In industrial operations, managing vibration, shock, and mechanical noise is essential to maintain equipment lifespan, operational safety, and product quality. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through well-designed rubber mounts – engineering components that absorb, isolate, and dampen undesired vibration between machinery and structures. Seal ’n Devices specialises in providing premium rubber moulded mountings for diverse applications, offering a comprehensive range of rubber mounts designed to suit everything from light-duty machines to heavy-duty locomotives and off-highway equipment.
This article covers the fundamentals of rubber mounts, explores key types offered by Seal ’n Devices’ product portfolio, discusses how to select the right mount for your application, and highlights real-world industrial uses. Whether you’re specifying vibration isolators, looking at replacement mounts, or designing new equipment, this guide will give you the insight you need.
What Are Rubber Mounts and Why Do They Matter
Rubber mounts, also known as anti-vibration mounts, vibration isolators, or shock mounts, are engineered components that decouple mechanical vibration and shock from equipment frames, structures, or enclosures. By providing elasticity and damping between two parts, they reduce transmitted forces, lower noise, and extend the life of connected machinery.
Key reasons they matter include:
- Equipment longevity: Reducing vibration reduces fatigue failure, wear and tear, and maintenance downtime.
- Operator comfort and safety: Lowered vibration and shock improve ergonomics, structural integrity, and working conditions.
- System performance: Precision equipment, electronics, and high-speed machinery benefit from stable mounting.
- Noise control: Vibration isolation often leads to quieter operations, which is essential in manufacturing, marine, mining, and heavy-industry environments.
- Cost-effectiveness: Choosing the right rubber mount upfront can prevent expensive repairs and replacements later.
Choosing a sub-standard mount or ignoring mounting issues may lead to accelerated failure of bearings, fasteners, structural welds, or ancillary components. That’s why working with experienced suppliers like Seal ’n Devices – who offer proven design capability, local manufacture, large stock levels, custom solutions and technical support – is a major advantage.
Key Types of Rubber Mounts from Seal ’n Devices
Our product offering covers a broad spectrum of rubber mount types, each suited to specific load, vibration and structural conditions. Below are key mount categories you should know, each available in multiple models, sizes and load ratings.
Circular (Bobbin) Mounts
Also called rubber bobbin mounts or cylindrical mounts, these are versatile mounts typically used for general machinery, compressors, pump frames, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) units and lighter equipment. Our catalogue includes male-male rubber mounts, male-female rubber mounts, female-female and concave rubber mount options.
Advantages: Cost-effective, easy to install, available in many sizes and load ranges, suitable for routine vibration isolation tasks.
High-Deflection Rubber Mounts
High-deflection rubber mounts are designed to allow greater movement (deflection) under load, providing improved vibration isolation for low-frequency vibration and shock. We have AD, PD, O, V, W, and ZTD anti-vibration rubber mount models under this category.
Advantages: Excellent for low frequency applications of where a high degree of vibration isolation is required.
Failsafe/Captive Mounts
Designed for critical applications where the load must remain supported even if the rubber element fails, these mounts incorporate interlocking safety metals. We provide FS, FRS, FAB and marine rubber mounts in these failsafe versions.
Advantages: Ideal for industrial, marine, offshore, locomotive or elevated installations where risk must be minimised and downtime is critical.
Cone/Cab Mounts
Cab mounts or conical anti-vibration mounts are used when a machine’s body or cabin is mounted on a subframe and isolation in multiple directions (vertical and lateral) is required. Seal ’n Devices offers light-, medium-, and heavy-duty cone mounts.
Advantages: Common in transport equipment, earthmoving machines, locomotives and mobile equipment where cab isolation and operator comfort are essential.
Sandwich Mounts
Sandwich mounts feature rubber bonded between two metal plates (the “sandwich”) for compact vibration isolation in high-load applications. We have SM and SWR models. Affordable yet efficient rubber mountings
Advantages: Suitable for heavy machine bases, structural frames, and installations where height is restricted, but load capacity and isolation are still required.
Adjustable Machine Mounts/Rubber Foot Mounts
These mounts serve as either levelling feet or simple anti-vibration rubber mounts/feet for machinery and equipment foundations, often adjustable or fixed, supporting equipment weight while providing vibration damping. We offer adjustable machine mounts, rubber foot mounts, and adjustable feet.
