Excessive vibration not only generates noise and discomfort—it can lead to premature wear, misalignment, and costly downtime. Whether you’re installing heavy compressors, HVAC units, generators, or precision CNC equipment, selecting the right vibration isolation pad is essential for protecting machinery and structures alike.
Cork & Rubber Vibration Pads: The Classic Sandwich
Hanna Rubber’s Cork & Rubber Vibration Pads feature a resilient cork core sandwiched between two layers of rugged rubber. This combination:
- Dampens shock by flexing the cork under load while the rubber layers provide lateral stability.
- Reduces noise transmission through the cork’s cellular structure.
- Resists oil and contaminants thanks to the rubber facings.
Because each pad can be cut in the field, you get a truly custom fit without special tools or wasted material—ideal for retrofit jobs or uneven feet.
Solid Ribbed Neoprene Pads: High-Performance Isolation
For applications in harsher environments—think outdoor chillers, rooftop HVACs, or marine generators—Hanna Rubber’s Solid Rubber Ribbed Neoprene Pads (A4694-VIB-PAD) deliver:
- A two-sided ribbed pattern (ribs at 90°) for maximum grip and anti-slip performance.
- Precision dimensions: 28.75″ × 28.75″ × ⅜″, perfect for large-footprint equipment.
- Robust material properties: 50 Shore A hardness, tensile strength of 1,200 PSI, and 300 % elongation at break.
- Wide operating temperatures: –30 °F to 180 °F, ensuring isolation performance in extreme conditions.
- Stackability: each layer supports 50 PSI; stacking lets you scale to higher loads.
Why Material Matters: A Broader Look at Neoprene Pads
Neoprene is a go-to elastomer for antivibration pads because it balances load capacity, environmental resistance, and longevity:
- Temperature resilience: functional from –40 °F up to +158 °F.
- Chemical resistance: withstands oils, solvents, and outdoor weathering.
- Custom sizing: field-cuttable sheets let you tailor pads to any machine foot.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I determine the right pad thickness?
Calculate the static load per foot: divide your equipment’s weight by the number of feet (or mounts) and compare to each pad’s load-deflection curve. Thicker pads flex more, offering better isolation at lower loads. - What’s the difference between cork-rubber and neoprene pads?
Cork-rubber excels at damping low-frequency shock and noise, whereas neoprene handles higher-temperature, wetter, or oil-exposed environments with greater long-term resilience. - Can I stack vibration pads for heavier equipment?
Yes. Stackable neoprene pads let you multiply load capacity linearly (e.g., two 50 PSI pads support 100 PSI). Just ensure the combined deflection still meets your required isolation frequency. - How does pad hardness (Shore A) affect performance?
Lower Shore A (softer) pads deflect more under load, isolating lower-frequency vibrations. Higher Shore A pads carry heavier loads but isolate less—choose based on your machine’s dominant vibration frequency. - Are cut-to-size pads as effective as pre-sized?
Field-cut pads perform identically so long as you maintain full surface contact and the original thickness. Avoid beveled or uneven edges. - How do environmental factors (temperature, UV, chemicals) influence pad choice?
For outdoor or chemical-exposed equipment, choose neoprene or EPDM pads rated for your temperature range and chemical exposure. Cork-rubber is less suited to continuous UV or oil immersion. - What frequency range can vibration pads isolate?
Most industrial pads isolate 10–100 Hz vibrations. To fine-tune, consult the pad’s natural frequency curve and match it to 1.5× below your machine’s running speed in Hz. - Do vibration pads require maintenance or replacement?
Inspect pads annually for cracking, compression set, or chemical attack. Replace whenever thickness has decreased by more than 20 % or when you see surface deterioration.