In today's fast-paced world, product performance isn’t just about functionality — it’s about delivering a smooth and quiet user experience. Whether in automotive, HVAC, medical, or electronics, reducing unwanted noise and vibration is essential to creating high-quality products that stand out. At Sur-Seal, we’ve spent years developing advanced solutions to tackle buzz, squeak, and rattle (BSR) by leveraging our expertise in materials engineering and custom design.

Here are our top five solutions to help reduce noise and vibration effectively:

1. Cushioning: Minimizing Vibration at the Source

A great way to address vibration is by using cushioning materials that absorb and dissipate energy, preventing it from transferring and causing noise. This approach is especially effective in automotive and medical equipment where vibrations can impact both performance and user comfort.

Sur-Seal often uses closed-cell foams like 3M Thinsulate for cushioning applications. These materials are durable and resistant to environmental factors such as moisture and temperature changes, making them ideal for harsh conditions. By isolating vibrations, cushioning helps prevent mechanical noises caused by component contact.

2. Dampening: Silencing Unwanted Sounds

Dampening focuses on reducing the noise generated by vibrating parts. Open-cell polyurethane foams are commonly used for this purpose because they absorb sound waves and reduce noise transmission. They’re widely used in automotive and HVAC systems to improve comfort and efficiency.

We also offer non-woven materials for dampening, which are lightweight and ideal for industries like aerospace and electronics where weight reduction is key. These materials are flexible and effective at absorbing sound without compromising performance.

3. Polyurethane Foams & Poly Materials for Robust Vibration Control

Polyurethane foams and other poly materials are excellent choices for more demanding vibration-dampening applications. They can handle different vibration frequencies, making them suitable for sensitive environments like electronics, where even small vibrations can cause issues.

Sur-Seal provides customized solutions tailored to each application. Whether it's for medical devices requiring precision or automotive systems needing long-term durability, our materials meet all necessary performance and regulatory standards.

4. Non-Woven Materials: Lightweight and Flexible

Non-woven materials are gaining popularity due to their lightweight nature, versatility, and ability to be customized. They perform as well as traditional foams but with added benefits like reduced weight, which is crucial in industries like aerospace and automotive.

These materials can be combined with others to create composite solutions that enhance performance and cost-efficiency. At Sur-Seal, we specialize in designing such composites to meet your specific needs.

5. Custom Solutions for Unique Challenges

Noise and vibration problems are rarely one-size-fits-all. That’s why our team at Sur-Seal asks critical questions to determine the best solution for your application:

• What frequency of vibration or noise are we trying to eliminate? Different materials work better at different frequencies.
• What machine or component are we working with? Understanding specifications helps us choose the right material.
• What materials will it bond with? Compatibility is important, especially when adhesives are involved.
• What is the core issue? Is it weight reduction, sound control, or something else? Knowing this helps us recommend the most efficient solution.

Solutions Engineering: Deep Dive for Better Results

At Sur-Seal, we believe that solving noise and vibration issues requires a thorough understanding of the product and its environment. Our Engineering Solutions team performs detailed teardowns to identify the root causes of BSR and provide targeted recommendations. Whether you're working with complex machinery or sensitive medical devices, we ensure our solutions meet technical, environmental, and regulatory requirements.

Try Before You Commit: Sur-Seal’s Sample Program

Choosing the right material can be overwhelming. That’s why we offer a sample program allowing you to test different solutions in real-world applications before making a decision. Our samples include cushioning foams, dampening materials, and non-woven options. Explore our Samples Program page to find the best fit for your needs.

Partner with an Expert in Noise & Vibration Solutions

Buzz, squeak, and rattle can greatly affect your product’s quality and user experience. But with the right materials and engineering, these issues can be minimized or eliminated entirely. At Sur-Seal, we have extensive experience solving noise and vibration challenges across multiple industries.

From cushioning and dampening to using polyurethane foams and non-woven materials, our solutions are designed to meet your unique needs. Contact Sur-Seal today to learn more about our noise and vibration reduction solutions or to speak with one of our engineers.