Advantages: Ideal in factory environments where machines rest on the floor, but vibration needs to be isolated from the building structure.
Rubber Hanger Mounts/Spring Hanger Mounts
Hanger mounts, or acoustic hangers, suspend pipes, ductwork, or equipment to isolate vibration from the structure, common in HVAC, piping, and suspended systems. Seal ’n Devices has spring hangers and rubber hangers.
Advantages: Reduce noise transmission through the building structure and address vibration that could degrade mounted equipment or cause structural fatigue.
Spring Mounts
These are mounts combining rubber and coil springs (or just springs assembled to form an anti-vibration mount) to allow large deflections and excellent isolation over broad frequency ranges. We offer SPR, SPRH, SMRH, SMRC, etc.
Advantages: High-end vibration isolation for large equipment, heavy platforms, low-frequency machines or where building isolation is required.
Universal Rubber Mounts
Universal rubber mounts are versatile solutions applicable to many equipment types, and our stock includes MSH, CGM, T-mounts, and more.
Advantages: Helpful when stock flexibility is required, for diverse conditions and ad-hoc installations.
Locomotive Mounts
Designed for railway applications, these rubber mounts handle dynamic loading, shock, vibration and environmental extremes.
From suspension mounts, chevron mounts, rubber spring adaptors, rubber buffers and draw gear pads, contact Seal ‘n Devices, your experts in locomotive rubber mounts.
Advantages: Engineered for rolling stock, railway traction systems, bogies and heavy off-highway equipment.
How to Select the Right Rubber Mount
Choosing the correct rubber mounts involves careful analysis of equipment, loads, frequencies, environmental conditions and maintenance requirements. Below are key factors to consider.
- Load Capacity: Determine the static load (weight) the mount will support and any dynamic overload conditions (shock, impact). Select a mount whose load rating matches or exceeds the expected load.
- Vibration Frequency and Deflection: Identify the equipment’s vibration frequency or shock profile. Low-frequency vibration may need high-deflection mounts; high-frequency may use standard mounts. The mount’s natural frequency should be significantly lower than the excitation frequency to achieve effective isolation.
- Direction of Forces: Consider vertical, lateral and longitudinal forces. Some mounts (cone, cab, universal) handle multi-axis loads better than simple bobbin mounts.
- Movement and Deflection Requirements: If equipment moves or shifts (e.g., large generators, off-highway equipment), mounts must allow sufficient deflection without bottoming out.
- Environmental Conditions: Consider temperature extremes, chemical exposure, outdoor use, UV exposure, marine environment, abrasion, and corrosion. Materials must be suitable for the environment.
- Geometry and Space Constraints: Some installations may have limited height or width; sandwich or foot mounts may be better suited. Mount footprints and installation space matter.
- Maintenance and Replacement: Mounts in critical applications should minimise maintenance or allow easy replacement. Failsafe/captive mounts offer added safety where failure risk must be mitigated.
- Custom vs Standard: Seal ’n Devices offers both stock mounts and custom-moulded solutions. For non-standard loads or unique equipment, custom mount design may be required.
By analysing these factors and working with experienced suppliers, you can ensure optimal performance, longevity, and reduced risk of equipment damage.
Applications and Industry Examples
Rubber mounts are used across many industries. Below are a few practical applications where well-selected mounts make a real difference.
- Mining and Heavy Machinery: Large crushers, conveyors, cooling towers, compressors and mobile equipment generate heavy vibration and shock. Using heavy-duty anti-vibration rubber mounts or sandwich mounts ensures machine frames remain stable and isolated from foundations.
- Marine and Offshore: Shipboard engines, pumps, HVAC units, and crane systems require vibration isolation, corrosion resistance, and fail-safe measures. Seal ’n Devices supplies marine-rated failsafe mounts, rubber-metal bonded mounts and various rubber mounts suitable for harsh environments.
- Manufacturing and Production: Precision machines, CNC machines, robotics, and automation benefit from various rubber mounts, such as the basic circular or foot mounts that dampen vibration and preserve alignment and accuracy. Universal mounts and machine-foot mounts meet these requirements.
