When it comes to gasket design, most discussions focus on sealing performance, preventing leaks of fluids, gases, or contaminants. But gaskets play another crucial role in many applications: controlling noise and vibration.

With the right materials and design, gaskets can significantly reduce unwanted sound transmission and dampen mechanical vibration. These properties protect equipment and improve comfort in a wide range of applications, most notably in HVAC systems, automotive assemblies, and industrial machinery

Although not typically used for noise or vibration control, shims can achieve this indirectly by improving alignment or eliminating gaps. Specialised shims can be manufactured for specific uses, such as brake shims, which are layered with rubber or composite materials to reduce squeal when braking.

Gaskets, however, are essential for enhancing performance and reliability in both sealing and noise and vibration control.

 Why Gaskets Matter for Noise and Vibration Control

A well-designed gasket does more than fill gaps or resist pressure; it can also act as a sound and vibration barrier. When placed between machine parts, panels, or structures, the gasket interrupts the path that noise and vibration would otherwise follow.

Elastomeric gaskets, especially those made from closed-cell materials, absorb vibrational energy and compress to dampen movement between surfaces. This reduces structure-borne noise, lowers operational sound levels, and prevents mechanical fatigue caused by excessive vibration.

These properties are increasingly important as industries prioritise energy efficiency, user comfort, and regulatory compliance for noise emissions. For manufacturers, designers, and engineers, understanding how gasket choice influences acoustic and vibration performance can lead to better system outcomes.

The benefits of acoustic and vibration control gaskets extend across multiple sectors:

HVAC Systems

In heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, gaskets reduce both airborne noise and structure-borne vibration. Whether isolating fan motors, sealing duct joints, or lining equipment enclosures, properly selected gaskets prevent vibration from transferring into building structures, resulting in quieter, more efficient systems.

Automotive Engineering

In vehicles, NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) performance is a major focus. Door seals, engine mounts, and body panel gaskets made from EPDM, neoprene, or silicone help reduce road and engine noise inside the cabin. These gaskets also prevent vibration transfer between components, extending the life of mechanical joints and reducing wear.

Industrial Machinery

For industrial equipment such as pumps, compressors, and generators, gaskets and isolator pads are used to prevent vibration from reaching building foundations or structural frames. By damping these forces, gaskets protect both machinery and supporting infrastructure, reducing noise emissions and improving operational safety.

Gasket Materials for Soundproofing and Vibration Damping

At Dobson Gaskets, we work with a variety of specialist materials that offer excellent noise and vibration-damping properties. Three key materials are commonly selected for such applications:

EPDM Rubber

EPDM sponge gaskets are highly effective for absorbing sound and vibration. Their closed-cell structure traps air, offering excellent compression set resistance and energy dissipation. EPDM also provides outstanding resistance to weathering, ozone, and UV, making it ideal for HVAC equipment, external panels, and automotive seals.

Silicone Rubber

Silicone gaskets excel in high and low-temperature environments, remaining flexible across a broad temperature range (from -50°C to +300°C). Its natural viscoelasticity makes silicone ideal for reducing mechanical shock and vibration in sensitive electronics, precision machinery, and aerospace applications. Silicone gaskets provide consistent damping performance where other materials might harden or degrade.

Neoprene Rubber

Neoprene sponge gaskets combine flexibility with durability, offering good vibration damping while maintaining structural integrity under repeated loads. Resistant to oils, greases, and moderate chemicals, neoprene gaskets are widely used in industrial machinery, automotive components, and building services where vibration isolation is key.

Custom-Made Noise Reduction and Vibration Damping Gaskets

As a UK specialist in gasket design and manufacture, Dobson Gaskets offers expert guidance on selecting materials and designs for applications requiring noise reduction and vibration damping. Whether you need custom-cut gaskets for industrial machinery, HVAC systems, or automotive components, we can recommend the right solution based on performance, compliance, and durability.

Our products are designed and manufactured to meet rigorous UK and international performance standards for noise and vibration control:

• BS EN ISO 10140: This standard outlines methods for laboratory measurement of sound insulation in building elements. Gaskets used in doors, walls, and HVAC ducts can be tested to demonstrate their contribution to reducing airborne noise transmission.
  
  
• BS EN ISO 10846: This standard defines procedures for measuring the dynamic stiffness of resilient materials such as vibration-damping gaskets and pads. It ensures that these materials meet required performance levels for isolating mechanical vibration and preventing structure-borne sound transmission.
  
  

By working to these standards, we ensure that our gaskets offer certified performance in noise and vibration applications, whether for building services, industrial equipment, or automotive systems.