FAQ

General FAQs

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Max. load in Newton?

Generally, the weight of a body is indicated in kg or t, but this is not correct. The mass m of a body is indicated in kg, the weight or the weight force FG of a body is indicated in Newton [N] or also in Kilonewton [kN].

Isoloc indicates the max. load of its installation elements in Newton [N], and in case of the vibration insulation panels and packs as compressive stress in N/cm² or N/mm².

Example:
The max. load of a universal precision machine shoe UMS5-ASF/30 is 60,000 N = 60 kN.

Why do isoloc vibration insulation panels have different colours?

The intention behind the various colours is to simplify the selection and to guide to the correct product. For repeated orders it is then absolutely sufficient to mention the colour without indicating the exact name of the product.

Furthermore, each colour represents another elastomer with different static and dynamic properties.

Which material are levelling discs, bolts and machine shoes made of?

The levelling discs and machine shoes consist mainly of grey cast iron EN-GJL-250(GG25) or EN-GJS-400-15(GGG40).

Our standard bolts are made of galvanized steel C45, C60 or stainless steel 1.4301.

Are levelling discs delivered automatically with bolts?

No, as different bolt lengths and diameters are possible for each levelling disc, they have to be ordered separately.

Can the vibration insulation and anti-slip panels be recycled?

Vulcanized rubber is not recyclable as the split up into the original chemical components is not possible anymore after the vulcanisation.

Where is isoloc used?

Generally, isoloc systems can be used anywhere, where vibrations or shocks arise. Just ask us.

A small selection.

Is the friction coefficient of a profiled vibration insulation panel higher than that of an unprofiled one?

The fact whether a panel is profiled or not has no effect on the friction coefficient.

The unprofiled vibration insulation panel IPL 40 e.g. has a higher friction coefficient than the profiled vibration insulation panel IPL10.

The friction coefficient of isoloc vibration insulation panels?

The friction coefficient µ is a dimensionless variable and indicates the relation between the normal force FN (in N) and the friction force FR (in N).

            

Note:
Due to a lower stiffness of the "rubber" the effective contact face is considerably bigger than it is the case with metallic pairings. Therefore adhesive friction forces can occur more frequently.

Are the vibration insulation panels also available in sizes larger than 500 x 500 mm?

Due to the manufacturing, our vibration insulation panels have a size of 500 x 500 mm.

But several mats can be glued at their hems, so that larger sizes can be realized.

However, this is only essential for very heavy machines, because of the high load capacity of the insulation panels.

How do the isoloc vibration insulation panels and packs and machine shoes have to be loaded?

Always full-scale, otherwise overstraining can occur or the functioning of the vibration insulation is affected.

The laying out by isoloc engineers is always carried out on this basis!

Are the isoloc elements UMS, NT, NTS, NTR also available in other colours?

Of course, we can deliver the elements in another colour. Please ask us.

What do you have to consider in case of an elastically embedded machine which is anchored to the ground?

It is important that the bolts are decoupled with regard to the vibration by using respective insulation discs (e.g. Ronkap), as otherwise there would be the risk of a vibration transmission. Furthermore, the specifications of isoloc for the preload force must be observed to ensure that the vibration insulation remains active.

Are isoloc machine shoes also made of stainless steel?

No, not as a standard.

We recommend nikel-plated or zinc-plated versions, with subsequent finish. 

Please ask us.

Load-bearing capacity of isoloc vibration insulation panels and packs?

The loading capacity of our vibration insulation panels and vibration insulation packs is indicated by the compressive stress, which is expressed in the unit N/cm² or N/mm².

What do UMS-ASF, -DSF, -ASA, -DSA, IPL, GPL, IPK stand for?

UMS: universal precision machine shoe
ASF: screw-on and free-standing (German: anschraubbar und freistehend)
DSF: through-bore and free-standing (German: durchschraubbar und freistehend)
ASA: screw-on with inclination compensation (German: anschraubbar mit Schrägenausgleich)
DSA: through-hole with inclination compensation (German: durchschraubbar mit Schrägenausgleich)
IPLinsulation panel
GPL: anti-slip panel (German: Gleitschutzplatte)
IPK: insulation pack

Are isoloc vibration insulation and anti-slip panels silicone- and PVC-free?

