Technical Foundation
What Is a Cylindrical Vibration Isolator?
A vibration isolator's job is to have a natural frequency significantly lower than the disturbing frequency (typically the equipment's operating RPM converted to Hz) — the further apart these frequencies are, the more effectively the isolator attenuates vibration transmission into the supporting structure. Selecting an isolator therefore starts with the static load it will carry at each mount point, since the correct durometer (rubber hardness) or spring rate for a given isolator size depends on compressing the isolator to its designed deflection under that specific load, not an arbitrary 'medium duty' guess.
Rubber-in-shear isolators load the rubber element in shear rather than compression, which gives more consistent stiffness and better low-frequency isolation than a simple rubber pad in compression, and are the common choice for pumps, compressors and general rotating equipment. Spring isolators achieve much lower natural frequencies than rubber, making them the choice for very low-speed equipment or where a very low disturbing frequency (like large HVAC equipment) needs effective isolation that rubber alone cannot achieve.
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| Spec | What It Means | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Load Capacity | Rated deflection at specified static load, per mount | Correct durometer/spring rate depends on achieving designed deflection at actual per-mount load |
| Isolator Type | Rubber-in-shear vs. coil spring | Springs achieve lower natural frequency, needed for low-speed/low-frequency disturbance sources |
| Durometer (Rubber) | Soft/medium/hard rubber compound rating | Softer durometer gives lower natural frequency but less load capacity per given isolator size |
| Mounting Style | Threaded stud, sandwich mount, bolt-through | Style must match the equipment base and supporting structure attachment points |
| Deflection | Static deflection under rated load, in inches | Higher static deflection generally means lower achievable natural frequency and better isolation |
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Applications
Where Cylindrical Vibration Isolators Get Used
Vibration isolators are specified anywhere rotating or reciprocating equipment would otherwise transmit disruptive vibration or noise into the surrounding structure.
Rooftop HVAC Equipment Mounting
Spring or rubber isolators preventing structure-borne vibration and noise transmission into occupied spaces below.
Pump & Compressor Base Mounting
Rubber-in-shear isolators dampening rotating equipment vibration at the mounting base.
Emergency Generator Installations
Isolators sized to generator weight and running frequency to reduce vibration transmission during operation.
Precision Instrument & Lab Equipment Mounting
Low natural-frequency isolators protecting sensitive instruments from ambient floor and building vibration.
Industrial Machinery Foundation Mounting
Cylindrical isolators supporting production equipment while limiting vibration transfer to the building structure.
Data Center & Electronics Equipment Mounting
Vibration isolation protecting sensitive electronic equipment from nearby mechanical equipment vibration.
FAQ
Cylindrical Vibration Isolators Questions, Answered
How do I size a vibration isolator for my equipment?
Start with the actual static load each individual mount point will carry — not the total equipment weight divided evenly if the weight distribution is uneven — then select an isolator whose durometer or spring rate achieves its designed deflection at that specific load. An isolator that's too stiff for the actual load won't deflect enough to isolate effectively; one that's too soft can bottom out or deflect excessively.
Should I use rubber or spring isolators for my equipment?
Rubber-in-shear isolators work well for typical pump, compressor and general rotating equipment where the disturbing frequency (equipment RPM) is moderate to high. Spring isolators achieve much lower natural frequencies and are needed for low-speed equipment or where the disturbing frequency is low enough that rubber alone can't create adequate separation between natural and disturbing frequency.
What does 'natural frequency' mean and why does it matter for isolator selection?
Natural frequency is the frequency at which the isolator-and-equipment system would naturally oscillate if disturbed — effective vibration isolation requires this natural frequency to be well below the equipment's actual operating (disturbing) frequency. The bigger that gap, the more vibration the isolator filters out; an isolator with a natural frequency too close to the operating frequency can actually amplify vibration instead of reducing it.
What's the difference between rubber-in-shear and a simple rubber pad?
A simple rubber pad is loaded in compression, which gives relatively high, less consistent stiffness and limited low-frequency isolation performance. Rubber-in-shear isolators are designed so the rubber element deforms in shear rather than pure compression, giving more consistent, generally lower stiffness for a given size and better isolation performance at lower disturbing frequencies.
Do I need a seismic-rated isolator for my installation?
Seismic-rated isolators include restraint features that limit equipment movement during a seismic event while still providing normal operational vibration isolation — required by code in many jurisdictions for equipment mounted on rooftops or elevated structures in seismic zones. Check your local building code and structural engineer's requirement rather than assuming a standard isolator meets seismic restraint requirements.
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