In today’s fast-paced world, product performance is more than just about function — it's about delivering a smooth and quiet user experience. Whether in automotive, HVAC, medical, or electronics, minimizing unwanted noise and vibration is key to creating high-quality, reliable products that stand out. At Sur-Seal, we specialize in developing advanced solutions for noise and vibration reduction, using our deep expertise in materials engineering to tackle the most common causes of buzz, squeak, and rattle (BSR).

Here are our top five strategies to reduce noise and vibration:

1. Cushioning: Minimizing Vibration at the Source

A powerful way to combat vibration is by addressing it directly at its source through cushioning. These materials absorb and dissipate energy, preventing vibrations from spreading and causing noise. In industries like automotive and medical, where precision and comfort matter, effective cushioning can make a big difference.

Sur-Seal often uses closed-cell foams and rubber materials, such as 3M Thinsulate, which offer excellent vibration absorption while maintaining durability. These materials are ideal for environments with extreme temperatures or moisture exposure, making them a reliable choice for demanding applications. By isolating vibrations, cushioning helps prevent mechanical noises that occur when components rub or vibrate against each other.

2. Dampening: Eliminating Unwanted Sounds

Dampening focuses on reducing the noise created by vibrating parts. It involves materials that absorb sound waves, effectively silencing the noise before it becomes disruptive. Open-cell polyurethane foams are commonly used in automotive and HVAC systems due to their ability to reduce noise transmission and improve user comfort.

At Sur-Seal, we also offer non-woven dampening materials, which are lightweight and flexible — perfect for aerospace and electronics applications where weight is a critical factor. These materials provide strong sound absorption while allowing for design flexibility, making them a versatile option for many industries.

3. Polyurethane Foams for Robust Vibration Control

Polyurethane foams and other poly-based materials are excellent choices for handling more intense vibration challenges. They are designed to manage a wide range of frequencies, making them ideal for sensitive applications like electronics, where even small vibrations can disrupt performance.

Sur-Seal has developed customized vibration-dampening solutions tailored to specific industry needs. Whether it's medical devices requiring precise control over movement and sound, or automotive systems needing long-term durability, we ensure our materials meet all necessary standards and specifications.

4. Non-Woven Materials: Lightweight and Adaptable

Non-woven materials have become a popular choice for both noise reduction and vibration control. These materials are lightweight, customizable, and highly adaptable, offering performance comparable to traditional foams but with added benefits like reduced weight. This makes them especially valuable in aerospace and automotive sectors, where every gram matters.

Non-woven materials can be combined with other materials to create composite solutions that enhance both performance and cost-effectiveness. At Sur-Seal, we specialize in designing these composite systems to meet the unique requirements of our clients.

5. Customized Solutions for Unique Challenges

Every noise and vibration issue is different, and the best solution depends on the application’s specific needs. Our team at Sur-Seal asks key questions to determine the right approach, such as:

• What frequency of vibration or noise are we trying to eliminate? Different materials work better at different frequencies, so understanding this is essential.
• What is the machine or component, and what are its specifications? This includes knowing if materials need to meet certain safety standards, such as fire resistance, or withstand environmental conditions like UV exposure or humidity.
• What materials will it need to bond with? Compatibility is crucial, especially when adhesives are involved or when materials must stick to specific surfaces.
• What is the main problem we're trying to solve? Is the goal to reduce weight, lower noise, or improve performance? Identifying the core issue helps us recommend the most effective solution.

Engineering Insights: Understanding the Root Cause

At Sur-Seal, we believe that the best results come from a thorough understanding of the product and its environment. Our Engineering Solutions team conducts detailed teardowns of systems to identify the root cause of noise and vibration problems. This allows us to provide targeted recommendations that align with your technical, environmental, and regulatory requirements.

We don’t just suggest off-the-shelf materials — we work closely with your team to evaluate your application and tailor a solution that fits your needs. Learn more about how we engineer custom solutions by visiting our Engineering Solutions page.

Try Before You Commit: Sur-Seal’s Sample Program

Choosing the right material for noise and vibration control can be challenging. That’s why Sur-Seal offers a sample program that lets you test different solutions in real-world conditions before making a decision. This ensures that the materials you select are the best fit for your application.

Our samples include cushioning foams, dampening materials, and non-woven options. Explore our full range and request a sample today to see how our solutions can benefit your project.

Expertise You Can Trust

Buzz, squeak, and rattle can significantly impact your product’s quality and user satisfaction. But with the right noise and vibration reduction strategies, these issues can be minimized or eliminated entirely. At Sur-Seal, we bring years of experience solving complex noise and vibration challenges across multiple industries.

Whether it's through cushioning, dampening, or advanced material solutions, our goal is to deliver quiet, smooth, and reliable performance. Let us help you achieve the best possible outcome for your product.

Contact Sur-Seal today to learn more about our noise and vibration reduction solutions or to speak with one of our engineers.