• Safety-relevant applications, e.g. for presses, control stations or passenger transportation, require tested quality.
• A high-quality damper alone is not enough - the supplier is also important:
• Does the manufacturer offer technical advice or design assistance?
• Are there customized solutions for special applications?
• What is the delivery time and spare parts supply like?
• Is there support for installation or commissioning?
• For more complex machines in particular, it is worth working with a specialized damper manufacturer or system supplier.

The purchase of vibration dampers for machines requires far more than just a consideration of size and price. A precise knowledge of the vibration behavior, the loads and the ambient conditions is crucial. The optimum solution depends heavily on the intended use, the machine design and the desired damping effect.

Vibration dampers for machines can be purchased from various suppliers. Comprehensive information about manufacturers and suppliers of Vibration dampers for machines from all over the world can be found on Exportpages.