Anti Vibration Pads

An anti-vibration pad is a special type of padding designed to absorb and evenly distribute vibrations to nominal levels. They are perfect for helping to reduce noise levels and structural damage from vibrating equipment and machinery in a wide range of applications. Available in a broad range of materials and sizes, these vibration absorbing solutions provide essential protection for both sensitive instruments and heavy-duty industrial plant.

Whether you require a dedicated vibration mat for a factory floor or a specific rubber vibration pad for local equipment isolation, selecting the correct material ensures long-term operational stability. RS New Zealand stocks an extensive variety of damping solutions to suit the diverse environmental and mechanical demands of the local market.

How Do Anti-Vibration Pads Work?

Ranging in size and layers, anti-vibration pads are specifically designed to absorb shock and movement by isolating the energy transmitted from machinery into floors or surrounding structures. Usually made from materials like rubber, cork, or foam which are incompressible by nature, they are able to deflect the movement by changing shape rather than volume. By acting as a buffer between vibrating equipment and its environment, each vibration dampening mat minimises structural stress and significantly reduces mechanical noise.

Types of Anti-Vibration Pads

Effective vibration absorbing solutions come in various formats to accommodate different equipment footprints and load requirements. Selecting the right vibration pad depends on the contact surface area and the intensity of the kinetic energy that needs to be suppressed:

Standard Pads (Square & Rectangular)

Bearing pads, damping pads they are essentially the same thing. Square in nature, they are able to cover larger areas and can usually be joined together with multiple pads to suit your needs.

Tapes & Strips

The tapes are similar to their counterpart pads. The offer the same features of shock absorption except they are in long tape form. Perfect for fitting around wall edges, can be easily manipulated and cut to specified shape and have some kind of sticky backing for quick attachment. Come in a variety of widths and lengths and are ideal where space is restricted.

Chips (Small Pads)

Smaller counterparts to pads and tapes, they offer you the ability to cover smaller surface areas. Perfect for smaller machinery with minimal shock or vibration output.

Material-Specific Pads

The chemical composition of a vibration mat determines its longevity and performance under specific environmental stresses. Different materials offer varying levels of compression set and resistance to industrial fluids:

• Rubber Pads: General-purpose rubber is the most common material used for heavy-duty isolation. It provides excellent vibration dampening for industrial pumps and motors while resisting wear.
• Nitrile Rubber Pads: Designed for New Zealand workshops where oil and chemical exposure are common, nitrile stays stable without swelling or degrading when in contact with lubricants.
• Cork Pads: Natural cork is often laminated with rubber to create a composite anti-vibration mat. It is highly effective for high-load applications where minimal thickness is required.
• EVA Foam Pads: This lightweight foam is ideal for lighter equipment. It provides a cost-effective vibration absorbing layer for domestic or light commercial appliances.

Benefits of Anti-Vibration Pads

Anti-vibration pads are quick and easy to install in a wide range of applications, providing instant vibration and shock resistance. These vibration dampening pads help to improve working conditions by reducing environmental noise from machinery, as well as enhancing structural safety. Anti-vibration mats also feature a high resistance to moisture depending on the rubber type.

How to Choose the Right Vibration Pad

Selecting the correct anti-vibration mat is essential for maintaining equipment precision and preventing structural fatigue. Consider these technical factors before selecting your isolation solution:

• Equipment Load: Ensure the pad is rated for the total weight of the machinery. A heavy-duty vibration mat must support the static load without bottoming out, as over-compression prevents the material from absorbing energy effectively.
• Vibration Level: High-frequency vibrations require different damping characteristics than low-frequency, heavy impacts. Thicker rubber pads or multi-layered composites are often necessary for heavy industrial gear.
• Material Compatibility: Match the material to your specific needs. Rubber offers excellent durability, while foam is better for light-duty vibration absorbing tasks.
• Operating Environment: Evaluate the exposure to temperature extremes or moisture. In New Zealand manufacturing sites, pads must often resist oils, chemicals, and humidity to prevent premature degradation.
• Floor Surface: The texture of the mounting surface dictates the required grip. Ribbed or waffled textures help prevent "walking" or shifting of machinery on smooth factory floors.
• Safety and Installation: Look for pads that are easy to cut to size or those with self-adhesive backings to simplify the installation process in restricted spaces.

Applications of Anti-Vibration Pads

Vibration dampening solutions are indispensable across various sectors in New Zealand, ensuring both mechanical longevity and operator comfort.

• Industrial Machinery & Heavy Equipment: Heavy-duty rubber pads are used under CNC machines, lathes, and industrial presses. They prevent the transfer of massive kinetic energy into the building's slab, protecting the structural integrity of the facility.
• Manufacturing & Workshops: In production lines, vibration absorbing mats are placed under conveyor motors and compressors. This reduces environmental noise and prevents sensitive calibration equipment nearby from being affected by floor-borne tremors.
• Domestic Appliances & Commercial Equipment: These pads are commonly used for commercial washing machines, refrigeration units, and HVAC systems. A simple vibration pad prevents these appliances from vibrating against walls or floors, reducing noise in shared spaces.
• Sensitive Environments & Labs: Precision scales and microscopes require a stable environment. High-grade foam or specialized anti-vibration mats isolate these instruments from subtle building vibrations, ensuring accurate data and measurements.

Your Trusted Manufacturer & Supplier of Anti-Vibration Pads

RS New Zealand is a trusted supplier and distributor of anti-vibration pads and high-performance isolation solutions. We offer a wide range of heavy-duty rubber mats and vibration dampening components sourced from reputable brands like Taica, Fabreeka, and RS PRO, ensuring reliable options for every industrial and commercial task.

Beyond anti-vibration pads, we also provide a wide array of other anti-vibration & levelling components, such as rotary dampers, tube inserts, and anti-slip mats, catering to all your structural protection and machinery mounting requirements. Whether you need a large vibration mat for a factory press or foam inserts for sensitive lab equipment, our range offers the technical durability required for the New Zealand climate.

Explore our user-friendly online site for the full range of products and have them shipped to your door at your convenience. With our flexible delivery options, you can receive your products precisely when needed. For comprehensive details on delivery times and fees, please consult our Delivery page.