Air Springs Supply is encouraging manufacturing and industrial operators to rethink traditional approaches to tackling vibration challenges, highlighting the benefits of Firestone’s Marsh Mellow rubber springs as an alternative to conventional metal options.
In a news release, the company said the need to avoid downtime in manufacturing, mining, and materials handling is prompting maintenance and engineering managers to consider new ways of isolating equipment from the damaging effects of vibration.
“Where once standard metal springs were always the go-to option for dealing with noise, vibration, and harshness, now the need to achieve better isolation, greater reliability, and quieter operation is prompting a search for alternatives,” said Air Springs Supply Technical Product Manager, Vinh Lam.
According to Air Springs Supply, vibration can cause significant damage to components and structures, while also presenting occupational health and safety hazards for workers.
“Avoiding downtime is a major reason for change in highly competitive industries,” Lam said. “Staff also have to contend with hazards from maintenance and the damage caused by vibration to bearings, bushings, joints, welds, and mountings. And then there are the long-term effects of unaddressed vibration on hearing and nerve health.”
Air Springs Supply, which distributes Firestone Airide products in Australia, provides a range of vibration isolation solutions including Airstroke, Airmount, and Marsh Mellow springs.
The company noted the Marsh Mellow springs are made with a rubber core, fabric reinforcement, and hollow centres, a design intended to maintain vibration isolation across varying loads.
According to Air Springs Supply, this construction enables the springs to reduce forced frequencies typically found between 13 and 20 Hz.
Air Springs Supply added that Marsh Mellows require no lubrication or maintenance and have no moving parts, making them well-suited to demanding environments.
The company noted their rubber construction eliminates risks associated with metal fatigue and cracking, reducing the likelihood of costly production interruptions.
“Their terrifically rugged rubber construction eliminates any problem with metal cracking to allow fragments to damage equipment and potentially cause costly downtime. Additionally, Marsh Mellow springs exhibit exceptionally high overload characteristics,” Lam explained.
Air Springs Supply said other benefits include high load capacity due to superior deflection and fabric reinforcement, improved stability at higher compression levels, and the potential for lower overall costs because fewer springs may be required.
Lam said the company advises manufacturers to consult suppliers with broad industry experience to ensure the right spring type is matched to each application.
