Custom rubber-metal buffers
As well as classic rubber buffers, we are also a manufacturer of rubber-metal buffers. We produce your custom rubber-metal buffers according to drawings, tailored to your specifications and with complete design freedom, from lot size 1 to large-scale production.
- Customised production
- Batch sizes 1 to 1 million units.
- Express production from 2 weeks
- 100% Reliability & proactivity
Typical Rubber Metal Buffer Geometries
Buffer in the execution as Rubber-metal connection combine the stability of metal with the elastic, damping properties of rubber. In addition to rubber-metal elements, buffers are also used as Rubber-plastic connection or pure Molded Rubber Possible. Rubber-metal buffers absorb shock and vibration energy, converting it into heat through deformation, thereby reducing peak loads. At the same time, the metal elements ensure defined force transmission, secure mounting and uniform load distribution to the surrounding structure. Therefore, buffers are often also referred to as rubber-metal dampers.
Vibration-damping bearing element with a tapered centre for better absorption of lateral forces and reduction of edge loads.
Tailored puffer
Vibration-damping bearing element with a para-conical shape for progressive absorption of shocks and compression loads.
Cone buffer
Conical rubber-metal buffer for elastic mounting, vibration damping and restricting movement.
Conical buffer
Rubber-metal hollow buffer with an internal recess for damping vibrations and absorbing mechanical loads.
Hollow buffers
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Structure & function a rubber-metal buffer
As a rubber-metal buffer supplier, we always manufacture buffers directly according to your specifications. Since we always produce all components individually according to customer requirements, the geometry and mounting options of the rubber-metal buffer are precisely tailored to your application. This allows, for example, progressive damping, the absorption of high forces, or installation in a predefined situation.
Geometry
The geometry defines the spring characteristic curve via the shape factor and deformation control. Conical or parabolic shapes produce progressive characteristics, cylindrical shapes tend to produce linear characteristics. Tapered or hollow areas reduce the initial stiffness and increase the shear component. Changes to the contour shift the load-displacement curve in a targeted manner. Larger cross-sections increase the stiffness, slender areas allow greater elongation, but influence the stability and fatigue strength.
Dimensions
The component size significantly influences load-bearing capacity, suspension travel, and stiffness. Larger diameters increase the stressed area, and thus the compressive stiffness and maximum force absorption. A greater height allows for longer deformation paths and improves energy absorption. Smaller buffers are stiffer with the same material, but offer lower damping capacity. Changes in dimensions directly affect the form factor and shift the spring characteristic. The size must therefore be precisely matched to the installation space, load level, and desired damping behaviour.
Form factor
The form factor (loaded area to free surface) determines stiffness. A high form factor, due to strong clamping or large metal surfaces, leads to high compressive stiffness. A low form factor allows for larger deformations with less force. Changes to the clamping or the contact area influence the spring characteristic and the absorption of external forces.
Connection geometry
The fastening defines how the buffer transmits forces into the surrounding structure and how it is mounted. Typical designs include threaded studs, internal threads, metal plates, or special connections. A rigid, large-area connection increases compression stiffness and reduces relative movements, while flexible or point fastenings allow for higher shear forces and thus softer characteristics.
Optional hollow parts Integrated cavities reduce the effective stiffness and allow for large deformation paths. With increasing compression, these areas partially collapse, causing the characteristic curve to rise progressively. Larger cavities increase comfort, but reduce load-bearing capacity and stability. Targeted relief zones control stresses and prevent local overload.
Materials for your Rubber metal buffer
Our rubber-metal elements are manufactured precisely according to your specifications. As a manufacturer of rubber-metal buffers, we procure a specific rubber compound for your application. Therefore, the Raw material ebenfalls zu 100% auf Ihre Anwendung zugeschnitten: Härte von 20–95 Shore A, peroxide or sulfur crosslinked, electrically conductive or insulating, with fire protection, AED, FDA-, or drinking water certification.
Contact us for a free consultation and selection of the right material for your rubber-metal damper.
Applications & industries for Rubber metal buffer
Custom rubber-metal buffers are used wherever impacts, vibrations, and movements need to be reliably dampened. Individual solutions are in demand, particularly in mechanical and plant engineering, intralogistics, and crane and lifting technology, to protect components, absorb forces in a controlled manner, and provide lasting relief for the application.
Rubber metal buffers Mechanical Engineering
Rubber-metal buffers are used to decouple vibrations from motors, pumps and compressors. They reduce the transmission of dynamic forces into frames and foundations and thus protect bearing points and neighbouring assemblies. Targeted design of the spring characteristic curve allows natural frequencies to be avoided and resonances to be suppressed, thereby improving the running behaviour, precision and service life of the overall system.
Rubber metal buffer in the Intralogistics and materials handling technology
Rubber metal buffers are used as end stops and damping elements in conveyor systems, lifting systems and stacker cranes. They absorb kinetic energy on impact, thereby preventing structural damage to steel constructions. At the same time, they reduce noise peaks and protect sensitive goods.
