Vibration Isolators
Mounts &
Isolation Pads
Isotech supplies a complete line of vibration isolators, shock mounts, and isolation pads — engineered to reduce the transmission of vibration, noise, and shock between equipment and supporting structures. From wire rope and spring mount vibration isolators for sensitive machinery to IBC-compliant seismic mounts for building mechanical systems, Isotech has the right vibration isolation solution for your application.
Vibration Isolator & Mount Types
From economical isolation pads for light machinery to heavy-duty seismic mounts for building mechanical systems — Isotech carries the full range. Select a product type below to view load ratings, deflection, and mounting options.
Wire Rope Isolators
Rugged all-metal wire rope isolators resolve shock and vibration issues in virtually any application. Maintenance-free and fully operational across a wide temperature range — where rubber or elastomeric mounts would degrade.
- Temperature range: -200°F to +650°F
- Low frequency, highly damped isolation
- Excellent shock attenuation
- Fail-safe, maintenance-free construction
Spring Mount Vibration Isolators
Oil-tempered high carbon steel spring mounts limit the transmission of vibration, impact, and noise across a variety of applications — from engine generator sets and small fans to heavy-duty HVAC equipment and industrial machinery.
- Load ranges from 50 to 8,000 lbs
- Heavy duty all-welded steel housings
- All-directional limit stops
- Powder coated for corrosion resistance
Seismic Mounts
IBC-compliant seismic isolators designed to control the motion of equipment, piping, and ductwork during a seismic event. Robotic-welded housings, color-coded springs, powder coated for corrosion resistance. Isotech consults with engineers and architects on seismic solutions.
- IBC compliant
- HVAC, fans, pumps, chillers, cooling towers
- Condensing units & generator sets
- Elastomeric acoustical cup for better isolation
Ceiling Mounted Vibration Hangers
Neoprene, spring, and elastomer-and-spring isolation hangers for suspended piping and equipment. Neoprene hangers isolate high-frequency vibration; spring hangers isolate low-frequency vibration; combined types handle both. Includes seismic cable restraint kits and rod stiffeners.
- Neoprene, spring & combined types
- Color-coded springs & elastomers
- Seismic cable restraint kits available
- Suspended piping, ducts & equipment
Vibration Isolation Pad Mounts
Six varieties of economical pad mounts providing excellent high-frequency sound attenuation. No bolting to the floor required. Effective for preventing shock and vibration transmission in non-critical installations with light and medium-weight equipment.
- 6 pad mount varieties
- Load capacity: 10 psi to 1,000 psi
- No floor bolting required
- Air conditioners, compressors, pumps, generators
Machinery Vibration Pads
Anti-vibration pads for general-purpose machinery isolation. Available in elastomeric, neoprene, and ribbed rubber varieties. Can be stacked with steel plates between layers to increase isolation efficiency.
- Ribbed & waffle patterns available
- Stackable for increased deflection
- For medium to high-speed equipment
- Compressors, fans, textile machinery
Neoprene & Elastomeric Vibration Mounts
An extensive range of neoprene and elastomeric isolators, mounts, and pads that limit the transmission of structure-borne vibration and impacts. Low natural frequency, fail-safe design with snubbing washers. Resists oils, ozone, and most solvents.
- Low natural frequency, fail-safe design
- Axial & radial loading
- Engines, gensets, vehicle cab mounts
- HVAC, fans, pumps & centrifuges
Cylindrical Stud Mount Vibration Isolators
Compact cylindrical vibration isolators with stud or threaded inserts for direct bolting to equipment or frames. Used extensively in engines, motors, electronic enclosures, and vehicle-mounted equipment.
- Male & female thread options
- Compact, direct-mount design
- Engines, motors, electronics
- Highway & off-highway vehicles
Plate Mount Vibration Isolators
Excellent isolation of low-frequency vibration inputs with shock control in a wide variety of sizes and load ranges. Prevents transmission of structure-borne noise for sensitive equipment installations.
- Medical & business equipment
- Computers, office machines & instrumentation
- Compressors, small pumps & appliances
- Wide variety of sizes & load ranges
Architectural & Roof Mounted Vibration Isolators
A comprehensive range for rooftop and architectural applications: roof mounted isolators, base mounted isolators, restraints, flex connectors, piping anchors, braces & brackets, and floating floor isolators. Includes inertia bases for fans and pumps.
- Roof mounted & base mounted isolators
- Restraints, flex connectors & piping anchors
- Floating floor isolators
- Inertia bases for fans & pumps
How Vibration Isolators Work
A vibration isolator works by introducing a flexible, energy-absorbing element between a piece of vibrating equipment and its supporting structure. Without isolation, the mechanical energy generated by rotating or reciprocating machinery transmits directly into the building — causing structural damage, noise transmission, and accelerated wear in connected equipment.
The isolator’s flexible element — whether a steel spring, elastomeric rubber pad, or wire rope — absorbs and dissipates that energy before it reaches the structure. The lower the natural frequency of the isolator relative to the disturbing frequency, the more effective the isolation.
