In today's fast-paced world, product performance isn't solely about functionality—it's about delivering a seamless and quiet experience for the end user. Be it in automotive, HVAC, medical, or electronics, minimizing unwanted noise and vibration is key to producing high-quality products that truly stand out. At Sur-Seal, we've been pioneers in creating innovative solutions to combat buzz, squeak, and rattle (BSR), drawing on our extensive expertise in materials engineering to address the most common causes of these issues.

Here are our top five approaches to reducing noise and vibration:

1. Cushioning: Eliminating Vibration at Its Source

One of the most effective ways to manage vibration is to tackle it directly at its origin through cushioning. Cushioning materials absorb and dissipate energy, preventing vibrations from transferring and causing noise. In fields like automotive and medical equipment, vibrations can impact both performance and user satisfaction, making it essential to choose the right cushioning material.

At Sur-Seal, we commonly use closed-cell foam and rubber materials for cushioning applications, such as 3M Thinsulate, which offers strong vibration absorption while meeting durability demands. Due to their resilience against environmental conditions like moisture and extreme temperatures, closed-cell foams are ideal for industries operating in challenging environments. By isolating vibrations, cushioning prevents the mechanical buzz that occurs when components rub against each other.

2. Damping: Quieting Unwanted Sounds

While cushioning targets vibration, damping focuses on silencing the noise generated by vibrating parts. Damping materials can reduce or eliminate unnecessary sounds by absorbing sound waves. Open-cell polyurethane foams are widely used for damping purposes and are designed to absorb sound waves and cut down on noise transmission. This material is frequently employed in automotive and HVAC systems where noise pollution can affect comfort and functionality.

At Sur-Seal, we provide a wide range of damping solutions that go beyond open-cell polyurethane. For industries prioritizing lightweight alternatives with enhanced performance, we recommend non-woven materials. These materials offer distinct advantages, particularly in sectors like aerospace and electronics, where weight reduction is vital. Non-woven damping materials excel at absorbing sound while maintaining flexibility in design.

3. Polyurethane Foams & Polymers for Vibration Damping

Polyurethane foams and polymers present excellent solutions for more intense vibration-damping needs. These materials are specifically engineered to handle varying vibration frequencies, making them perfect for delicate applications like electronics, where high-frequency vibrations can disrupt critical operations.

Sur-Seal has crafted customized solutions for vibration damping across numerous industries, tailoring each approach to the specific requirements of the application. Whether it’s medical devices, which demand precision in both sound and motion control, or automotive systems, where long-term durability against vibration is crucial, we ensure that our materials meet all necessary performance and regulatory standards.

4. Non-Woven Materials: Lightweight and Versatile

When it comes to materials that offer both noise reduction and vibration damping, non-woven materials are increasingly becoming a go-to choice. These materials are known for being lightweight, versatile, and highly customizable. They can perform as effectively as traditional polyurethane foams while providing additional benefits like weight reduction, which is critical in industries like aerospace and automotive where every gram counts.

Non-woven materials can be engineered for various applications and combined with other materials to create composite solutions that enhance performance and cost-efficiency. At Sur-Seal, we specialize in crafting composite material solutions that combine the strengths of different materials to meet each customer’s unique needs.

5. Tailored Solutions Based on Specific Requirements

Every noise and vibration challenge is unique, and the best solution often depends on the specific demands of the application. Our team at Sur-Seal frequently considers the following questions to determine the most suitable noise and vibration reduction solution:

• What frequency of vibration or noise are we trying to remove or prevent? Understanding the frequency range is essential, as different materials perform better at different frequencies.
• What is the machine or component, and what specifications does it require? This includes understanding whether the material must meet specific regulatory requirements, such as UL flammability specifications, or withstand environmental factors like UV exposure, moisture, and wind.
• What materials will it need to bond with? Compatibility with other materials is crucial, especially in applications where adhesives are used or the material must adhere to specific surfaces.
• What’s the issue at hand? Is the goal to reduce weight or minimize sound levels? Understanding the core problem helps Sur-Seal’s team recommend the most efficient and effective solution.

Solutions Engineering: Comprehensive Analysis for Optimal Results

At Sur-Seal, we believe that achieving the best results requires a thorough analysis of the application’s materials and design. Our Engineering Solutions team is committed to conducting comprehensive teardowns of products and systems, helping engineers identify the root cause of noise and vibration problems and providing targeted recommendations. Whether you're working with complex machinery or sensitive medical devices, we ensure our solutions meet specific technical, environmental, and regulatory needs.

Our solutions engineering process goes beyond merely suggesting off-the-shelf materials. We work closely with your team to evaluate your application’s unique performance factors. For more details on how we engineer customized solutions, visit our Engineering Solutions page.

Sur-Seal’s Samples Program: Experiment Before You Decide

Selecting the right material or solution can sometimes feel daunting. That’s why Sur-Seal offers a sample program that enables you to test different noise and vibration reduction solutions in your real-world applications. By trying out samples, you can confirm that the materials and methods you choose are ideal for your needs before fully committing.

Our samples include a range of materials, from cushioning foams and damping materials to non-woven solutions. Visit our Samples Program page to explore your options and request a sample today.

A Trusted Partner in Finding Solutions

Buzz, squeak, and rattle can significantly impair your product’s performance and appeal, but the right noise and vibration reduction solutions can mitigate or eliminate these issues entirely. At Sur-Seal, we have extensive experience resolving noise and vibration challenges across a variety of industries. From cushioning and damping to utilizing polyurethane foams and non-woven materials, our solutions are tailored to meet each client’s specific needs.

By addressing noise and vibration at the source and selecting materials based on performance and environmental factors, Sur-Seal ensures that your products deliver a quiet, smooth, and reliable experience.

Get in touch with Sur-Seal today for more information about our noise and vibration reduction solutions or to consult with one of our engineers.