The reinforced rubber springs use supports fixed to the structure of the machine to place and maintain their position during operation. For a vibration isolation installation, next steps must be followed:
1 – Support dimensioning
The upper and lower supports must be manufactured according to the dimensions indicated for each reference in their respective technical data sheet. The outer diameter of the pin shall be equal to the inner diameter of the spring, and the minimum diameter of the support shall be at least equal to the maximum diameter of the spring.
If a steel coil spring system is being replaced, and it is mandatory to maintain the height, the supports heights can be adapted to achieve the same dimensions on the reinforced rubber spring assembly. Consider the reinforced rubber spring loaded height and add the remaining height to the supports.
2 – Assembly readiness
Before inserting the assemblies (the springs + the supports), it is necessary to properly clean the surfaces of the supports and the pins their self, otherwise the inside diameter of the spring could be damaged. For such cleaning, it is recommended to use water or silicone, as this will also help to position the spring correctly without damaging it.
3 – Alignment
The machine must be raised high enough to be able to install the assembly of the supports and the spring. Place the assemblies, and carefully lower the frame, ensuring that the springs are correctly aligned.
4 – Dimensional check
With the structure correctly aligned and supported on the reinforced rubber springs, the spring heights must be checked. The height of the springs must be within the working range indicated on the data sheet. If this is not the case, it means that the calculation of the loads is wrong and this will cause a malfunction. If the height is higher than the recommended, it can increase resonance, and if it is too compressed, it will shorten the life of the product and cause premature failure.
5 – Assembly fixation
Proceed to drill the supports and the structure, in order to fasten them with screws (always outside the area of the maximum diameter of the spring) and thus to have correctly completed the installation of the Oria reinforced elastomeric springs to the machine.
6 – Operation Verification
Even if the installation has been carried out following the rigorous steps, it is advisable to observe that the springs work correctly during the first start-ups and shut-downs of the machine, making sure that there are no strange behaviours.