Yes, all isoloc vibration insulation and slide protection panels are silicone- and PVC-free.

Which machine data etc. does isoloc need for laying out a vibration insulation and preparation of an offer?

For a simple standard insulation we need the following information:

- weight of the machine incl. weight of the workpiece
   /of the tool
- kind and type of the machine
- dimension of the dynamic forces or moved
   masses
- location of the centre of gravity
- number and size of the contact points
- information whether the anchoring of a machine is a
  must
- information about rigid connections and
  feedings to the machine or chained
  units
- setup location of the machine, e.g. ground floor or upstairs.

Just use our isoloc-questionnaire on our contact page.

Resistance against oils, detergents, lyes etc.?

The resistance of most of the used isoloc materials against oil and detergents, refrigerants/lubricants, lyes and various acids etc. is either very good or good. Ask for our specifications or mention directly the name of the used medium.

How long is the delivery time for standard products of isoloc?

Isoloc standard products are available from stock (Stuttgart).

How is the creep behaviour of isoloc vibration insulation panels and packs?

The creep behaviour of the isoloc insulation panels differs, according to the panel type. But because of new special materials this difference is very low. Ask for our data sheets!

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Installation

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Is a full-screen underlaying of a machine with isoloc vibration insulation panels necessary?

No, this would be without any benefit with regard to vibrations. The isoloc systems require a certain preload to reach a vibration insulating effect.

When are NT levelling discs and when are NTS levelling discs used?

The NTS levelling discs are used at places where machines or plants have to be repositioned more often than usual. The advantage is, that the levelling disc remains connected to the bolt or to the machine while lifting. In other cases, it is of course also possible to use NT levelling discs.

Are levelling discs delivered automatically with bolts?

No, as different bolt lengths and diameters are possible for each levelling disc, they have to be ordered separately.

Can commercially available adhesive be used for glueing together vibration insulation panels?

No, as the isoloc vibration insulation panels are partially very resistant against solvents a special glue is needed, which we deliver separately in bottles of 50 ml and 500 ml.

Up to which temperature can isoloc vibration insulation panels be used permanently?

First we have to distinguish between the temperature resistance of the elastomer in general and the temperature dependency when used as spring-damping-system.

The temperature resistance depends on the used elastomer and can be reach over 100°C until the elastomer "is destroyed".

When used as spring-damping-system, the physical properties such as its deformation behaviour under static and dynamic loads are more important. The dynamic properties (modulus) depend among others on the temperature.

The elastical and viscous contributions to the deformation can vary according to the deformation speed and temperature.

Up to a temperature of +60°C, in case of special mixtures (HT) also +80°C, vibration insulation panels can be used.

The lower temperature is deemed to be -20°C. In the area of -20°C to -40°C [glas transition temperature] the shear modulus rises continuously or rapidly!

Does the change of colour of some insulation panels due to sun beams affect the functionality and lifespan?

No, the change of the colour, especially in case of our yellow insulation panel IPL10 (becomes brownish if exposed to direct sunlight), does not affect the functionality and lifespan of the insulation panel.

When do horizontal supports (HOAW) have to be used for an elastical installation of a machine?

In case of very powerful horizontal forces within the machine for the limitation of horizontal amplitudes and in case of a very elastic vibration insulation to prevent possibly occuring tilting movements. Example: screw presses, spindle presses, elastically setup machining centres upstairs.

 

How does a UMS machine shoe has to be integrated?

The levelling spindle should always point to the outer edge of the machine. The thick vibration insulation panel on the UMS should always stand on the floor. The foot of the machine is positioned on the thin slide protection panel.

When does a machine have to be anchored?

A floor anchorage is recommended in the following cases:

  • in case of highly top-heavy (high eccentric centre of gravity with little stand space) machines
  • in case of machines with great horizontal forces and - compared to that - little natural mass
  • in case of lathes which are used to process highly unbalanced parts.
Can the vibration insulation panels IPL, slide protection panels GPL and vibration insulation packs IPK be used to equalize any floor unevenness?

In accordance to the used isoloc type, the floor unevenness can be equalized. This depends upon the elasticity of the respective isoloc type.

When should machine shoes with inclination equalization (ball ring equalization) be used?

