What are rubber buffers?

Rubber buffers are elasticated Damping elements, which absorb mechanical energy and convert it into heat to minimise shocks and vibrations. They act as elastic bearings or stops that prevent hard contacts between components. A typical rubber buffer consists of an elastomer body and optional metal inserts, threaded bolts or bushes to facilitate fastening. Depending on the design, rubber buffers can absorb compressive, tensile, shear or combined loads.

 

Designs and variants:

  • Cylindrical buffers: universally applicable as a stop or bearing
  • Conical buffers: progressive spring characteristic curve with axial load
  • Solid rubber bumpers: particularly robust for high impact loads
  • Rubber-metal-Buffer: with integrated screw fastening for easy installation
  • Special shapes: e.g. progressive dampers with graduated stiffness

 

Through targeted coordination of geometry, Shore hardness and material, rubber buffers can be customised precisely to the requirements of the respective application - from vibration-insulated machine bases to bumpers for doors or flaps.

 

Functions & applications of rubber buffers

Rubber buffers fulfil several key functions in technical systems: They reduce shocks, isolate vibrations, protect sensitive components and increase the service life of the entire construction:

  • Shock absorption: Absorption of energy in the event of mechanical impacts or collisions
  • Vibration isolation: Decoupling of drives, motors and units to reduce vibrations
  • Structure-borne sound insulation: Minimisation of noise transmission between components
  • Limiting movements: defined stop in machines and vehicles
  • Power transmission: elastic connection with alternating loads
  • Wear protection: Reduction of material fatigue and damage to neighbouring components

 

Typical applications:

  • Mechanical and plant engineering: Storage and insulation of motors, pumps, compressors or aggregates.
  • Vehicle technology: bump stops in chassis, bumpers, engine and transmission mounts
  • Building technology: Vibration insulation of ventilation and air conditioning systems
  • Energy and environmental technology: Vibration damper in generators or pipework systems
  • Electronics: Vibration-insulated mounting of measuring and sensor units
  • Conveyor technology: Stops at end positions of conveyor belts or lifting systems

 

The correct dimensioning of a rubber buffer depends on the load, frequency range, installation position and ambient conditions - it is decisive for the effectiveness of the damping and the service life of the system.

 

Components & materials of rubber buffers

The choice of material determines the damping characteristics, temperature resistance, ageing resistance and media resistance of a rubber buffer.

 

Typical elastomer materials:

  • NRvery good elasticity, high resilience, optimum cushioning at medium temperatures
  • NBROil and fuel resistant, ideal for machine and vehicle construction
  • EPDMWeather, ozone and vapour resistant, suitable for outdoor and climatic use
  • SiliconeTemperature-resistant (-60 °C to +200 °C), resistant to ageing and UV radiation
  • CRflame-retardant, robust against weathering and ozone
  • FKMChemical-resistant, for high-temperature and special applications

 

Carrier materials (for rubber-metal buffers):

  • Steel: high strength, economical and durable
  • Stainless steelCorrosion-resistant, ideal for damp and outdoor areas
  • Aluminiumlightweight, low-corrosion, for weight-optimised constructions

 

Rubber buffers can be customised to improve load-bearing capacity and ease of installation:

  • Integrated threaded bolts or bushes for easy fastening
  • Optimised geometry for progressive spring characteristics
  • Reinforced edge zones to absorb high impact loads
  • Defined Shore hardening for adaptation to specific frequency ranges