What are mechanical vibrations?

Las mechanical vibrations can be defined as the movement of a solid body around a position of equilibrium, without a “net” displacement of the same. If the vibrating object comes into contact with any part of the human body, it transmits the energy generated by the vibration to it. This energy is absorbed by the body and It can produce various effects on it (not necessarily harmful) that depend on the characteristics of the vibration. These vibrations are one of the snags who persecute manufacturers of all types of industrial machines. These together with the Unwanted noises They affect the customer satisfaction and they condition perception and quality of the final product. Would you like to know some tips to avoid vibrations? In this guide article, we explain to you what role the gearboxes and mechanical transmissions And what steps should we follow to avoid these problems.When we talk about machines we can find, mainly, two sources of noise, those that come from the motor And those of the gears. Both sources act in a very similar way, generating airborne noise and transmitting vibrations to the structure of reducing.In the case of kinematic chain vibrations are produced by the contact between the teeth of the gears when moving, which generates a noise which is transmitted by air and, in turn, a vibration That comes to the reducer frame through the different transfer paths. In the reducers or transmissions, noises are usually produced due to a failure in the teeth of the gears, due to a breakage or excessive wear. This phenomenon triggers in a Poorly continuous noise, with different knocks and signal modulations that can be very annoying and affect the lifespan of the product. On the other hand, the installation of the reducer in the final application it can also result in high noises and vibrations. Therefore, it is desirable to install the devices correctly, that is, adding whenever possible insulating material to act on the vibration transmission path and reduce its effect.

How to avoid mechanical vibrations?

To reduce the noise generated by the reducer, whether produced by Acoustic vibrations or through air propagation, it is essential to suitable design Of all components.

Some of the tips per Avoid these vibrations They are:

• Ensure the correct operation of the gears.
• Maximize stiffness of the gear.
• Decrease The transmission error.
• Use of helical gears, since they guarantee greater contact between wheels and reduce the noise generated.
• Use materials with internal damping.
• Study the final configuration of the reducer, especially the frame, analyzing the possible modes of vibration of the structure and avoiding resonances.
• Get to know the final application and design it counting on the characteristics of the reducer.

You might be interested in:”Straight gears or helical gears?”

Causes of mechanical vibrations

One of the reasons why undesirable vibrations or sounds are generated in projects with drives is due to the use of reducers that have not been designed for the”housing” where they are combined in the final solution. To avoid these problems, CLR, Compañía Levantina de Reductores, carefully analyzes all the components of the reducer, thinking at all times about the customer's final application. In the same way they are performed gear controls to ensure that the manufacturing dimensions are correct, and their finish is analyzed to ensure a low transmission error. We also study the existing mechanical vibrations in the frame and in the supports, in addition to the Aerial noise generated by the device. CLR Bet on the development and innovation in the area of sound quality, since it uses the technology ideal for Analyze vibrations and make the right decisions on every project.

Specifically, CLR has several accelerometers that analyze the vibrations produced by their products. This type of transducers, together with a purchasing system Of the brand National Instrument, programmable using the LabVIEW application, allows the development of measurement applications adapted to each case.

In the Levantine Reducers Company we have been working daily for four decades to find the perfect movement for our customers; our job is to achieve gearmotors Of precision and components capable of adapt to small dimensions and comply with all quality standards, including maximum vibration levels. Are you interested in the stability of your machines or equipment? In CLR we offer you the drive solutions you need. Contact our engineers!