Cushioning shocks gently by using rubber buffers
Rubber buffers, also called rubber-metal buffers, vibration dampers or rubber dampers, are suitable as elastic support for machine units such as motors, compressors or pumps, or for setting up devices. As impact buffers, they are often used as end-stop buffers and absorb most of the kinetic energy generated on impact. In all instances, they have a dampening effect and prevent damage from impact, tremors or strong vibrations.
Materials used for rubber buffers
Rubber buffers are always made of an elastomer element. It is made from either natural rubber (NR), acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR) or from temperature-resistant and hygienically advantageous silicone rubber. The elastomer element is connected either on one side or on both sides by a retaining washer or threaded bushings and threaded bolts with cover plate. The elastomer elements and metal parts are firmly vulcanized together.
The retaining washers, threaded bushings and threaded bolts with cover plates are made of zinc-plated steel or stainless steel.
Attaching the rubber-metal buffers
The following attachment options are available for mounting the rubber-metal buffers:
- Rubber buffer with retaining washers for mounting with any bolts and nuts, in other words, for bolting through
- Rubber buffer with threaded bushings with female thread for mounting with bolts of any clamping length
- Rubber buffer with threaded bolts for easy mounting with nuts for shorter clamping lengths
Types of rubber dampers
Ganter offers the following types of rubber dampers and elastomer buffers:
- Cylindrical
- Parabolic
- Conical
- Tapered
Cylindrical rubber dampers are extremely versatile, durable and in widespread use
Parabolic rubber dampers are the ideal impact buffer because of their special shape. The parabolic shape of these rubber buffers generates progressive spring characteristics, enabling them to very gently absorb the shock effects.
Conical rubber buffers are also extremely versatile and durable and are often used as rubber feet for devices.
Tapered rubber-metal buffers absorb side forces better compared with cylindrical rubber buffers. The rubber also does not swell past the nominal diameter under compressive loads.
Buying rubber-metal buffers from Ganter
Ganter offers a wide range of different types of buffers as a standard part. They are available with female or male threads from M3 to M16. The most common shapes are available from stock in 3 Shore hardness levels (40, 55 and 70 Shore). In addition to the black rubber buffers, Ganter also offers some rubber dampers in gray as standard or on request. Discoloration through abrasion is effectively avoided with the gray buffers.
