Any vibration isolator vibrates at a specific (natural) frequency which depends mainly on its deflection. The softer the spring (this may be different materials such as cork, steel, rubber or air) the greater its deflection for a given load, and the better isolation it can provide. However, it is important to ensure that the vibration isolator’s natural frequency is significantly lower than the frequency of the vibration to be isolated.

If the vibration isolator’s natural frequency is the same as the forcing frequency of the vibrational energy, the system will be in resonance and the level of vibrational energy will be significantly amplified rather than being reduced (attenuated).

Vibration is only isolated when the forcing frequency is at least √2 times the vibration isolator’s natural frequency. [Find Out More].