Ecomass Compounds provide lead-free, non-toxic thermoplastic solutions for vibration damping applications, increasing service life and improving performance in numerous direct customer-contact applications and consumer products
Vibration is caused by waves of energy, and thus it has both a frequency and an amplitude. Moreover, all materials or systems of materials have what is referred to as a natural or resonance frequency, a frequency at which the vibratory response amplitude is at a relative maximum. When attempting to reduce or eliminate vibrations created by a system, one must attempt to either isolate or dampen vibration.
Vibration Isolation vs. Vibration Damping
Vibration isolation is achieved by lowering the resonant frequency, thereby reducing the energy created at the source. Usually engineers and part designers will attempt to address vibration at its source by ensuring that the disturbing force does not reach or approach a resonant frequency. Whenever vibration isolation is not possible, original equipment manufacturers often seek material solutions to dampen vibration. In other words, when part designers can’t eliminate vibration by isolating it at the source, they must attempt to absorb vibration by introducing a damping material. Vibration dampening is achieved by reducing the amount of energy produced in an oscillatory system by reducing, restricting or preventing its oscillations.
Selecting a Vibration Damping Material
In order for a material to be a viable vibration dampening solution, it must exhibit two qualities: it must be dense, and it must be relatively soft or “dead.” At Ecomass Technologies, our extensive experience and expertise with high-density materials and our ability to develop materials according to the customer’s specific application requirements help us deliver material solutions to our customers for practically any vibration dampening application. Based upon the application, Ecomass’ sales and technical teams will select an appropriately soft base resin and will control the filler such that the developed material meets the application’s density requirements at the optimal price-point.
Ecomass Vibration Damping Compounds
To date, Ecomass’ high gravity compounds have been utilized successfully in a wide variety of vibration dampening applications. Ecomass Compounds are being used in aircraft audio headphones to improve reception quality and minimize outside noise. In a manual transmission shifter, drivers of upper end sport/luxury automobiles appreciate the decrease in vibration provided by a cartridge which slides over the shifter rod made with a high density Ecomass Compound. A solid, virtually vibration-free feel in a direct customer-contact application can add value to a wide range of consumer products. Ecomass Compounds, molded into golf club weights, are being installed in woods, irons and wedges allowing customers to be fitted perfectly with the latest in golf club technology, thus improving their swing and ball strike, while dampening any vibration transmitted through the shaft.
Follow the links below to learn more about Ecomass Compounds developed for vibration damping applications and their relevant case studies. Or, fill out our RFQ form to learn how we can develop and deliver a thermoplastic vibration dampening solution to meet your needs.