Rubber Mounts vs Spring Mounts: Which is Better For Your Equipment

Effective vibration isolation is essential for the longevity, performance and durability of industrial equipment and machinery. Two of the most common anti-vibration solutions include rubber mounts and spring mounts. Each system is designed to perform under different operating conditions, boasting various advantages and applications.

Choosing the appropriate mount depends on factors such as vibration frequency, load capacity and the type of equipment itself. However before making your selection, it is important to understand the differences, advantages and applications of both rubber mounts and spring mounts.

Rubber Mounts

Rubber mountsutilise the elasticity of rubber to absorb vibrational energy. Eliminating the force generated from vibrations before it can pass through into other areas of the machine. They typically consist of a rubber section bonded between two metal parts.

Rubber Mounts vs Spring Mounts: Which is Better For Your Equipment

Advantages:

  • High Damping Effects- The natural properties of rubber make it perfect for damping and reducing resonance without the need of extra dampers

  • Simple Installation- With no moving parts, rubber mounts are simple to install and maintain. Their compact design also makes them ideal for applications with limited space.

  • High-Frequency Isolation- Rubber mounts work best with high-frequency vibration and noise. Higher frequencies lead to friction, heat and more localised damage.

Typical Applications:

Rubber mounts offer an effective and versatile solution to high-frequency vibration control across a number of applications. They are typically used within a range of industries such as construction, agriculture military and more, they can be found in:

  • Combustion Engines

  • Generating Sets

  • Compressors​

Spring Mounts

Spring mountsare mechanical vibration isolators that use steel coil springsto support equipment and reduce the transmission of vibration. These durable springs are capable of providing high levels of deflection which can achieve vibration re

Rubber Mounts vs Spring Mounts: Which is Better For Your Equipment - part 2

Advantages:

  • High Static Deflection Capacity - Spring mounts have a high deflection range which allows them to isolate slower speed equipment or where very high levels of vibration isolation are required.

  • Low-Frequency Isolation - Due to their low natural frequency, they are ideal for larger, slower-speed equipment and machinery.

  • Dynamic Adjustment - Many spring mounts feature in-built adjustability, allowing for precise height adjustments and control.

Typical Applications:

Spring mounts are commonly used in environments where low-frequency vibration isolation and structural noise reduction are essential. Their high static deflection and low natural frequency make them particularly effective for supporting large, rotating, or reciprocating machinery including:

  • Static Generating Sets

  • HVAC Systems (Fans, Pumps, Chillers)

  • Power Generation Equipment

Conclusion:

Rubber mounts are ideal for most industrial application where high-frequency vibration isolation is required.

Spring mounts are best suited to low-frequency vibration in heavy-duty, slow-speed machinery, or where very high levels of vibration reduction are required.

Rubber Mounts vs Spring Mounts: Which is Better For Your Equipment - part 3

Typical Applications:

Here at AV Industrial Products Ltd, we design, manufacture and supply a wide range of rubber mounts and spring mounts. Whether you are looking for a standardised model or something more bespoke, our team of experts are on hand to help.

Looking for more? Not only do we supply our anti-vibration mounts nationwide, we also are able to provide vibration testing and analysis, computer modelling, product design and more. Take a look at our services and get in touchwith us for more information.