VIB-X Pad
VIB-X Pads are elastomer sheets with a distinctive cross-ribbed pattern.  When used as an equipment mount, the pad effectively isolates vibration, shock and reduced structure borne acoustic noise.  The cross-ribbed construction acts as an efficient energy absorber, enabling large horizontal forces to be generated without slippage or walking occuring.  By effectively isolating vibration, VIB-X Pad also substantially reduces structure borne acoustic noise which is caused by vibration being transmitted into sheet metal parts, pipes, ducts, beams, chain hoists, walls and floors.

VIB-X Pads are supplied in standard 18" and 24" sizes which can easily be cut to size with a knife, hand shears or steel rule dies.  The pads are 5/16" thick before loading.  For optimum operation, the pads should be loaded for a 1/16" static deflection.  The standard pad is molded from durable duPont Neoprene with a 45 durometer hardness which provides 1/16" deflection when loaded at 50 pounds per square inch.  A 65 durometer pad provides 1/16" deflection with 150psi and it is used for heavier weights on smaller areas.   VIB-X Pad is also molded from silicone, buna and butyl for service in severe environmental applications.

Vib-X Pad is also used to isolate floors, walls, and ceilings.

THE SIMPLE AND INEXPENSIVE SOLUTION TO ANNOYING SHOCK, VIBRATION AND ACOUSTIC NOISE PROBLEMS!

Halts the transmission of vibration

Halts the transmission of shock

Reduces structure borne acoustic noise

Stops machines from walking

Improves the quality & accuracy of work

Lowers maintenance costs & down time

Reduces installation costs and time

Reduces employee fatigue

VIB-X Pad is easy to use ...
For optimum operation, the standard 45 durometer VIB-X Pad should be loaded at 50 lbs./sq. inch (150 lbs./sq. inch for 65 durometer pad).  Therefore, cut the pads so that each 50 pounds of machine is supported by one square inch of pad.  Since the mounting base or feet of most machines are designed for a loading factor of 50 lbs./sq. inch, the pad can generally be cut to the same contour as the mounting feet.  Impact-type machines such as punch presses should be loaded at 25 lbs./sq. inch.

VIB-X Pad also absorbs horizontal motion and can therefore prevent most machines from walking without the expense of tie-down or lag bolts.   In these cases where bolts are not used, leave a 1/4 inch overlay around the feet of the machine as shown in Figure 1.  If bolting is required, rubber tubing and VIB-X Washers should be used to prevent any transmission path for the vibration as shown in Figure 2.

Figure 3 shows a machine suspended by hanger-type supports for overhead installations.  A VIB-X Washers or VIB-X Pad with 7 gauge steel (or larger for heavier equipment) should be used as the lower mount.   The upper pad should be one-half the area of the lower pad.

Figure 4 shows a machine mounted on a wall.  In these installations, the pads on both sides of the machine support should be of equal area.  If 65 durometer pad is used between the nut and support, it should be one-third the area of the standard 45 durometer pad which is located between the support and the wall.

If the weight of a machine is not evenly distributed, the pad should be sized and placed according to the weight distribution of the machine.  The deflection of each pad can be measured to determine if the weight distribution on the pads is correct.

For specialized application, or to determine the amount of isolation for a given installation, the Load Deflection and Isolation Efficiency Graphs should be used.

See also:  VIB-X Washers   Load Deflection   Isolation Efficiency Graphs