Vibration Control - Just One Technology Behind the Mercedes-Benz Reputation

Mercedes-Benz-just the mere mention of thisAlthough it's not likely something the average
automobile manufacturer conjures up images of theMercedes-Benz driver likely thinks about, the smooth
ultimate in elite living. Indeed, reports thatride they experience owes thanks to vibration control
"Mercedes-Benz has long been known for craftingtechnology ... and luxury automobiles are just one of
vehicles that emphasize luxury and refinement. Forthe industries that take advantage of such technology.
many, its vehicles are sleek symbols of status,In fact, other sectors leveraging vibration control
success and achievement."functionality include computer disk drives, aerospace
Mercedes-Benz doesn't just cater to the carand military electronics, just to name a few.
connoisseur, though. Since 1928, Mercedes-Benz'sCustom-molded rubber and rubber-to-metal bonded
special protection unit has been making luxuryparts afford unparalleled noise and vibration control. In
limousines that are specially armored for heads ofits Mercedes-Benz testing procedure, Moog FCS's
state, royal dignitaries, industrial and business moguls.evaluation may very well include an assessment of
With such VIPs behind its wheels, this elite automobilethe quality and reliability of the vibration control rubber
manufacturer carries significant responsibility on itsparts that are used by the luxury vehicle manufacturer.
shoulders and a lot hinges on its reputation.Among the vibration control options available to those
It's no wonder then that Mercedes-Benz puts itswho rely on the technology are the rubber
vehicles through rigorous testing processes. A recentlyVibro-Insulators® line. These vibration control
conducted examination of the automobileinsulators come in a variety of styles and sizes in order
manufacturer included a ride comfort testing station.to handle most vibration isolation problems. Most of the
This station was designed and built by Moog FCS,mount styles available are designed to be used in
using its expertise in motion controls, high-performanceeither the compression or shear direction.
flight simulation and testing systems for automotive,When attending to its vibration control needs, a
aviation and aerospace,.renowned corporation like Mercedes-Benz would turn
A press release issued by Moog FCS reported, "Theto a world leader in rubber molding and rubber-to-metal
challenge addressed by Moog FCS was to validatebonding. A producer of custom molded rubber and
the predicted values of ride and handlingrubber-to-metal bonded parts, including a
characteristics produced by digital simulation. ThisVibro-Insulator® line of isolators and mounts, can
testing approach forms part of Mercedes-Benz' firstbest attend to the noise, vibration and shock control
foray into digital car prototyping."needs of even the world's most recognized
The press release went on to say, "The Moog FCSmanufacturer of luxury automobiles.
Suspension Test Rig employs FasTEST software. ...Produced with either natural rubber or neoprene
FasTEST offers a full application suite for theelastomers, depending on the application, rubber
automotive testing market, featuring a revolutionaryRubber Vibro-Insulators® are good for most
iteration strategy and unique time saving features, asindustrial applications and are resistant to oil. These two
well as sophisticated fatigue analysis and vibrationadvantages make them particularly amenable to the
control software.specific needs of the automobile industry.