How to Choose the Right Vibration Dampers for Robotics and Industrial Automation

Selection of the proper vibration dampers for robotics and industrial automation must be based on vibration frequency, equipment load, vibration source, operating conditions, and mountings. Selecting the proper solution will help you minimize vibrations, improve equipment stability, and ensure reliable robotic and automated machines operation.

Robots and other industrial automated equipment and machinery can produce vibrations in the process of their movement and operation. Failure to control these vibrations will affect positioning, cause wear, and make automation unreliable. The following criteria will help you to choose the proper vibration damping mounts.

What are Vibration Dampers used for in Industrial Automation?

A vibration damper is a device meant for controlling the vibration of the system. In robots and automated machines, they help in controlling the vibration generated by motors, gearboxes, robotic arms, and actuators.

An excessive vibration may lead to:

• Accuracy loss in robotic movements

• Component wear

• Machines noise

• Loosening of fasteners

• Process repeatability loss

• Increased maintenance

Depending on the machine's requirements, the machine manufacturers may incorporate vibration dampers, vibration isolators, or vibration damping isolators in the machines.

1. Identify the Source and Type of Vibration

Choosing the right type of vibration dampers requires that one identifies what is causing the vibrations first. It is also important to know if the vibration is continuous or intermittent, or even if it occurs only during acceleration and deceleration. This will ensure that you select the right type of damper for the vibration.

For instance, the vibration that is created by the motor running at high speeds will be different from the vibration caused by the movement of the robot arm. A correct assessment of the vibration source will help in ensuring that you do not select an unsuitable damper.

2. Match the Damper to the Vibration Frequency

Vibration frequency plays an essential role in selecting vibration dampers. Robots and other types of automation have various speeds and are capable of generating various vibration frequencies. Low-frequency vibration solutions may fail to deliver good results in a fast-moving automation process. Consider the following criteria when assessing a vibration control product:

• Machine operation speed

• Motor and actuator frequency

• Movement cycle count

• Acceleration/deceleration

• Resonance possibility

If you need technical help for automation procedures that are complex, you may contact vibration specialists.

3. Determine Whether You Need Vibration Isolation or Damping

Vibration isolation mounts and vibration damping mounts are both types of vibration control systems; however, there are differences between them in their approaches towards vibration issues.

Vibration isolation mounts are usually intended to isolate the vibration transfer from the equipment to the mountings. They will be useful when it comes to securing robotic and automated machines against vibration influences.

Vibration damping mounts are used for absorption and dissipation of vibrations caused by the equipment and its mechanical components. The optimal solution for vibration control depends on your requirements; sometimes a combination of vibration isolation and damping will be more effective.

4. Check Load Capacity and Dynamic Forces

The chosen vibration damper needs to be able to bear the weight and other forces of the equipment. In the case of robotic machines, the forces can vary depending on the position of the robot due to the changing load and dynamic forces. Prior to choosing the damper, take into account:

• The total weight of the equipment

• Load per mounting point

• Dynamic forces

• Shock loads

• Mounting position

The wrong choice of the damper can cause its early wear or poor vibration management.

5. Consider the Industrial Operating Environment

Industrial environments may present difficult conditions for vibration dampers. Lubricating oils, coolants, dust, humidity, and temperature variations may all affect the performance and lifespan of the vibration damper. Think about whether your vibration solution will have to resist:

• Temperature changes – high or low

• Oils and lubrication

• Industrial chemicals

• Humidity

• Dust and contamination

The materials used will depend upon the industrial environment. This applies particularly to the fields of manufacturing, automobile, packaging, and industrial automation.

6. Evaluate Installation and Equipment Compatibility

The vibration damper needs to be compatible with the robotic and automated machinery. Prior to making a decision, it is advisable to examine the mounting, the space required, the connection, and the installation.

Another important factor that should be kept in mind when selecting a vibration damper is its ease of maintenance. In a high-production environment, an easy installation procedure can help to save time.

A customized vibration damping mounts solution may be more suitable for specialized robotics and automation machines.

Why Custom Vibration Dampers May Be the Right Choice

Vibration control products that are available off-the-shelf may sometimes fail to satisfy the demands of unique applications in robotics and automated industries. The design of a customized vibration damper is possible according to the specifications of the application, such as size of the equipment, load, vibrations and mounting.

Customized vibration damping may be advantageous when your application demands:

• Custom damper size

• Load bearing capacity

• Frequent vibration damping

• Unique material properties

• Integration with existing robotic equipment

It will be useful for you to discuss the vibration damping technique with an expert manufacturer prior to production or installation of equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vibration Dampers

1. What are vibration dampers?

Vibration dampers are mechanical devices designed to absorb and dissipate vibration energy to decrease undesirable vibration transmission from machinery and equipment.

2. How to choose correct vibration dampers?

Choose vibration dampers on the basis of vibration sources, frequency, load of equipment, environmental and mounting conditions. For complex robotics and automation devices, additional technical evaluation might be necessary.

3. What is the difference between vibration isolators and vibration dampers?

Vibration isolators could help reduce the vibration transfer from equipment to its base structure. The function of vibration dampers is to take in the energy generated through vibration of machines and movable parts.

4. Can vibration dampers be installed in industrial robots?

Yes, vibration dampers are installed in industrial robots and automated machines in order to increase stability and to decrease vibration of equipment.

5. When to use custom vibration dampers?

Custom vibration dampers can be selected in case of special requirements for load bearing capacity, vibration frequency, geometry, materials, or robotics systems.

Choose the Right Vibration Dampers for Your Application

The proper choice of vibration dampers may contribute to improving the stability of machines, reducing any unnecessary vibrations, and helping ensure the safe functioning of robotics or industrial automation systems. Still, the proper solution depends on the particular vibration source, vibration frequency, equipment load, operational conditions, and mount type.

Looking for proper vibration isolation mounts for your robotics or industrial automation system? If you have any questions regarding your equipment, load, or vibrations, contact our experts right away and we will be glad to select or develop the appropriate vibration dampers for your system.