Modern machines are becoming more powerful and accurate, but they are also more sensitive to vibration. Understanding some basic vibration isolation terms can help you protect equipment and improve performance.
Damping
Damping reduces vibration by removing energy from the vibrating system and converting it into heat.
Isolation
Isolation means separating the machine from unwanted vibration. It can protect the machine from outside vibration or protect the surroundings from machine vibration.
Natural Frequency
Natural frequency is the frequency at which an object or vibration isolator naturally vibrates.
Source Isolation
Source isolation reduces vibration coming from a machine so it does not affect nearby machines, buildings or people.
Receiver Isolation
Receiver isolation protects sensitive machines, such as CMMs, from vibration coming from the floor or surrounding environment.
Shock Isolation
Shock isolation is mainly used for machines like presses, hammers and stamping equipment. It reduces sudden high-impact vibration forces.
Passive Vibration Isolators
Passive isolators reduce vibration using materials and mechanical design. Their performance depends on natural frequency and damping.
Active Vibration Isolators
Active isolators use sensors and control systems to generate an opposite force against vibration. This provides better vibration control, especially for sensitive equipment.
In general, a lower natural frequency of the isolator provides better vibration isolation.