- Railway and Transportation: Locomotive mounts, cab mounts and off-highway mounts maintain ride comfort, structural integrity and equipment reliability in mobile transport settings. Our locomotive mount offerings serve this niche.
- HVAC, Piping, and Building Services: Hanger mounts and rubber hangers suspend piping and ductwork, providing vibration isolation to prevent noise transmission and protect the building structure from vibration. Rubber or spring mounts may support large fans and HVAC units.
- Power Generation and Utilities: Generators, turbines, compressors and large mechanical systems generate low-frequency vibration requiring high-performing rubber mounts. These mounts increase equipment life and reduce maintenance costs.
Why Seal ’n Devices Stands Out as a Supplier of Rubber Mounts
Choosing the right supplier is as important as selecting the correct mount. Seal ’n Devices offers several advantages that make us a leading choice for rubber mounts in South Africa and beyond:
- Over 30 years of experience in rubber and polyurethane moulding.
- In-house manufacturing with injection, transfer and compression moulding capabilities.
- Large stock levels of standard mounts and the ability to manufacture custom mounts quickly.
- ISO 9001:2015 certification, demonstrating quality management systems and consistent product standards.
- A full range of mount types, from circular to locomotive, covering diverse industries and load conditions.
- Technical support, in-house toolroom, CNC machining, and local service.
These capabilities ensure clients receive reliable, cost-effective rubber mount solutions that meet rigorous industrial demands.
Installation and Maintenance Best Practices
To ensure your rubber mounts perform effectively over their lifespan, follow these guidelines.
Installation Tips
- Ensure the mount base and machine base are clean, level and suitably prepared.
- Pre-load the mount appropriately; avoid under- or over-compression, as this can reduce lifespan.
- Use correct mounting hardware and torque levels.
- Check load distribution – each mount should carry its rated share of load.
- Align the machine and foundation properly to avoid side loading.
Maintenance Tips
- Periodically inspect mounts for cracks, rubber deterioration, degradation or bond separation.
- Monitor deflection and ensure it remains within design criteria; excessive sagging may indicate wear.
- Listen for increased vibration or noise, which may signal mount deterioration.
- Replace mounts in sets if wear is uneven.
- Keep records of service life and replacement cycles.
By using high-quality rubber mounts installed and maintained correctly, equipment uptime increases, repair costs drop, and operational reliability improves.
FAQs About Rubber Mounts
What are rubber mounts used for?
Rubber mounts are used to isolate vibration, shock and noise between equipment and its mounting structure. They enhance machine life, reduce noise, improve safety and support performance.
How do I choose the right rubber mount for my machine?
Consider load capacity, vibration frequency, direction of forces, deflection requirements, environmental conditions and space constraints. Consulting with an experienced supplier such as Seal ’n Devices ensures correct selection.
What is the difference between high-deflection mounts and standard mounts?
High-deflection mounts allow greater movement under load, making them suitable for low-frequency vibration or shock-heavy applications, whereas standard mounts suit higher-frequency or lighter loads.
What is a failsafe mount?
Failsafe or captive mounts incorporate safety features, such as metal backup plates, so that if the rubber component fails, the load remains supported, reducing risk in critical installations.
How often should rubber mounts be replaced?
Mount lifespan depends on load, frequency, environment and usage. Periodic inspection is essential, and replacement may be required when deflection increases, rubber degrades or vibration increases.
Can rubber mounts be custom-manufactured?
Yes. Seal ’n Devices offers custom-moulded rubber mounts tailored to specific loads, shapes, environmental conditions and applications.
Everything You Need to Know About Rubber Mounts
From compressors and generators to locomotives and HVAC systems, rubber mounts play a critical role in ensuring equipment remains stable, efficient and safe. Understanding the different types – from circular/bobbin mounts to high-deflection, failsafe, cone, sandwich, machine foot, hanger, spring, universal, and locomotive mounts – allows engineers and purchasing managers to specify the right solution for each application.
Seal ’n Devices offers a complete portfolio of rubber mount solutions, backed by decades of experience, local manufacturing, stock availability and custom design capabilities. By partnering with a quality supplier, you ensure your equipment receives the correct mount, is installed properly and is maintained over time, delivering lower downtime, longer equipment life, and reduced operational risk.
Contact us today to find the right rubber mounts for your machinery or equipment and create quieter, more reliable operations.
