What is active and passive vibration isolation system?

Vibration Isolation

Vibration isolation can be described as process that involves the correct use of a resilient mounting or isolation material to provide maximum isolation between a machine and its supporting structure. Through this a condition should be achieved where in the amount of vibration transmitted from, or to, the machine is at a bearable level. In order to achieve maximum and efficient vibration isolation it requires a resilient support offering sufficient elasticity so that the natural frequency of isolation machine is lower than the high vibration frequency. Also damping of vibration provides energy dissipation in a vibration system and there by controls the potential high levels of transient vibration and shock. Vibrations can be isolated from equipment using active or passive technology. In case of activevibration isolation method equal and opposite forces are created electronically to remove the unwanted vibration whereas in passive method, isolation is achieved by limiting the amount of vibration and noise transmission.

 Active Shock and Vibration Isolation

Determining whether you need an active isolation system completely depends on whether you have a vibration or settling a time critical application. In both the cases one needs to know the systems susceptibility to noise and vibration. In order to reduce the effects of vibration and shock to the attached machines, nearby people and the building structure a foundation block for machine should be isolated. Controlling the source of a structural disturbance is called as an active isolation method. Active shock and vibration isolation are used in applications like power presses, pumps, drop hammers, forging machines, metal forming and cutting machines, compressors, engines and test rigs, printing machines rolling roads etc.

 Passive Shock and Vibration Isolation

In passive shock and vibration isolation method isolation is achieved by limiting the amount of vibration and noise transmission by using mechanical equipments which dissipates the vibration before it gets to the item to be isolated. Passive methods sometimes involve electromechanical controls for adjusting the system, but the isolation mechanism itself is passive. Passive systems may use springs, fluids, and rubber pads or even use negative-stiffness components. As compared to Active isolation pads Passive systems generally cost less and are relatively much simpler reliable and safer to use.   One of the most basic and the most commonly used passive isolators are spring isolators that are placed between the surface transmitting shock or vibration and the item to be isolated. The spring opposes the force on it and absorbs some energy of vibration. The passive shock and vibration isolators are used in applications like machining centers, grinding machines, measuring and inspection equipment etc.