In today's fast-paced world, product performance isn't just about function—it's about delivering a smooth and quiet user experience. Whether it's in automotive, HVAC, medical, or electronics, reducing unwanted noise and vibration is essential for creating high-quality products that stand out. Sur-Seal has been at the forefront of developing innovative noise and vibration reduction solutions, using our expertise in materials engineering to tackle the most common issues that lead to buzz, squeak, and rattle (BSR).

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

1. Cushioning: Reducing Vibration at the Source

One of the most effective ways to reduce vibration is to address it directly at its source through cushioning. These materials absorb and dissipate energy, preventing vibrations from transferring and causing noise. In industries like automotive and medical equipment, vibrations can affect both performance and user comfort, making the right cushioning material crucial.

Sur-Seal often uses closed-cell foams and rubber materials, such as 3M Thinsulate, which provide excellent vibration absorption while maintaining durability. These materials are especially useful in environments where exposure to moisture or extreme temperatures is a concern. By isolating vibrations, cushioning helps prevent mechanical buzzing that occurs when components rub against each other.

2. Dampening: Silencing Unwanted Sounds

Dampening focuses on reducing the noise generated by vibrating parts. Dampening materials absorb sound waves, helping to eliminate unwanted noise. Open-cell polyurethane foams are commonly used for this purpose, especially in automotive and HVAC systems where noise control is important for comfort and functionality.

At Sur-Seal, we offer more than just open-cell polyurethane. For applications where weight is a concern—like aerospace or electronics—we recommend non-woven materials. These lightweight options provide excellent sound absorption while allowing for flexible design and reduced overall weight.

3. Polyurethane Foams and Poly Materials for Vibration Dampening

Polyurethane foams and poly materials are ideal for more demanding vibration-dampening needs. These materials are designed to handle a wide range of vibration frequencies, making them suitable for sensitive applications like electronics, where even small vibrations can cause disruptions.

Sur-Seal provides tailored solutions across various industries, ensuring that our materials meet all performance and regulatory standards. Whether it's for medical devices requiring precision or automotive systems needing long-term durability, we deliver reliable and effective results.

4. Non-Woven Materials: Lightweight and Adaptable

Non-woven materials are becoming a popular choice for noise and vibration control due to their lightweight nature, versatility, and customizability. They perform similarly to traditional polyurethane foams but with added benefits like reduced weight, which is critical in aerospace and automotive sectors where every gram matters.

These materials can be engineered for specific applications and combined with other materials to create composite solutions that enhance performance and cost-efficiency. At Sur-Seal, we specialize in designing composite materials that combine the best properties of different substances to meet individual customer needs.

5. Customized Solutions for Unique Challenges

Every noise and vibration issue is unique, and the best solution depends on the application. At Sur-Seal, we ask key questions to determine the right approach:

• What frequency of vibration or noise are we trying to remove? Different materials work better at different frequencies.
• What is the component or machine, and what specifications does it require? This includes understanding environmental factors or regulatory standards like UL flammability.
• What materials will it need to bond with? Compatibility is essential, especially when adhesives are involved.
• What is the main problem? Is the goal to reduce weight, noise, or something else? Understanding the core issue leads to the best solution.

Solutions Engineering: Deep Dive for Better Outcomes

At Sur-Seal, we believe that the best results come from a thorough analysis of the product or system. Our Engineering Solutions team conducts detailed teardowns to identify the root causes of noise and vibration problems and offers targeted recommendations. Whether you're working with complex machinery or sensitive medical devices, we ensure our solutions meet your technical, environmental, and regulatory requirements.

Our process goes beyond suggesting off-the-shelf materials. We work closely with your team to assess your application and develop customized solutions. Learn more about our Engineering Solutions process here.

Sur-Seal’s Sample Program: Test Before You Buy

Choosing the right material can be challenging. That's why Sur-Seal offers a sample program that lets you test different noise and vibration solutions in real-world conditions. By trying samples, you can make sure the materials and methods you choose are the best fit for your needs before committing.

Our sample program includes cushioning foams, dampening materials, and non-woven solutions. Explore your options and request a sample today on our Samples Program page.

An Experienced Partner in Solving Your Challenges

Buzz, squeak, and rattle can significantly impact your product's performance and appeal. But with the right noise and vibration reduction solutions, these issues can be minimized or eliminated entirely. At Sur-Seal, we have extensive experience solving noise and vibration challenges across multiple industries—from cushioning and dampening to using polyurethane foams and non-woven materials.

By addressing noise and vibration at the source and selecting materials based on performance and environmental factors, Sur-Seal ensures your products deliver a quiet, smooth, and reliable experience.

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