Feel the vibe

For many critical machines, vibration is not only inevitable but essential. However, managing vibration is key to keeping operations running smoothly and avoiding costly downtime. Fabian Selent from Trelleborg’s antivibration solutions division delves into how vibration impacts machinery and how to minimize its effects to prevent unplanned maintenance. 

Modern machinery is smarter than ever. Thanks to Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things (IoT), today’s industrial equipment is more connected, efficient, and capable of predicting maintenance needs. Yet, one critical variable often flies under the radar: vibration. In environments where vibration is the norm, it’s easy to overlook its impact on machinery performance. 

Unchecked vibration can lead to accelerated wear, component failure, and unplanned downtime—not just for the equipment in question, but for nearby systems as well. The results? Reduced efficiency, production delays, and operational disruptions. Left unresolved, abnormal vibration can grind production to a halt, causing significant delays and downtime that ripple across the entire operation. 

Managing vibration effectively means keeping your machinery performing at its best, avoiding costly disruptions, and keeping your operations moving forward. 

Ripple effect 

Vibration is a common challenge with serious consequences. Changes in operating conditions, overloading, aging equipment, or even everyday wear and tear—like imbalance, misalignment, or loose parts—can all cause excessive vibration. Left unchecked, this leads to increased fatigue, breakdowns, and failures in critical machinery. The result? Shorter component lifespans and unexpected costs that can quickly spiral out of control.  

 On average, vibration-related downtime—including repairs, lost production, and wasted labor—can cost thousands of euros per hour. In some industries, the impact goes beyond equipment. Operators of off-highway vehicles, for example, face prolonged health risks like back pain, varicose veins, and vision problems from excessive vibration exposure.  

 Vibration doesn’t just damage machines—it affects people and productivity. Addressing it early is the key to avoiding costly downtime and protecting workers. 

Smooth Operations

Vibration is an essential part of how industrial machinery operates, but managing it effectively is key to ensuring optimal performance and protecting workers and assets from its potentially harmful effects. The best way to address excessive vibration? Start with the right anti-vibration components. 

 Since machinery operates under varying conditions across industries, choosing the right anti-vibration mounts requires careful consideration of factors like deflection, static loading, and equipment alignment. By specifying these components during the design phase—rather than waiting for vibration issues to arise—you set the foundation for consistent performance and a safer working environment. 

 Interestingly, anti-vibration components don’t eliminate movement entirely. Instead, they isolate vibrations, preventing them from spreading and safeguarding nearby workers and equipment. When integrated into equipment design from the start, these components can be optimally positioned for maximum effectiveness. This proactive approach not only avoids costly retrofits later but also keeps downtime to a minimum, boosting productivity and uptime. 

 Vibration might originate in one place, but its impact can ripple far and wide. That’s why at Trelleborg, we partner with equipment manufacturers to create tailored anti-vibration solutions that protect both people and machinery, ensuring operational efficiency and safety from the ground up. 

 

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 Discover more at Anti-vibration industrial solutions