Rubber metal buffer in the Cranes and lifting equipment
Rubber metal buffers absorb high shock energies during end-of-travel approaches or emergency stops. They must dissipate large forces in a short time while exhibiting a progressive characteristic to limit load peaks. At the same time, they ensure safe force transmission into the support structure and contribute to operational safety and longevity of the plant.
Rubber-metal bonding: perfected for over 35 years. Test One!
- Toolmaking is our core competency
- 100% in-house expertise
- Fast response times for tooling modifications
Insights in Rubber-Metal Buffer Projects
of our customers.
Robust rubber-metal buffers for high shock loads in lifting technology
The challenge
A lifting system was experiencing regular hard jolts at the end stop. The standard buffers previously used were not optimally designed for the actual loads and the existing installation situation, leading to increased wear, noise, and maintenance requirements.
Implementation
Working with our customer, we developed a rubber-metal buffer with a geometry specifically designed for more progressive damping. In addition, we adapted the Shore hardness of the elastomer to the impact forces involved. This improved energy absorption without fundamentally changing the existing design.
Solution
The result was a significantly more controlled braking action in the final section. Impact loads were reduced, the system runs more smoothly, and the connected components are relieved of stress. This created a technically suitable and durably loadable solution for our industrial customer in the crane and lifting technology sector.
Do you have questions about rubber-metal mounts?
We have answers!
How is the adhesion between rubber and metal ensured?
To achieve optimal adhesion of the rubber-metal buffers, we usually pre-treat the metallic carrier mechanically (e.g.corundum blasting) to increase roughness and surface energy. Subsequently, the metal carrier is degreased and coated with an adhesion promoter system. During vulcanisation, the reactive groups of the adhesion system react with both the metal surface and the rubber under heat. This creates a materially bonded, chemically bound interface that is more stable than the rubber itself when subjected to force.
How does geometry influence the spring characteristic of a rubber-metal buffer?
The geometry determines the spring characteristic via the form factor and deformation guidance. Cylindrical rubber-metal buffers initially show a rather linear behaviour, while conical and parabolic geometries create a targeted progression through increasing effective area. Tapered sections of rubber-metal elements increase the shear component and lead to a soft initial stiffness. Cavities in rubber-metal buffers allow for large deformations with low force, followed by stiffening. The metal carrier takes on the defined force introduction and clamping. It limits transverse expansion, locally increases the form factor, and thus controls stiffness. At the same time, it ensures reproducible boundary conditions, protects against overstretching, and enables secure connection to the structure.
From what quantities does it make sense to produce individually and have your own tool?
A custom tooling solution for rubber-metal mountings typically pays off when the tooling costs are amortised over the production volume, while also leveraging technical advantages. In practice, this usually starts in the range of approximately 1,000 to 5,000 units per year, depending on the geometry, component size, and complexity of the tooling.
However, at GUME, we take a more nuanced view: If an in-house tool significantly reduces component costs, integrates functions, or lowers assembly expenses, the investment can be worthwhile even for smaller production runs. Rubber-metal mounts manufactured to specification in quantities of 1-100 can also make sense – for example, as spare parts or functional components whose purpose cannot be achieved with standard catalogue items. Furthermore, through our in-house tool production, we implement cost-effective solutions and bring forward the break-even point considerably.
What options are there for prototypes and sample parts?
As a manufacturer of rubber-metal buffers with our own tool-making facilities, we offer graduated approaches for prototypes and sample parts – depending on your objectives, timescale, and budget. For initial functional prototypes, we use cost-effective aluminium tools in manual compression moulding to quickly produce resilient parts. Alternatively, we can build a production tool directly and deliver initial samples within 2 weeks for express requests.
How can a metal-rubber buffer be constructively adapted to existing systems?
The design of the rubber-metal buffer is customised via geometry, connection design and material selection. Installation space, load paths and existing interfaces define the basic shape of the rubber-metal damper. Mechanical integration into existing systems is ensured via threaded bolts, internal threads, plates or special connections.
The spring characteristic is precisely tuned to the existing loads by adjusting the contour, wall thickness, and form factor. Additionally, installation positions, pre-tensioning, and stops can be taken into account. This creates a component that integrates functionally and is suited for assembly into existing constructions without forcing system changes.
How are threaded studs or sleeves integrated?
Threaded studs, sleeves, or metal plates in rubber-metal buffers are typically inserted directly into the mould as metal inserts and are bonded to the rubber body during vulcanisation to form a cohesive connection. The geometry of the inserts is designed to create secure anchoring – for example, through knurling, undercuts, or flanges. This improves force transmission and prevents tearing under load. Positioning and fixing in the mould ensure that threads are precisely aligned and integrated reproducibly.
How long does development take until it's ready for series production?
The development time until series readiness is typically 8 weeks – depending on complexity, component geometry, and tuning effort. For more demanding applications with iterative design, prototype phases, and specific testing requirements, the process will be extended accordingly. However, should rubber-metal buffers be urgently required without iterations, we offer express production with samples within up to 2 weeks and series start in 4 weeks. In the case of joint development, we support you as a strategic partner and shorten the development time through rapid iteration, which is made possible by our in-house toolmaking, optimised processes, and digitalisation.
