Vibration Control Making Helicopters Less of a Bumpy Ride

When the Sikorsky S-76D helicopter achieved its firstdependent on two variables: 1) operating temperature
flight last month, one of its main features was a dualand 2) exposure/non-exposure to oil. More specifically,
speed rotor with active vibration control. More than• Natural Rubber has a maximum operating
"three years of design, development and testing [wenttemperature of 150°F and is good for most
into this] first prototype aircraft," so the achievement isindustrial applications. It is also affected by immmersion
a notable one.in oil.
The helicopter, however is just the latest in a long line• Neoprene has a maxiumum operating temperature
of technology to take advantage of custom-moldedof 180°F and is resistant to oil.
and rubber-to-metal bonded parts for noise andSelecting the proper Vibro-Insulator® for a specific
vibration control. Such parts are also extensively usedapplication, entails a complicated formula, but leading
in the installation of machines, plastic processingmanufacturers of custom-molded rubber and
machines and metal cutting machines. Power presses,rubber-to-metal bonded parts for noise and vibration
CNC machines, pharmaceutical machines, dieselcontrol will help you to select the proper
engines and textile machinery make use ofVibro-Insulator® based on the information that you
custom-molded and rubber-to-metal bonded parts forprovide. Having the following information ready for
noise and vibration control as well. Railways,them will speed up the selection process:
aeronautics, telecommunications, nautical and energy1. The maximum load that must be supported.
are just some of the many industries that have2. The number of mounts supporting the load.
embraced the technology.3. The frequency of the disturbing vibration. (Note: If
So how exactly is the vibration control achieved? Thethere is more than one frequency involved, the lowest
rubber Vibro-Insulators that bring about vibration controlfrequency is the determining one.)
come in a variety of styles and sizes. As a result, they4. Any restrictions on the size or style of the mount
can handle most vibration isolation problems-even thebased on space limitations or assembly considerations.
toughest ones found in bumpy helicopter rides. ByIf the Sikorsky helicopter line can can control its
offering a wide variety of vibration control mountvibration with the proper custom-molded rubber and
styles, producers of custom-molded rubber andrubber-to-metal bonded parts, imagine what the
rubber-to-metal bonded parts can tackle even thetechnology can do for your noise and vibration contol
most difficult of noise and vibration control dilemmas.dilemmas. And the Vibro-Insulator line represents just a
Most of these mounts are designed to be used infew of the hundreds of different SPC-certified custom
either the compression or shear direction.rubber parts that are produced for companies
Produced with either natural rubber or neoprenethroughout the United States. The manufacturer's
elastomers, depending on the application, themodern production plant is staffed by personnel with
Vibro-Insulator line of noise and vibration controlmany years of experience to offer you the most in
products are suitable for a wide range of industrialcompression, transfer and injection molding services.
uses. The choice between the fabrications is