Antonio M. V.

Optimizing Vibration Isolators with Additive Manufacturing

Introduction: Vibration isolators play a critical role in modern engineering, reducing noise, increasing durability, and improving performance across industries such as automotive, aerospace, and electronics. However, optimizing these devices remains a challenge due to the complex relationship between material properties and design parameters.

This article explores how additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing, combined with a robust mathematical model, provides a pathway to designing highly efficient vibration isolators. By analyzing the influence of key parameters like infill density and internal patterns, this study demonstrates how these devices can be tailored for specific industrial applications.

Background and Relevance: Additive manufacturing has evolved from a rapid prototyping tool to a transformative technology for producing functional components. Its ability to create complex internal structures has made it an ideal method for manufacturing vibration isolators. Parameters such as infill density and internal patterns significantly impact dynamic properties, including stiffness and damping.

Methodology: Mathematical Model: A mathematical framework was developed to predict the dynamic performance of vibration isolators. Key equations relate effective stiffness (keff) and damping (ceff) to infill density and internal patterns. Configurations Studied: Two internal patterns—linear and gyroid—were analyzed. Linear structures were evaluated at infill densities of 15%, 45%, 60%, and 90%, while gyroidal structures were tested at 10%, 35%, 60%, and 80%.

Results: Gyroid Patterns: At intermediate densities (60%-80%), gyroid patterns achieved an optimal balance between stiffness and damping, making them ideal for applications requiring vibration absorption. Linear Patterns: Linear structures demonstrated superior stiffness, suitable for applications prioritizing rigidity over damping.