| Elastomeric Rubber Mount | Rubber or a rubber-like elastomer deforms under load to reduce the transmission of vibration and structure-borne noise. | Pumps, fans, motors, compressors, small generators, and general-purpose machinery. | Compact, simple to install, and available in multiple shapes and stiffnesses; can also help limit shock transmission. | Check supported load, operating temperature, oil or chemical exposure, and expected elastomer aging. Isolation performance depends on the mount’s stiffness and the supported equipment’s operating speed. |
| Steel Spring Isolator | A helical steel spring supports the equipment and allows controlled vertical movement, reducing the transfer of low-frequency vibration. | HVAC chillers, air-handling units, large fans, pumps, and other heavy equipment. | Suitable for relatively heavy loads and can provide low natural frequencies when properly selected. | Confirm load distribution, spring deflection, lateral stability, and whether restraints or damping are needed. Springs alone provide limited damping and may require additional measures to control movement. |
| Spring Isolator with Neoprene Element | A steel spring provides compliant support while a neoprene element helps reduce high-frequency vibration and adds damping. | Building services equipment where both low-frequency isolation and some high-frequency attenuation are required. | Combines spring compliance with an elastomeric interface; commonly used where equipment is mounted on a floor or structural base. | Review the complete assembly’s load rating and deflection. The neoprene element does not eliminate the need for correct spring selection, anchoring, or movement restraints. |
| Wire-Rope Isolator | Metal wire rope is formed into a flexible element that deforms in several directions to absorb shock and vibration. | Transported equipment, outdoor enclosures, electronics, marine equipment, and applications exposed to shock or multi-axis vibration. | Can accommodate vibration and shock from multiple directions and is generally resistant to corrosion when suitable materials are specified. | Match the isolator to the load and shock environment. Check mounting geometry, allowable displacement, and whether the wire-rope construction suits the operating environment. |
| Pneumatic (Air) Isolator | Compressed air supports the load in a flexible chamber, creating a low-stiffness support system for sensitive equipment. | Optical tables, precision instruments, metrology equipment, and vibration-sensitive laboratory systems. | Can provide effective isolation of low-amplitude vibration when correctly configured and maintained. | Requires a suitable air supply or self-contained system, correct leveling, and attention to air leakage and maintenance. Performance depends on the equipment, floor, and disturbance frequencies. |
| Cork-Rubber or Composite Pad | A compressed resilient pad made from cork, rubber, or a composite material deforms beneath the equipment to reduce vibration transmission. | Light machinery, cabinets, small pumps, and applications needing a simple pad beneath a base or support. | Low-profile and straightforward to install; can distribute load over a contact area. | Check allowable compressive load, pad thickness, creep, moisture exposure, and temperature. Pads are not a universal substitute for engineered mounts on heavy or vibration-sensitive equipment. |
| Viscoelastic Damping Mount | A viscoelastic material dissipates vibration energy as it deforms, reducing resonance response over its intended operating range. | Panels, instrument housings, electronic assemblies, and machinery components where resonance or panel vibration is a concern. | Provides energy dissipation and can be useful where controlling resonant motion is more important than achieving very low-frequency isolation. | Verify material compatibility, temperature range, load, and frequency-dependent behavior. Damping performance can change with temperature and operating conditions. |