Vibration damping for machines and equipment – reduces vibrations in industrial environments
Reduce structure-borne noise and mechanical vibrations from technical equipment in industry
In industrial environments, machines and technical equipment are one of the most common causes of disruptive vibrations. When equipment is in continuous operation, mechanical movements occur that are easily transmitted through floors, walls, ceilings, and installations. These vibrations can lead to structure-borne noise, low-frequency humming, and shaking that affect both the working environment, equipment, and adjacent work areas. Vibration damping of machines and equipment aims to break this mechanical transmission at the source.
What does vibration damping of machines and equipment involve?
Vibration damping means reducing how mechanical movements are transmitted from a machine to the building's structure. Unlike sound insulation, which stops airborne sound between rooms, and sound absorption, which reduces echo and reverberation in a room, vibration damping focuses on reducing the movement itself in the structure. By limiting vibrations at the source, secondary problems such as resonance and structure-borne noise are also reduced.
Common sources of vibration in industry
In industrial operations, vibrations often arise from production machines, compressors, pumps, fans, and other technical equipment that is in continuous operation. Ventilation systems and process equipment can also create vibrations that spread through floors, pipes, and walls. These disturbances are often more noticeable in offices, control rooms, or staff areas than in the production zone itself.
Other common sources are cooling and heating installations, hydraulic systems, conveyor belts, and equipment that causes pulsating or rotating movements. What these have in common is that the vibrations are often low-frequency and difficult to manage without targeted vibration damping measures.
How do vibrations spread in industrial buildings?
When a machine vibrates, the movement is mechanically transferred to the ground and further through the building's frame. Floors, walls, ceilings, and installations act as conducting structures where vibrations can be amplified through resonance. This means that the problems are often experienced in places other than where the machine is located, which can make both troubleshooting and remedial action more difficult.
Principles for effective vibration damping in industrial environments
Effective vibration damping is based on reducing direct contact between the machine and the building frame. Through decoupling, the use of elastic materials, and reduced mechanical transmission, vibrations can be slowed down before they spread further. In many cases, vibration damping is combined with sound insulation or sound absorption to achieve a more comprehensive result.
Well-considered advice for the best results
For the best effect, each machine should be analyzed based on its operation, load, and how vibrations spread in the building. A common mistake is to try to fix the disturbance where it is heard, even though the source is often further away. By working with vibration damping directly at the machine, both structure-borne noise, humming, and shaking can be reduced more effectively and in the long term.
Vibration damping of machines and equipment is therefore a key measure for creating a more stable, quieter, and more controlled industrial environment.