Natural rubber and synthetic rubber both hold an important place within the rubber industry, both being in high demand by manufacturers. The difference between natural and synthetic rubber (in terms of how they’re made and their properties) makes both types of rubber useful for different applications. In this post, we look at natural rubber vs synthetic rubber, explaining the differences and the pros and cons of both.
With so many anti-vibration mounts on the market, it’s hard to know which is the best for your machinery to ensure smooth running, prolong lifespan and reduce the risk of damage. Machinery vibration from equipment can be transferred to the supporting structure and travel large distances to be emitted as noise elsewhere in a building or structure.
Rubber mounts prevent the transfer of these vibrations the machines generate. As a leading specialist in rubber vibration isolation mounts, we offer our extensive expertise using a step by step guide to help you choose the correct rubber mounts.
At GMT, we take our environmental and energy management processes seriously, to ensure we are as environmentally and energy conscious as possible. In order for us to do this, we need to make sure the correct systems are in place so that we can manage our operations efficiently and ensure that we are mindful of our environmental impact.
ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 are two different frameworks that help with environmental and energy management systems. In this post, we describe what both of these frameworks include, as well as discussing their benefits so that you can see the mindful processes we adhere to at GMT without compromising on quality.
In the past few years, there has been a dramatic increase in the recycling of plastics and paper, with more and more people becoming aware of the positive economic effects recycling can bring. But other products can be recycled that people are not as aware of, such as rubber. Recycled rubber products can be used in many ways, but how is rubber recycled? And what are the advantages and disadvantages of recycling rubber? In this guide, we cover all of these questions and explain the rubber recycling process in more detail.
When selecting an anti-vibration mount, it is always important to consider what would happen if the rubber was overloaded due to improper use and the rubber were to fail. In this context, it is useful to be able to categorise mounts as either captive or non-captive. The images below show the fundamental difference between the two.
Originally, in July 2017 the government announced a ban on the sale of any new diesel, petrol or hybrid cars by 2040, in an effort to dramatically reduce air pollution. This comes as a strand of a larger plan to attempt to emit zero carbon by 2050. As such, as of February 2020, the banning of petrol and diesel cars by 2040 was brought forward to 2035 “if possible“.
There are numerous reasons why controlling vibrations during construction is important, including the need to keep the construction plans continuing without complaint from the public. There are various pieces of equipment that can be used on construction machinery in order to help maintain construction vibration limits. In this blog, we will cover the disadvantages of excess vibration as well as anti-vibration techniques and specific product highlights in order to guarantee reduction.
Isolation is defined by the level of reduction of vibration passed between the oscillatory system and its surroundings. For example, anti-vibration mountings act as an isolator and as a result, minimise the level of vibration transmitted from an oscillatory system to its surroundings. The rubber hardness of an anti-vibration mount is a critical factor in order to provide isolation. The hardness has a direct impact on the “stiffness” of a part, ultimately affecting how a component will perform in an application.
Many properties of rubber make it the ideal material for anti-vibration products. To conserve these properties it’s important that the rubber is protected from environmental conditions, such as light and heat, that might otherwise degrade it. Consideration should also be given to protecting the metal that the rubber is often bonded to, as this can also be affected by these conditions.
A rubber compound is produced by adding specific chemicals to raw rubber material in order to improve and alter the characteristics of the rubber for desired use. Selecting the correct rubber compound is vitally important for any application. There are many types of rubber and GMT have a wealth of experience in selecting and manufacturing the right compound to suit customer requirements. Using our in-house computer controlled automated mixing systems, we can ensure the correct formulation is produced based on the many thousands that GMT have developed previously.
Of all industries, one which undeniably faces the most extreme conditions, and consequently necessitates the use of only the toughest equipment, is the marine industry.
Equipment on marine vessels can be at sea for long periods of time in very low temperatures, constantly exposed to a whole host of extreme weather conditions. What’s more, due to the crucial nature of many roles within the industry, new and innovative marine technology is constantly being developed to ensure these can be fulfilled as effectively as possible. To ensure this technology can perform under such critical conditions, certain measures have to be taken.
In the modern age, with our ever-increasing environmental awareness, it’s no wonder that the renewable energy industry is thriving, and in the UK in particular, wind farms. Whilst in its most basic form, wind power has existed since 5000 BC in the form of wind-propelled boats, and the first electricity-generating wind turbine was built in 1887, modern wind power became part of mainstream British society in 1951, and has been flourishing ever since. Due to this prominence, wind power is a keen area of interest to GMT.