In case of floor inclinations > 1° as well as in case of big, long machines with many contact points. Otherwise, uneven loads would occur on the machine shoes or at the machine.

What is the maximal floor unevenness permitted for the use of isoloc elements?

The level difference of the contact face at the installation point should be max. ± 0.1 mm over the length or width of the isoloc element used and be max. 0.25 mm on 1 m. However, these values depend upon the type of the machine to be setup and the insulation system to be used.

Is it necessary to anchor elastically installed machines?

In over 90% of all cases, elastically embedded machines need not be anchored and can be installed freely because of the high friction coefficient of the isoloc elements.

If an anchoring has to be carried out, it has to be considered that it has to be decoupled with elastical elements with regard to vibrations (e.g. Ronkap). That is important to avoid any disturbance of the vibration insulation.

Is it necessary to use all two threadholes while screwing on or through the isoloc UMS?

No, it is absolutely sufficient to use just one of the two drill holes in the UMS machine shoes.

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Vibration technology

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How long can the isoloc elements be used?

When the installation guidelines are observed, the load values (static and dynamic) are considered and the media resistance is conserved, we usually guarantee at least five years. Under buildings and forging presses elements have already been in use for over 15 years.

Isoloc vibration insulation and slide-protection panels are characterized by extremely low aging and they conserve their chemical and physical properties for many years. 

What is the difference between overcritical/low and undercritical/high tuning?


Only in the first case a vibration insulation / reduction is achieved.

What is the difference between vibration emission and immission?
  • Emission protection means source insulation, reduction of transmissions.
  • Immission protection means receiver insulation, protection against transmissions.
What does tuning frequency mean?

In simple terms, the tuning frequency is the natural frequency (frequencies) of the vibration insulation elements under stress with a mass m.

Which effect does the shore hardness have on vibration (dynamic) properties?

The shore hardness plays only a minor role during the assessment of the properties of an elastomer spring. To assess the"effect" of a vibration insulation panel the dynamic properties, the dynamic natural frequencies (ƒ0v, ƒ0h) and the damping ratio (ϑv, ϑh) are essential factors.

Which shore hardness values do the vibration insulation panels have?

IPL  6: 35 Shore (A)*
IPL10: 60 Shore (A)
IPL17: 70 Shore (A)
IPL20: 75 Shore (A)
IPL25: 75 Shore (A)
IPL30: 90 Shore (A)
IPL40: 70 Shore (A).

*±5°Shore

What does swing foundation insulation mean?

The expression sprung foundation insulation describes in the broadest sense any vibration insulation which is not located directly under the machine but under the foundation of the machine (mostly a concrete block). Such a machine foundation is usually sunk into the ground in a foundation pit.

When does a vibration insulated foundation (swing foundation) become necessary?

1. The machine or plant requires the installation on a foundation for stiffening. This can be e.g. measuring machines, printing machines or very long turning and boring mills. The elastic vibration insulation elements must therefore be placed under the additional mass (mostly a concrete block).

2. Increase of the weight by additional mass and therefore lower natural frequency of the bearing at the same amount of vibration insulation elements because of a higher compressive stress.

3. At constant natural frequency of the bearing for the reduction of the amplitudes of the machine, which is embedded in a vibration-insulated way, including the foundation.

4. Reduction of the amplitudes (absolute motion) of the elastically embedded machine due to a higher inertial mass. Prerequisites: Overall stiffness of the vibration insulation remains constant, despite greater mass = more vibration insulation elements. The attached elements are stressed less. Further stiffness of the machine, less mass forces are applied on the components of the machine (longer lifespan).

What is a receiver insulation?

Protection of a body, a machine or plant against vibrations or shocks acting from the outside. Formerly called 'passive vibration insulation'.

What is a source insulation?

Reduction of the forces emited by a vibratory system. In earlier times, this formerly used to be called 'active vibration insulation'.

After which frequency relation (excitation frequency against natural frequency) does a vibration insulation take effect?

After a frequency ratio of

.

ƒe : excitation frequency
ƒ0 : natural frequency

(This applies only to a single mass swing with a degree of freedom.)

How is the effectiveness of a vibration insulation generally indicated?

As insulation efficiency factor with the unit %. The insulation efficiency factor indicates how many per cent of the excitation forces are reduced. It describes the  portion of the excitation force, which is not transferred to the underlayer.

