Quiet Please: How Silicone Rubber Reduces Vibration and Noise

When was the last time you travelled in a train or airplane? Did you notice how noisy it was… or more likely, how noisy it wasn’t? Chances are you can thank silicone rubber for that.

While no one expects a plane or train or other vehicle to be completely quiet when in use, we do expect that we won’t need to wear ear defenders. Rubber and foam are among the most common materials used in many industries to dampen noise in certain situations. They are also used to reduce vibration, which in turn can create more noise if allowed to occur.

Why choose silicone rubber for this purpose?

Silicone rubber has many uses. Indeed, you may be surprised to learn just how many industries use it and in which ways this happens.

Reducing vibration and noise isn’t the first purpose that may come to mind. Yet silicone rubber is often selected for this purpose… and it ties in with the other versatile features it offers as well.

For instance, silicone rubber can be made in standard or bespoke finishes. This means there are standard silicone rubber formulations and others that are specifically created to perform better under certain circumstances. This could mean the rubber will be frequently exposed to heat. Friction is another example, especially where moving parts on boats, planes, cars, and other vehicles are concerned.

Friction itself can increase noise, and so adding some silicone rubber sheeting, washers, or other items between the items causing the friction can help ensure the noise is vastly reduced.

It can also be hidden from view

Many instances of silicone rubber parts used in such situations are unseen. You won’t see washers forming a barrier between moving parts in an engine, for example. However, you’d certainly hear the difference – and likely be met with mechanical issues – if they weren’t in place.

We know that silicone rubber is ideal for noise dampening. Since it can also be made in large sheets or rolls, it can be installed between inner and outer sections of a wall or other part. Any noise from a vehicle engine, for example, would not then be transferred inside the vehicle. This is just one instance of how silicone rubber creates a more pleasant experience, along with offering its many other powerful properties.

Long-lasting silicone rubber

Another element we should cover – and perhaps one of the most important of all – is the longevity of silicone rubber. In situations where you need to be sure your parts are going to last silicone rubber is the ideal choice.

Furthermore, if you buy a roll of it for sound dampening and vibration reduction needs, you can cut it to fit all kinds of locations and situations. Is there anything silicone rubber cannot do? Of course, although those are few and far between. In the case of reducing unwanted noise and making sure vibration is kept to a minimum, this is the best choice you can make.