Gummilagern

Gummilager, known in English as rubber bearings or elastomeric bearings, are vibration-isolating supports that combine an elastic rubber compound with metallic parts to carry loads while damping and decoupling transmitted motion. They are designed to bear vertical loads, accommodate small misalignments, and absorb energy through hysteresis in the elastomer, reducing structure-borne noise and vibration.

Materials and forms: Most Gummilager use natural rubber or synthetic elastomers such as EPDM, neoprene, or nitrile. They come in various configurations, including bonded laminated bearings with steel plates, simple rubber bushings, and rubber mounts or pads. The choice of material, durometer (hardness), geometry, and, if present, metal reinforcement determine vertical stiffness, shear stiffness, damping, and temperature resistance.

Performance and design: In operation, stiffness and damping are temperature- and frequency-dependent. Aging, ozone, oil exposure, or aggressive chemicals can degrade performance. Engineers select durometer, thickness, and shape to achieve the desired natural frequency and damping ratio for isolation, ensuring adequate load capacity and service life. Proper installation alignment and clearances are required to avoid overloading or premature wear.

Applications: Gummilager are widely used in automotive engine mounts, HVAC equipment, pumps and compressors, and machinery bases, as well as in civil engineering for base isolation and vibration decoupling of structures and bridges.

Maintenance and life: Regular inspection focuses on cracks, delamination, oil or solvent contamination, and changes in noise or vibration levels. Replacement is recommended when stiffness, damping, or integrity has significantly degraded.