About Sorbothane
Isolate IT! is the worlds largest distributor of Sorbothane products. With our unique relationship with
Innovating Shock & Vibration Solutions
For over 30 years Sorbothane, Inc. has been – and will continue to be - the innovative and trusted choice of engineers worldwide for developing materials and components that isolate vibration, attenuate shock and damp unwanted noise.
Since its beginning, Sorbothane, Inc. has been committed to producing superior American made products – that protect and improve the quality and enjoyment of life.
Sorbothane, Inc. is located in Kent, Ohio and operates 10 specialized pouring machines. With 64,000 square feet of manufacturing space and supply support systems in place – the Sorbothane team stands ready to meet any production need. Sorbothane, Inc. has an engineering design staff that specializes in shock and vibration solutions plus an in-house testing and quality assurance lab.
Shape Factor Calculations
Shape Factor (SF) = Loaded Area / Unloaded Area
Rectangular Prism (SF) = (Length x Width) / (2 x Thickness x (Length + Width))
Square Prism (SF) = Length / 4 x Thickness
Disk (SF) = Diameter / 4 x Thickness
Ring (SF) = (Outside Diameter / 4 x Thickness) - (Inside Diameter / 4 x Thickness)
Spherical Cap (SF) = (2 x Radius - Thickness) / (2 x Radius)
Shape Factor Calculations
Compressive Modulus = Cs / (Assumed Percent Deflection / 100)
Corrected Compressive Modulus = (Compressive Modulus) x [1 + 2 x SF²]
Recommended Adhesives:
FAQ
How efficient is Sorbothane as a vibration damper?
Sorbothane® can absorb over 50% of the vibration energy over most of its temperature operating range at frequencies from 10 to 30,000 Hertz.
How efficient is Sorbothane as a shock absorber?
Depending upon the application, Sorbothane® can absorb up to 94.7% of the shock energy
Where does the "Swallowed energy" "Absorbed energy" go?
It is converted into a small amount of heat.
How do I calculate weight load?
Is Sorbothane fireproof?
You can purchase Sorbothane® with a fire retardant that allows it to meet the Underwriters Laboratory 94 V2 standard.
Is Sorbothane chemical-resistant?
Generally, Sorbothane® has a very high chemical resistance similar to other polyurethanes. However, we'd recommend avoiding the following chemicals with its use: gasoline,
What
Sorbothane® parts are normally cast between 30 and 70
How can I
Sorbothane® is a polyether-based polyurethane. As such it demonstrates typical chemical resistance of polyether-based polyurethanes. Recommended cleaning techniques are:
- Warm water and mild soap. Rinse thoroughly and air dry. Do not soak.
- Wipe lightly with alcohol. Air dry. Do not soak. *Avoid the use of solvents. Consult engineering department with any questions.
For Sorbothane®: 3 years from
For Pressure Sensitive Adhesives(PSA): 24 months from
How should I store Sorbothane?
- Temperature range: 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 26 degrees Celsius);
- Humidity: 50 percent relative humidity;
- Atmospheric conditions: fewer than 10 ppm of toluene, naphtha, alcohol, gasoline, or other plastic deteriorating solvents;
- Material to be stored flat, spaced as shipped and in original packaging; and
- Do not stack.
Where can I download the Sorbothane Engineering design guide?
Click here to for the Sorbothane Engineering Design Guide
Sorbothane Performance Curves?
Click here for Sorbothane Performance Curves
Sorbothane RoHS Compliance?
Click here for Sorbothane
Sorbothane REACH Certificate of Compliance
Click here for Sorbothane REACH compliance
Sorbothane vs. Foam
Comparison Analysis:
Sorbothane Performance Curves
Sorbothane® turns mechanical energy into heat. As the material is deformed, molecular friction generates heat. This "lost energy" is called hysteresis. Energy is translated perpendicularly away from the axis of incidence, and its effect is pushed nearly 90° out of phase from the original disturbance. This phase shift, known as "Tan Delta," is a measure of Sorbothane's damping effectiveness. The higher the value of Tan Delta, the greater the amount of damping that occurs.
Controlling Shock
High damping in a polymer reduces the impulse peak of a shock wave over a longer time frame. Sorbothane® reduces the impact force up to 80
Controlling Vibration
Low transmissibility (amplification) at resonance demonstrates the damping superiority of Sorbothane® over other elastomers. Low transmissibility means less damage to sensitive components. Isolation at large frequency ratios also shows a capacity to isolate vibration.
Impact Absorption
This graph shows the high hysteresis necessary for efficient impact absorption. By comparing the area under the curves, it's clear Sorbothane® removes more of the impact energy from the system. Natural rubber is more elastic and returns energy to the system. High energy return causes high rebound and increases the potential for damage. Sorbothane® can decelerate parts and reduce peak forces during sudden stops in minimal sway space. Impact absorption up to 80 percent is achievable at proper dynamic deflections.