Vibration damping – reduces vibrations in industrial environments
Limit structure-borne noise and mechanical vibrations in industrial facilities
Industrial environments often generate disruptive noise that is not primarily transmitted through the air, but through vibrations in the building structure. Machinery, production, installations, and internal transport create movements that are transmitted through floors, walls, and ceilings. These vibrations can cause structure-borne noise that is perceived far from the source and affects the working environment, safety, and comfort. Vibration damping is a measure aimed at reducing these mechanical movements and limiting how they spread in industrial buildings.
What is vibration damping?
Vibration damping means reducing the transmission of mechanical vibrations from a source 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 actual movement in the structure. The measure is directed at contact points where vibrations are transmitted, for example between a machine and the floor or between an installation and a wall.
Common problems with vibrations in industry
In industrial operations, vibrations are often experienced as a dull hum, shaking, or pulsating noise that is felt rather than heard. Common sources are production machines, compressors, pumps, fans, and other technical equipment in continuous operation. Vibrations can also arise from forklift traffic, material handling, or processes that place strain on the building's structure.
How do vibrations spread in industrial buildings?
When a machine vibrates, the movement is transferred to the ground and conducted through the floor, walls, and ceiling. Since industrial buildings often have large, contiguous structures, vibrations can spread over long distances and affect several areas of operation. This means that the problem is not always experienced where the source is located, but in offices, control rooms, or staff areas.
Vibration damping in different parts of industry
In industrial environments, vibration damping is mainly used on floors, machines, and technical equipment, as well as on walls and ceilings where vibrations are transmitted. Floors are often the primary transmission path for vibrations from machines, while walls and ceilings can act as amplifying surfaces. By adapting the measure to where the vibrations occur, structure-borne noise can be effectively reduced.
Why choose vibration damping in industrial environments?
Vibration damping contributes to a more controlled and stable industrial environment by reducing disturbing structure-borne noise and vibrations. The measure improves working conditions, reduces wear and tear on buildings and equipment, and can increase precision and safety in production. In many cases, vibration damping is combined with sound insulation or sound absorption to achieve a more comprehensive result.
Well-thought-out advice for the best results
For the best effect, it is important to identify both the source of the vibration and how the movement spreads throughout the building. A common mistake is to try to dampen the sound where it is heard, even though the problem is fundamentally mechanical transmission. By working close to the source and breaking the vibration paths, the disturbances can be reduced more effectively and in the long term.
Vibration damping is therefore a key measure for reducing disturbing structure-borne noise and creating a more stable, safer, and more comfortable industrial environment.