Vibration mounts and isolation pads range from simple elastomeric pads for ground-floor machinery to high-deflection spring mounts for sensitive installations on upper floors. Seismic mounts add a restraint element for installations in earthquake-prone regions.
Spring mounts 50–8,000 lbs
Oil-tempered high carbon steel spring mounts limit vibration, impact, and noise from engine generator sets and small fans to heavy-duty HVAC and industrial machinery. Load ranges from 50 to 8,000 lbs. Heavy-duty all-welded housings with all-directional limit stops.
Neoprene & elastomeric mounts
Rubber-based vibration mounts provide moderate deflection with inherent damping. Best suited for medium and high-speed equipment on ground-level rigid slabs. Simpler and more economical than spring mounts.
Wire rope isolators -200°F to +650°F
Fully metallic wire rope vibration isolators perform where rubber degrades — extreme temperatures (-200°F to +650°F), corrosive environments, and high-amplitude shock loads. Used in avionics, shipboard electronics, marine power plants, mobile equipment, and medical applications.
Isolation pads & pad mounts
The simplest and most economical vibration isolation solution. Machinery pads require no bolting — equipment sets directly on the pads. Effective for medium and high-speed equipment in non-critical installations.
Vibration Isolator Applications
Isotech's vibration isolators, mounts, and pads serve any application where mechanical vibration, shock, or noise must be prevented from transmitting between equipment and structure — across industrial, commercial, marine, and mobile markets.
HVAC & Building Mechanical Systems
Chillers, cooling towers, air handling units, fans, and pumps installed in buildings require vibration isolation to prevent noise and structural damage. Spring mounts and seismic mounts are the standard choice for upper-floor installations and code-compliant projects.
Industrial Machinery & Equipment
Compressors, generators, pumps, centrifuges, fans, blowers, and processing equipment all benefit from vibration isolation to extend equipment life, reduce noise, and protect connected systems. Pad mounts, spring mounts, and neoprene mounts all serve industrial applications.
Marine & Mobile Equipment
Engines, generators, cabs, and radiators in highway vehicles, off-highway equipment, and marine vessels require vibration isolators that handle shock loads, temperature extremes, and corrosive environments — where wire rope and stud mount isolators excel.
Seismic & Architectural Applications
IBC-compliant seismic mounts and roof-mounted vibration isolators serve mechanical contractors and building engineers on code-required projects. Combined vibration isolation and seismic restraint in a single assembly simplifies specification and installation.
What Are Vibration Isolators Used For?
Vibration isolators, mounts, and pads are used wherever rotating or reciprocating machinery would otherwise transmit energy into a building, vehicle, or adjacent structure. Below is a full reference of typical applications by market.
HVAC & Building Systems
- Chillers & cooling towers
- Air handling units & fan assemblies
- Condensing units
- Boilers & steam generators
- Pumps & hydronic systems
- Suspended ductwork & piping
- Ceiling-hung fan coil units
- Rooftop packaged equipment
Data Centers & Critical Power
- Server racks & server cabinets
- Diesel generators & gensets
- UPS systems
- CRAC & CRAH cooling units
- PDUs & power infrastructure
- Raised floor / floating floor systems
- Network equipment enclosures
- Emergency backup power systems
Industrial & Power Equipment
- Engine generator sets
- Motor generators & compressors
- Pumps & centrifuges
- Fans & blowers
- Crushers & processing equipment
- Textile machinery
- Transformers
- Portable equipment & machinery
Avionics, Marine & Mobile
- Airborne avionics & electronics
- Shipboard & marine equipment
- Marine power plants
- Highway & off-highway vehicle cabs
- Engine, cab & radiator mounts
- Computer equipment & disc drives
- Medical equipment
- Seismic restraint applications (IBC)
How to Choose the Right Vibration Isolator
The right vibration isolator depends on four key factors: the equipment’s operating frequency (RPM), the weight it must support, the installation location, and whether seismic compliance is required. Isotech’s engineering team can help you select the correct type and size for your application.
As a general rule: for equipment operating above 1,200 RPM on a rigid ground-floor slab, neoprene mounts or isolation pads are often sufficient. For equipment below 1,200 RPM, or on upper floors where the structure has flexibility, spring mounts are recommended. For outdoor, marine, or extreme-environment installations, wire rope isolators are the preferred choice.
Operating frequency (RPM)
Equipment below 1,200 RPM requires higher-deflection spring mounts. Medium and high-speed equipment can often use neoprene mounts or pads. Wire rope isolators handle wide frequency ranges.
Installation location Key factor
Upper-floor and rooftop installations require spring or seismic mounts. Ground-floor rigid slabs can use neoprene or pads. Ceiling-suspended equipment uses vibration hangers.
Environment & load
Outdoor, marine, or chemical environments where rubber degrades call for wire rope isolators. Load capacity must match equipment weight — oversizing reduces isolation efficiency.
Seismic compliance IBC
Projects in seismically active regions or requiring IBC compliance need seismic mounts that provide combined vibration isolation and seismic restraint in a single assembly.
