In today’s fast-paced world, product performance isn’t just about functionality — it’s about creating a seamless and quiet experience for the end user. Whether in automotive, HVAC, medical, or electronics, reducing unwanted noise and vibration is crucial to delivering high-quality products that stand out. Sur-Seal has been at the forefront of developing cutting-edge noise and vibration reduction solutions, leveraging our expertise in materials engineering to address the most common challenges that lead to buzz, squeak, and rattle (BSR).
Here are our top five solutions to minimize noise and vibration:
One of the most effective methods to tackle vibration is to address it directly at its source through cushioning. Cushioning materials absorb and dissipate energy, reducing the transfer of vibrations that would otherwise result in noise. In automotive and medical equipment, vibrations can affect both performance and user experience, making it critical to find the right cushioning material.
Sur-Seal commonly uses closed-cell foam and rubber materials for cushioning applications, such as 3M Thinsulate, which provides robust vibration absorption while also meeting durability requirements. Due to their resistance to unique environmental conditions, such as exposure to moisture or extreme temperatures, closed-cell foams are a superior option for industries with unique environmental conditions. By isolating vibrations, cushioning helps prevent the mechanical buzz frequently occurring when different components vibrate in contact.
While cushioning focuses on vibration, dampening is about silencing the noise created by vibrating parts. Dampening materials can reduce or eliminate unwanted sounds by absorbing sound waves. Open-cell polyurethane foams are popular for dampening and are designed to absorb sound waves and reduce noise transmission. This material is often used in automotive and HVAC systems where noise pollution can impact comfort and functionality.
At Sur-Seal, we offer an array of dampening solutions that go beyond open-cell polyurethane. For industries seeking lightweight alternatives with enhanced performance, we recommend non-woven materials. These materials provide a distinct advantage, especially when weight reduction, such as aerospace and electronics, is a priority. Non-woven dampening materials are effective at absorbing sound while maintaining flexibility in design.
Polyurethane foams and poly materials offer excellent solutions for more robust vibration-dampening needs. These materials are specifically designed to handle varying vibration frequencies, making them ideal for sensitive applications such as electronics, where high-frequency vibrations can cause critical disruptions.
Sur-Seal has developed customized solutions for vibration dampening across multiple industries, tailoring each approach to the application’s specific requirements. Whether it’s medical devices, which need precision in both sound and movement control, or automotive systems, where long-term durability against vibration is critical, we ensure that our materials meet all necessary performance and regulatory specifications.
When it comes to materials that offer both noise reduction and vibration dampening, non-woven materials are becoming a go-to solution. These materials are known for being lightweight, versatile, and highly customizable. They can perform as well as traditional polyurethane foams while offering additional benefits like weight reduction, which is critical in aerospace and automotive industries where every gram counts.
Non-woven materials can be engineered for various applications and used in combination with other materials to form composite solutions that enhance performance and cost-efficiency. At Sur-Seal, we specialize in creating composite material solutions that combine the strengths of different materials to meet each customer’s unique needs.
Every noise and vibration challenge is unique, and the best solution often depends on the application’s specific requirements. Our team at Sur-Seal frequently asks the following questions to identify the most appropriate noise and vibration reduction solution:
At Sur-Seal, we believe that achieving the best possible results requires a deep dive into the application’s materials and design. Our Engineering Solutions team is dedicated to performing comprehensive teardowns of products and systems, helping engineers identify the root cause of noise and vibration issues and providing targeted recommendations. Whether you’re working with complex machinery or sensitive medical devices, we ensure our solutions meet specific technical, environmental, and regulatory needs.
Our solutions engineering process goes beyond simply suggesting off-the-shelf materials. We collaborate closely with your team to assess your application’s unique performance factors. For more information on how we engineer customized solutions, check out our Engineering Solutions process.
Choosing the right material or solution can sometimes feel overwhelming. That’s why Sur-Seal offers a sample program that allows you to test different noise and vibration reduction solutions in your real-world applications. By trying out samples, you can ensure the materials and methods you select are perfect for your needs before fully committing.
Our samples cover a range of materials, including cushioning foams, dampening materials, and non-woven solutions. Visit our Samples Program page to explore your options and request a sample today.
Buzz, squeak, and rattle can significantly detract from your product’s performance and appeal, but the proper noise and vibration reduction solutions can mitigate or eliminate these issues entirely. At Sur-Seal, we have a wealth of experience solving noise and vibration challenges across a variety of industries. From cushioning and dampening to using polyurethane foams and non-woven materials, our solutions are tailored to meet each client’s specific needs.
By addressing noise and vibration at the source and choosing materials based on performance and environmental factors, Sur-Seal helps ensure that your products deliver a quiet, smooth, and reliable experience.
Contact Sur-Seal today for more information about our noise and vibration reduction solutions or to speak with one of our engineers.