  

or

Which unit is generally used to indicate a frequency?

In Hertz (Hz), e.g. ƒ0 = 15 Hz

Not to be mixed up with the natural angular frequency or excitation circuit frequency:

What does natural frequency mean?

A vibratory system with spring, the stiffness k and the mass m has characteristic natural frequencies (resonance frequencies of the first or higher order). By changing the stiffness of the mass or spring, the natural frequency can be influenced. The natural frequency is a system characteristic.

What does resonance mean?

Resonance occurs only if a natural frequency matches with an excitation frequency and if the tuning ratio of the excitation frequency against the natural frequency equals 1. The size of the amplification depends on the damping.

image: amplitude frequency response

image: single mass swing (undamped) in resonance

What does vibration suppression mean?

Vibration suppression is structure-borne noise insulation.

How does a vibration insulation work?

In case of a vibration insulation the forces emited by a machine (source insulation) or the vibrations caused by it are reduced. The residual forces (foot forces) should be smaller than the mass forces. A vibration insulation is therefore also called a mass force compensation. The mass of the system to be protected has to execute movements, so that mass forces are created which - if they remain undamped - counteract against the exciting forces, so that the forces (source insulation) emited by the system (machine) are reduced. The required reductions can only be attained if the natural frequency of the insulation of the system to be protected is significantly lower (> -fold) than e.g. the operation frequency of a machine.

What does vibration absorption mean?

Vibration absorption is a reduction of vibrations under restricted conditions. The effect of the vibration redemption requires the connection to an additional mass and a rigidity and a given vibratory system. Vibration redemption is always a mass force compensation whereas the mass forces arise at an additional mass and not at the mass affected by the excitation.

 

What does vibration damping mean?

Vibration damping describes the transformation of mechanical kinetic energy of a system in another form of energy, e.g. heat.

(see also VDI 3830)

 

What does impact insulation mean?

Generally an impact or impulse is a broadband excitation. With the help of impact insulation the forces emited by a machine, which are caused by an impact excitation, are reduced.

We speak of an impact insulation, when the transfer of high peak forces is reduced and transferred to residual forces.

As impact-like excitations are broadband excitations, forces and vibrations in the proximity of the natural frequency of the bearing are intensified. The size of such an intensification depends upon the damping ratio.

image: source VDI2062

What does insulation of structure-borne noise mean?

Structure-borne noise insulation (also vibration damping) is a vibration insulation for frequencies over 50 - 100 Hz. In that case, the transfer of structure-borne noise, which spreads within the solid body, and is then secondarily emited as airborne sound which then primarily disturbes the people affected, is reduced.

We know that situation from e.g. drilling operations in buildings:

Is the use of isoloc elements appropriate for noise reduction?

The standard elements for the insulation of vibrations and structure-borne noises of machines and plants are not effective against directly emitted airborne sound (noise). However, the structure-borne noise insulation reduces secondarily emited airborne sound at walls and other parts of the building about 3 - 7 dB (A).

(see above: structure-borne noise insulation)

Do I need levelling for a good vibration insulation?

The setup of a machine tool is an essential constructional task, with regard to the functionality (precision, processing quality) of a machine and to the environmental behaviour (shocks).

First of all it is important to integrate vibration insulation elements which are properly tuned for the actual vibration insulation.

The quality or precision of a levelling depends upon (among other) the machine type, e.g. press or machine tools. Generally, machine tools have to be levelled exactly to be able to be operated with e.g. tool changing systems, which are often located apart from the machine.

Therefore, in the case of machine tools, it is absolutely recommended to integrate elements which can be levelled.

If the levelling is not carried out properly, tilting movements could occur which would then have a negative effect on the vibration insulation.

What are the benefits of an elastical installation with a high damping?

Damping means dissipation of energy (transformation of kinetic energy, e.g. in thermal energy). This means a faster attenuation of free vibrations of an impulse excitation (e.g. at presses etc.), faster attenuation of amplitudes of an elastically embedded machine as well as, in the event of resonance, a reduction of resonance superelevations. They can occur e.g. while starting up or turning off a machine and during an impulse excitation.

However, absorption is not the same as vibration insulation!

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