The Challenge
Installing heavy machinery, such as presses, in high-traffic areas is one of the greatest technical challenges.
In this case, the press was operating inside a supermarket, where structural elements were lightweight and the requirements for low noise and vibration levels were extremely strict.
Vibration Study – Analysis & Design
The Stop Sound Constructions team conducted a detailed vibration measurement and calculated the natural frequency of both the press and the concrete slab on which it was mounted.
The measurements revealed:
- Slab natural frequency: ~18 Hz
- Press operating frequency: 8–9 Hz
This proximity in values created dangerous resonance conditions that would lead to significant vibration transmission to the building and neighboring apartments.
The study concluded that, in order to achieve >90% isolation, the natural frequency of the anti-vibration system had to be one-third of the machine’s operating frequency, meaning a target of 3–4 Hz.
To achieve this, high-tech anti-vibration systems with low dynamic stiffness and special elastic behavior were required.
The Technical Solution
Next-generation Damping Pads from Stop Sound were selected, laboratory-certified and manufactured from an innovative latex–polyurethane & silicone blend, ensuring:
- Ultra-low natural frequency (3 Hz) for superior isolation performance.
- High resistance to continuous loads and dynamic vibrations.
- Long-term stability, with no loss of performance over time.
The installation included 8 anti-vibration elements, positioned after precise load balancing to ensure that each pad carried the correct weight, preventing asymmetric stress.
Installation Process – Leveling & Safety
After placement, the press was leveled and measured at all points to confirm perfect alignment and uniform load distribution across all anti-vibration pads.
This process is critical for the performance and lifespan of the vibration isolation solution.
Additionally, the lifting of the press for the installation of the pads was carried out using two heavy-duty hydraulic jacks, ensuring maximum safety for both the equipment and the technicians.
Inappropriate Supports – Why They Failed
The press was originally equipped with rubber pads, which were completely unsuitable for this application. The reasons were:
- No engineering study was conducted to calculate their stiffness and natural frequency.
- Their actual behavior worsened the problem, acting as a semi-rigid element that transmitted vibrations to the structure instead of absorbing them.
- The material’s physical properties could not achieve natural frequencies in the range of 3–4 Hz.
Replacing them with specialized anti-vibration elements from Stop Sound was crucial to the project’s success.
The Result
With the implementation of the solution:
- Vibrations were reduced by 90%
- No occurrence of resonance in structural elements
- The space operates silently and with complete safety, without disturbances to neighboring buildings and apartments
Why Stop Sound Constructions
Every project is different. Every building, every machine, every structure has its own needs. At Stop Sound, we know there are no “magic solutions.”
There is only knowledge, experience, and dedication to detail. That’s why we design and implement solutions based on data, not assumptions—delivering real safety and measurable performance.
