In today’s fast-paced world, product performance isn’t just about functionality — it’s about delivering a smooth and quiet experience for the end user. Whether you're working in automotive, HVAC, medical, or electronics, unwanted noise and vibration can significantly impact user satisfaction and product quality. At Sur-Seal, we specialize in developing innovative solutions that tackle buzz, squeak, and rattle (BSR) by addressing the root causes of noise and vibration.

Here are our top five solutions to help minimize noise and vibration in your products:

1. Cushioning: Reducing Vibration at the Source

One of the most effective ways to manage vibration is to address it directly at the source using cushioning materials. These materials absorb and dissipate energy, reducing the transfer of vibrations that lead to noise. In industries like automotive and medical equipment, where precision and comfort matter, proper cushioning is essential.

Sur-Seal frequently uses closed-cell foams and rubber materials, such as 3M Thinsulate, which provide excellent vibration absorption while maintaining durability. These materials are ideal for environments with harsh conditions, including moisture or extreme temperatures. By isolating vibrations, cushioning helps prevent mechanical buzz from components rubbing together.

2. Dampening: Silencing Unwanted Sounds

Dampening focuses on reducing the noise generated by vibrating parts. Unlike cushioning, which reduces vibration, dampening materials absorb sound waves to minimize noise transmission. Open-cell polyurethane foams are commonly used for this purpose, especially in automotive and HVAC systems where noise control is key.

At Sur-Seal, we also offer non-woven materials as a lightweight alternative for applications where weight reduction is critical, such as aerospace and electronics. These materials are flexible and highly effective at absorbing sound without compromising performance.

3. Polyurethane Foams & Poly Materials for Vibration Dampening

Polyurethane foams and poly materials are excellent for more demanding vibration-dampening applications. They’re designed to handle a wide range of frequencies, making them ideal for sensitive devices like medical equipment or electronics, where even small vibrations can be disruptive.

Our team customizes these materials to meet the specific needs of each application, ensuring they comply with all necessary performance and regulatory standards. Whether it's for long-term durability in automotive systems or precision in medical devices, we deliver tailored solutions that work.

4. Non-Woven Materials: Lightweight and Versatile

Non-woven materials are gaining popularity for their ability to reduce both noise and vibration. These materials are lightweight, customizable, and highly versatile, making them a great option for industries where weight is a concern, such as aerospace and automotive.

They can be combined with other materials to create composite solutions that enhance performance and cost-efficiency. At Sur-Seal, we design these composites to meet the unique requirements of each customer, ensuring optimal results in every application.

5. Customized Solutions Based on Specific Needs

Noise and vibration issues vary from one application to another, and the best solution often depends on the specific context. Our team at Sur-Seal asks key questions to identify the right approach, such as:

• What frequency of vibration or noise are we trying to eliminate?
• What are the specifications of the machine or component?
• Which materials will it need to bond with?
• What is the core issue we’re trying to solve?

By understanding these factors, we ensure that the solutions we recommend are not only effective but also aligned with your technical and environmental requirements.

Solutions Engineering: Deep Dive for Better Results

At Sur-Seal, we believe that the best outcomes come from a thorough analysis of the problem. Our engineering team performs detailed teardowns of products and systems to identify the root cause of noise and vibration issues. This allows us to make targeted recommendations that improve performance and reliability.

We don’t just suggest off-the-shelf materials — we work closely with your team to understand your unique needs and develop customized solutions that fit perfectly into your design and production process.

Sur-Seal’s Samples Program: Test Before You Buy

Choosing the right material can be challenging. That’s why Sur-Seal offers a sample program that lets you test different noise and vibration solutions in real-world conditions. This gives you the confidence to make informed decisions before committing to a full-scale implementation.

Our samples include cushioning foams, dampening materials, and non-woven options. Explore our Samples Program page to see what works best for your application.

An Expert Partner in Solving Noise and Vibration Issues

Buzz, squeak, and rattle can greatly affect product quality and user experience. But with the right materials and expert guidance, these issues can be effectively managed. At Sur-Seal, we have extensive experience solving noise and vibration challenges across multiple industries.

From cushioning and dampening to advanced polyurethane and non-woven solutions, we tailor every recommendation to your specific needs. By focusing on the source of the problem 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.