The Department of Transport has released a new report stating that Railways have now become the second most-used mode of transport in the UK, second only to cars. This demonstrates that, as roads have become more convoluted, people are making use of the UK’s rail service more and more. This is especially true for those living outside of a city centre but travelling into it for work. Driving into a city during rush hour normally means adding extra time onto your commute. This means that travelling by train can be a much more convenient and appealing option, but only if they are running efficiently. To keep customers happy, trains need to be consistently on time, comfortable, and able to run efficiently during peak times.
Suspension bushes are a type of vibration isolator that is often made of rubber. The purpose of a suspension bush is to prevent metal-to-metal contact while still allowing for some movement. The movement is essential for allowing parts of the suspension to move freely. Although small, suspension bushes largely influence the efficiency of a vehicle, playing an important role in the safety, comfort, and handling of a vehicle. Due to the constant exposure to the elements underneath a vehicle, deterioration of suspension bushes can occur over time.
It’s therefore important to check your suspension bushes.
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is a computerised technique that predicts how products and materials will react to forces in the real world, alongside other physical affects, vibrations, heat, and fluid flow. This is important as it demonstrates whether a product will work or fail, helping prevent any products from being produced if they aren’t going to actually work.
In this post, we will discuss the details of Finite Element Analysis and how it works, as well as they key methods of using it to benefit companies and ensure the best products are being made. In addition to this, you can find out how we incorporate the method here at GMT.
The primary purpose of an engine mount is to secure an engine into machinery, and to then absorb any shocks and vibrations when the machinery is operating. The anti-vibration properties of engine mounts are essential for preventing damage to the engine and for improving operator comfort (where applicable). However, no matter the quality of engine mounts, they begin to wear down after usage and require replacement. Not replacing an engine mount that is past its prime can inflict damage to the engine, cause discomfort for operators and potentially be a safety risk. Being aware of the signs of a worn engine mount will help you to identify when they need replacing.
Levelling feet can stabilise a wide range of machinery, with the height adjustment feature of allowing machinery to be levelled when installed on uneven ground.
There are a variety of combinations and sizes available, meaning that there is a type to suit all applications. At GMT, spindles can be combined with various types of threaded foot plate, enabling customers to specify feet to their exact requirements. The feet can also be specified to have anti-slip rubber pads. Additionally, feet with high load bearing capacity and self-aligning capabilities are available.
Special software allows us to plan out and accurately represent the object we have in mind. Connecting geometric shapes, curved surfaces, and lines, the 3D model gives a mathematical description of the surface of the object. Here at GMT Rubber, if standard products are not suitable to a client, we are able to produce a new design using 3D modelling. This is used in conjunction with Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
With knowledge of the client’s needs, we build a product to meet the specification whilst ensuring that the finished design is also capable of meeting service life/durability requirements.
There are various Anti Vibration products available that can improve the function and lifespan of various systems and machinery. Not only do vibrations cause damage to products, but they can also produce noises which are both uncomfortable and harmful to operators. Because of this, it is important to use the right Anti Vibration products in the right places.
For example, in suspension systems, reducing vibrations is essential to prevent noise and vibrations travelling through both on and off-road vehicles. Rubber bushes are a great and effective product for achieving this.
A wide variety of industries, including aerospace, defence and material handling, require solutions to limit noise, vibration isolation, and shock. GMT specialises in providing anti vibration mounts and products to cater for each industry, offering a range of specialist and bespoke solutions to protect your equipment, vehicles and machinery. These products are a necessity for many companies, and without them, the efficiency of a company and its products can be jeopardised.
When it comes to important anti-vibration solutions, most products are made up of rubber. Find out why this is the case and why it is so important to invest in anti-vibration solutions in many industries.
Anti vibration mounts provide excellent shock absorption and vibration dampening properties. Pieces of equipment and machinery subjected to noise, shocks and vibrations can be extremely damaged, affecting their lifespan, efficiency and safety. This can often lead to more frequent repairs and replacements, increasing costs for the company or individual. With this in mind, it’s not surprising that anti-vibration mounts are so widely used; their presence can be found in industries ranging from the defence sector to renewable energy and power generation.
GMT’s range of technically advanced variable stiffness hydraulic axle guide bushes have already been successfully implemented for many years on major train manufacturers bogies to provide adaptive levels of stiffness for bogie axles running on tracks. Train operators are also taking advantage of the reduced wear and tear of wheels and tracks to reduce noise and energy consumption and associated track running costs.
GMT’s specialised axle and wheel set protectors for railway cars are proving to be very popular with train manufacturers and operators to avoid damage by ice and stones due to the significant reductions achieved in maintenance and repair costs. Contact GMT now to learn more about these great products.
