Machines play an essential role in the manufacturing industry. Most manufacturing processes aren’t performed by hand. Rather, they performed using a machine. There are lathes, milling machines, planer machines, grinding machines and more, each of which is designed to perform one or more manufacturing processes. Because of the sheer power behind these machines, however, they often require anti-vibration leveling feet.
What Are Anti-Vibration Leveling Feet?
Also known as anti-vibration leveling pads, anti-vibration leveling feet are mountable components that absorb vibrations while simultaneously leveling the machine with which they are used. They consist of small disc-shaped pieces of durable material with a padded bottom. The top contains internal threading that can be adjusted for leveling purposes. Anti-vibration leveling feet are designed to absorb vibrations and level manufacturing machines.
How Anti-Vibration Leveling Feet Work
Anti-vibration leveling feet work in a relatively simple way. They are able to level manufacturing machines thanks to their threading at the top. A bolt is then used to connect to the top of an anti-vibration leveling foot to the bottom of a manufacturing machine. The bolt can be driven higher or lower so that the machine remains level at all times. Adjusting the bolt on each of the anti-leveling feet allows you to create a level plane for the machine.
To absorb vibrations, anti-vibration leveling feet have a padded bottom. As shown in the photo above, anti-vibration machines consist mostly of metal with a padded nonmetal bottom. This padding material is responsible for absorbing vibrations produced by machines. Whether it’s a lathe, planer machine or any other manufacturing machine, it will likely produce vibrations. The padded material on the bottom of anti-vibration leveling feet absorb these vibrations.
Choosing Anti-Vibration Leveling Feet
When choosing anti-vibration leveling feet, you’ll need to consider the size. If they are too small, they may fail to absorb the vibrations of the machine with which they are used. Anti-vibration leveling feet are available in both standard and metric sizes. Regardless, you should choose a size to match the machine.
You should also consider the maximum supported weight when choosing anti-vibration leveling feet. Manufacturing machines are heavy. A lathe, for example, can weigh over 3,000 pounds. Therefore, you must choose anti-vibration feet that are capable of supporting the weight of the machine with which you intend to use it. Fortunately, many anti-vibration leveling feet can support far more than 3,000 pounds. Some of them are rated for over 10,000 pounds, whereas others are rated for over 25,000 pounds.