In today's fast-paced world, product performance isn’t just about functionality — it’s about creating a smooth and quiet experience for the end user. Whether you're in automotive, HVAC, medical, or electronics, reducing unwanted noise and vibration is key to delivering high-quality products that stand out. At Sur-Seal, we specialize in developing cutting-edge noise and vibration reduction solutions, using our deep knowledge of materials engineering to solve the most common issues causing buzz, squeak, and rattle (BSR).

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

1. Cushioning: Minimizing Vibration at the Source

One of the most effective ways to tackle vibration is to address it directly at its source through cushioning. These materials absorb and dissipate energy, preventing vibrations from transferring and causing noise. In industries like automotive and medical equipment, vibration can affect both performance and user comfort, making the right material choice essential.

Sur-Seal commonly uses closed-cell foams and rubber materials such as 3M Thinsulate for cushioning. These materials are not only durable but also resistant to moisture, extreme temperatures, and other environmental factors. By isolating vibrations, cushioning helps prevent mechanical buzzing caused by component contact, ensuring smoother operation and better user experience.

2. Dampening: Silencing Unwanted Sounds

Dampening focuses on silencing the sounds produced by vibrating parts. Materials like open-cell polyurethane foam are designed to absorb sound waves and reduce noise transmission. They’re widely used in automotive and HVAC systems where noise control is essential for comfort and efficiency.

At Sur-Seal, we offer more than just traditional dampening materials. For applications where weight is a concern—such as aerospace and electronics—we recommend non-woven materials. These lightweight options provide excellent sound absorption while offering flexibility in design and integration into complex systems.

3. Polyurethane Foams & Poly Materials for Robust Vibration Control

Polyurethane foams and other poly materials are ideal for handling more intense vibration frequencies. They’re especially useful in sensitive environments like electronics, where even small vibrations can cause disruptions. These materials are engineered to perform reliably under varying conditions, making them a top choice for precision applications.

Sur-Seal develops customized vibration-dampening solutions tailored to specific industry needs. Whether it’s for medical devices requiring precise movement control or automotive systems needing long-term durability, our materials are tested to meet strict performance and regulatory standards.

4. Non-Woven Materials: Lightweight and Adaptable

Non-woven materials are becoming a popular choice for noise and vibration reduction due to their lightweight, flexible, and customizable nature. They can perform as well as traditional foams while offering significant weight savings, which is crucial in aerospace and automotive sectors.

These materials can be combined with others to create composite solutions that enhance both performance and cost-efficiency. Sur-Seal specializes in designing such hybrid materials to meet each customer’s unique requirements, ensuring optimal results without compromising on quality or function.

5. Custom Solutions for Unique Challenges

Noise and vibration problems aren't one-size-fits-all. That’s why Sur-Seal works closely with clients to understand their specific needs. Our team asks critical questions to determine the best solution, including:

• What frequency of vibration or noise are we trying to eliminate?
• What is the machine or component, and what specifications does it require?
• What materials will it need to bond with?
• What is the main issue we’re trying to solve?

By understanding these factors, we ensure our recommendations are accurate, efficient, and tailored to your application.

Engineering Solutions: Analyzing for Better Outcomes

At Sur-Seal, we believe that solving noise and vibration issues starts with a deep analysis of the product. Our Engineering Solutions team performs detailed teardowns to identify root causes and suggest targeted improvements. Whether you're working with complex machinery or sensitive medical devices, we ensure our solutions meet all technical, environmental, and regulatory requirements.

We don’t just recommend standard materials—we collaborate closely with your team to evaluate your unique performance needs. Learn more about how we engineer custom solutions by visiting our Engineering Solutions page.

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

Choosing the right material can be overwhelming. That’s why Sur-Seal offers a sample program that lets you test different noise and vibration solutions in real-world conditions. This way, you can see how each option performs before making a decision.

Our samples include cushioning foams, dampening materials, and non-woven solutions. Explore your options and request a free sample today by visiting our Samples Program page.

Partner with an Expert in Noise and Vibration Reduction

Buzz, squeak, and rattle can significantly impact a product’s performance and appeal. But with the right approach, these issues can be minimized or eliminated entirely. At Sur-Seal, we have extensive experience solving noise and vibration challenges across various industries.

From cushioning and dampening to advanced polyurethane and non-woven materials, our solutions are designed to meet your specific needs. By addressing noise and vibration at the source and selecting materials based on performance and environment, we help ensure your products deliver a quiet, smooth, and reliable experience.

Contact Sur-Seal today to learn more about our noise and vibration reduction solutions or speak with one of our engineers.