Vibration Isolator Types — Comparison
Compare isolator types by deflection, application environment, best-fit equipment, and typical markets to select the right vibration isolation solution for your project.
| Type | Deflection | Environment | Best For | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wire Rope Isolators | Medium–High | -200°F to +650°F; corrosive & outdoor | Shock + vibration; all directions | Avionics, marine, mobile, HVAC, motors, pumps, medical |
| Spring Mount Isolators | High — 50 to 8,000 lbs | Indoor, sheltered; marine & mobile | Engine gensets, fans to heavy HVAC | HVAC, generator sets, industrial machinery, fans |
| Seismic Mounts | High | Indoor / rooftop; seismic zones | IBC-compliant MEP equipment | HVAC, fans, pumps, chillers, cooling towers, condensing units, generators |
| Ceiling Vibration Hangers | Low (neoprene) to High (spring) | Indoor, suspended | High, low, or full-range frequency isolation | Suspended piping, ductwork, fan coil units; seismic restraint kits available |
| Vibration Isolation Pad Mounts | Low — 10 to 1,000 psi | Indoor, ground-level | Light to medium equipment, non-critical | Air conditioners, compressors, cooling towers, crushers, diesel generators, pumps, transformers |
| Machinery Vibration Pads | Low | Indoor, ground-level | General-purpose machinery isolation | General industrial machinery |
| Neoprene / Elastomeric Mounts | Low–Medium | General purpose, indoor/outdoor | Structure-borne vibration & impact isolation | Highway & off-highway vehicles, engines, gensets, marine, HVAC, fans, pumps, centrifuges |
| Cylindrical Stud Mount Isolators | Low–Medium | General purpose | Direct-bolt to equipment or frame | Engines, motors, electronics, vehicles |
| Plate Mount Isolators | Low–Medium | Indoor | Sensitive & light-duty equipment | Medical equipment, computers, office machines, instrumentation, compressors, small pumps, appliances |
| Architectural & Roof Isolators | Low to High | Outdoor / rooftop / architectural | Rooftop & architectural isolation systems | Roof mounted equipment, floating floors, inertia bases, flex connectors, piping anchors, restraints |
* Custom load ratings and configurations available on request. Contact Isotech's engineering team to discuss your specific application requirements.
IBC-Compliant Seismic Vibration Isolators
For mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems installed in seismically active regions, the International Building Code (IBC) mandates seismic restraint for equipment above a threshold weight. Isotech’s seismic vibration isolators meet IBC compliance requirements — providing combined vibration isolation and seismic restraint in a single assembly.
This simplifies specification and installation compared to using separate isolation and restraint hardware. Seismic mounts are available for floor-mounted, rooftop, and ceiling-mounted equipment and can be specified with spring or neoprene isolation elements depending on the required deflection.
Vibration Isolators & Mounts — Frequently Asked Questions
What is a vibration isolator?
A vibration isolator is a component placed between vibrating equipment and its supporting structure to reduce the transmission of vibration, shock, and noise. Isolators introduce a flexible, energy-absorbing element — such as a steel spring, rubber mount, or wire rope — between the source and the structure. The result is reduced structural damage, lower noise levels, and longer equipment life.
What is the difference between a vibration isolator and a vibration mount?
The terms are often used interchangeably. A vibration isolator typically refers to the isolation mechanism — the spring, rubber, or wire rope element that absorbs energy. A vibration mount refers to the complete assembly that supports the equipment and provides isolation in one unit. Isotech’s product line includes both stand-alone isolation elements and complete mount assemblies.
When should I use spring mounts versus neoprene vibration mounts?
Spring mount vibration isolators are recommended for equipment operating below 1,200 RPM and for installations on upper floors where structural flexibility demands maximum deflection. Neoprene and elastomeric mounts are a practical, economical choice for medium and high-speed equipment on rigid ground-level concrete slabs where the isolation requirements are less demanding.
Are Isotech seismic mounts IBC compliant?
Yes. Isotech’s seismic vibration isolators meet IBC (International Building Code) requirements for mechanical equipment seismic restraint. They provide combined vibration isolation and seismic restraint in a single assembly — simplifying specification and installation on code-required projects in seismically active regions.
What are wire rope isolators used for?
Wire rope isolators are the preferred choice when rubber or elastomeric mounts would degrade — in extreme temperatures, corrosive environments, or applications with high-amplitude shock loads. Fully metallic construction provides multi-directional isolation for marine power plants, military equipment, off-highway vehicles, and outdoor machinery.
Can vibration isolation pads be stacked to improve performance?
Yes. Vibration isolation pads can be stacked with 1/16″ galvanized steel plates between layers to increase deflection and improve isolation efficiency. This is a practical, economical option when single-layer pads don’t provide sufficient isolation for a given application — without stepping up to the cost of spring mounts.
Not Sure Which Vibration Isolator Is Right for Your Application?
Tell Isotech’s engineering team about your equipment, RPM, weight, location, and any seismic requirements — we’ll recommend the right vibration isolator type and help you size it correctly.