About Vibration Isolators | How to Choose an Isolator | Isolator Construction

Choosing an Isolator:
Before attempting to apply any isolator, it is important to know as much as possible about the conditions under which it will be used and the fragility of the equipment. In addition, you must have an understanding of the various types of vibration and shock isolators, which might be applied to a given problem. Depending on the type of isolator, the material from which it is made, and the operating conditions, the performance of the isolator and its effectiveness can vary widely. These factors must be considered, and the proper accommodations made to arrive at a reasonably accurate estimate of the performance of the isolated system.

What you need to know:

• The maximum load that must be supported. 
• The number of mounts supporting the load. 
• The frequency of vibration.
• Restrictions.
• Assembly considerations. 
  
• Step 1: Calculate the load on each mount
• Step 2: Calculate the lowest disturbing frequency.
• Step 3: Calculate the natural frequency that the system needs for 80% isolation. 
• Step 4: Calculate the required static deflection to obtain the desired natural frequency. 
• Step 5: Select a mount that has a maximum load rating equal or greater than the 
• Step 6: Purchase vibration isolator.
• Step 7: Install isolator.
• Step 8: Calculate the actual isolation based at the operating conditions.

Contact Apex for engineering assistance. Standard isolators can be modified by Apex to suit the exact customer specifications. Different mounting studs, including metric threads, higher load ratings, and special synthetic rubber compounds are available to meet unusual service applications.