Fast Fourier transforms are mathematical calculations that transform, or convert, a time domain waveform (amplitude versus time) into a series of discrete sine waves in the frequency domain. Machine vibration is typically analyzed with measurements of the vibration frequency, displacement, velocity, and acceleration. The latter three — displacement, velocity, and acceleration — are time domain […]
Shock + Vibration Mitigation
How is machine vibration defined?
Machine vibration is a normal, and typically unavoidable, result of moving and rotating parts, often caused by standard manufacturing and assembly tolerances that lead to clearances between mating parts or imbalances in rotating parts. And while routine machine wear can cause vibration to increase over time, when a machine experiences a significant or sudden increase or […]
Shock-absorber technologies for automated applications
Design engineers who employ advanced damping and vibration isolation can vastly improve the performance of their industrial-automation machinery. By Larry Cavalloro • ACE Controls A top objective for designers of industrial-automation machinery is to build and tune axes for minimal vibration (free or forced); gently and precisely slow axes’ moving masses; and render unavoidable machinery […]
What are negative-stiffness vibration isolators?
Protecting sensitive equipment from harmful vibrations can be done with either passive or active isolation systems, with the choice often being made on price, simplicity, and the level of protection required. Although passive systems are typically simpler and lower cost, most passive designs can’t protect against the low-frequency vibrations caused by structural resonances. And active […]
Vibration damping: What’s the difference between passive and active methods?
Unlike typical static or dynamic loads, forces due to vibrations are difficult to predict, model, and account for when designing motion control systems. Some manufacturers recommend adding a safety factor to account for vibrations when sizing and selecting components — especially those that involve rolling or sliding motion, such as linear guides and screws. Of […]
What’s the difference between a dashpot and a snubber?
Dashpots and snubbers are two types of pneumatic device used for controlling the movement of a load — typically for the purpose of controlled deceleration or motion damping. Although they can be used to control rotary motion, the more common uses for dashpots and snubbers in industrial applications involve the control of linear motion mechanisms, […]
FAQ: What are mechanical, fluid-power, and elastomeric material dampers?
Vibration in industrial machinery often originates from imbalances inherent to motors, gearboxes, and other turning component that excites natural frequencies. Dampers in this context are components that counteract and often isolate the vibration source from the rest of the design or machine — to prevent its propagation of mechanical oscillation. Watch the recent video on […]
New Spirawave nested wave spring series from Smalley
Smalley now offers a new nested Spirawave wave spring series. Smalley has been producing nested wave springs as customs for over 30 years, but this will mark the first standard series on the market. These multiple turn, flat wire wave springs are coiled in parallel to produce two to three times as much force as […]
ITT Enidine flight-critical components offer control, comfort, and agility
ITT Inc. and its Enidine brand has added high capacity laminated (HCL) elastomeric bearings and Frahm dampers to its extensive rotorcraft solutions portfolio. Enidine is showcasing its comprehensive energy absorption and vibration isolation solutions for rotorcraft applications at HAI HELI-EXPO 2018, today Feb. 27 through Mar. 1, in Las Vegas. See these new technologies at Booth […]
Wave spring basics video: Spring force, work height, materials, and installations
Within mechanical designs, tension, compression, and torsion springs take numerous forms to store and release energy. A wave spring is a type of compression springs made of flat wire. They are called wave springs because they have multiple waves per turn. The flat wire, along with the multiple waves per turn, combine to create the […]