Shaking It Up: How Anti-Vibration Fastening Solutions Keep Things Together
Vibration is one of the key hazards that can lead to manufacturing and industrial failures. It effects manufacturers in a number of industries, from aerospace and automotive engineering to medical equipment and railway transportation. If your equipment is using the wrong kinds of fasteners, it can compromise safety, longevity, and performance. Anti-vibration fasteners are created to prevent unwanted loosening or failures, which should reduce long-term cost and prevent major headaches in the future.
Anti-Vibration Solutions
Anti-vibration solutions, as the name suggests, are designed to reduce or eliminate the transmission of vibrations. They are often used in applications where vibration can lead to fatigue, structural failure, or damage to sensitive components. Thread-locking fasteners are specifically designed to prevent unintentional loosening of threaded connections, such as nuts and bolts. They are commonly used in applications where vibrations, thermal cycling, or other external forces can cause traditional fasteners to come loose.
However, there are several types of anti-vibration solutions, and the correct one for your facility may depend on the application or environment:
Nylon Insert Lock Nuts
These nuts have a nylon ring contained in the nut, which creates resistance when the nut is threaded onto a bolt. This resistance helps keep the nut in place and prevents it from backing out due to vibrations.
Prevailing Torque Nuts
These nuts have distorted threads or deformed sections that create friction and resistance during installation and removal. They are most often used in automotive applications and were commonly used in aerospace applications.
Adhesive Locking Fasteners
Some fasteners are coated with an adhesive or sealant that cures when the fastener is tightened. This adhesive creates a bond between the fastener and the threads.
Interference Fit Fasteners
In some cases, fasteners are designed to have a slightly larger diameter than the hole they are inserted into. This interference fit provides extra resistance to avoid loosening.
Wedge Lock Washers
These two-piece washers have serrated outer surfaces that bite into the surfaces of the bolt and nut and a ramp on the mating inner surfaces that act as an internal wedge, which allows the assembly to maintain tension and resistance to loosening.
Rubber or Silicone Mounts
These fasteners incorporate rubber or silicone components that absorb and dampen vibrations, isolating the connected parts from the vibrations.
Spring and Cushioned
Fasteners
These fasteners feature built-in springs or elastomeric cushions that provide shock absorption and vibration isolation.
Isolation Mounts
These are specialized mounts or fasteners used to isolate heavy machinery or equipment from their foundations to prevent vibrations from being transmitted to the surrounding structure.
Threaded Inserts
Threaded inserts with vibration-resistant thread profiles can be used to secure components in place while minimizing vibration transfer.
Fastening With Martin
Anti-vibration fasteners and solutions play important roles in ensuring the reliability and performance of your equipment. The choice of fastener depends on the application’s requirements, the level of vibration, and more. Martin’s team of fastening experts know how to find the right fit for your facility. We offer custom-tailored solutions to find an efficient and cost-effective solution that meets your needs. To meet with our team and learn more, contact your Martin Sales Rep or call 800.828.8116.
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