ROSTA Mounts and Vibration Reduction Solutions for Vibrating Equipment

Vibration is essential to the operation of screens, feeders, conveyors and compaction tables. However, that movement must be properly controlled. Without a suitable suspension system, vibration can travel from the machine into its supporting steelwork, surrounding equipment and even the building itself.

ROSTA oscillating mounts, steel coil springs and other vibration isolation devices help separate the working movement of the machine from the structure beneath it. Selecting the right system can improve performance, reduce noise and protect both the equipment and its surroundings.

What Are ROSTA Oscillating Mounts?

ROSTA oscillating mounts are compact elastic suspension units developed for vibrating and oscillating machinery. They combine several functions within a single component, supporting the machine while helping to guide and isolate its movement.

Unlike conventional metal springs, ROSTA elements use rubber inserts contained within a robust metal housing. As the machine moves, the rubber is elastically deformed. This provides the spring action needed to support oscillation while also introducing natural damping.

ROSTA produces different types of oscillating mounts for free-swinging screens, guided conveyor systems and suspended screening equipment. The correct type depends on the machine’s weight, operating speed, stroke and intended direction of movement.

According to ROSTA’s product information, its oscillating mounts are designed to provide controlled movement, vibration isolation and maintenance-free operation across a wide range of industrial applications.

How Effective Are ROSTA Mounts?

ROSTA mounts can be highly effective when they are correctly selected and installed. Their main advantage is that they do more than simply carry the machine’s weight. They also help control its movement and absorb part of the unwanted vibration.

ROSTA AB elements, for example, are intended for the elastic mounting of freely vibrating screens. Their design supports movement in the conveying direction while helping to keep the machine stable. ROSTA states that these elements can provide low natural frequencies and a high degree of isolation from the supporting structure. They also help the machine pass through resonance in a controlled manner during starting and stopping.

The practical benefits can include:

• Reduced transmission of vibration into floors and supporting steelwork

• More stable and controlled machine movement

• Less mechanical noise around the installation

• Reduced stress on frames, fasteners and nearby equipment

• No exposed steel spring coils

• Compact installation

• Low routine maintenance requirements

• Long service life when correctly loaded
  

ROSTA mounts are particularly useful where space is limited or where a conventional spring arrangement would require additional guides and restraints.

The effectiveness of any mount still depends on correct engineering. The total operating weight, number of mounting points, centre of gravity, operating frequency, stroke and dynamic loading must all be considered. Installing an element based only on the machine’s static weight may lead to poor isolation or uneven loading.

Where Are ROSTA Mounts Used?

ROSTA oscillating elements can be used with many types of vibrating equipment, including:

• Vibrating screens

• Vibratory feeders

• Oscillating conveyors

• Grading and sorting equipment

• Dewatering screens

• Shaker systems

• Suspended rotary screens

• Processing equipment in recycling, quarrying and manufacturing
  

ROSTA also offers stainless steel ABI versions of its AB elements for installations where corrosion resistance or hygiene is particularly important. This may make them suitable for certain food, chemical and washdown environments, subject to the complete machine design and site requirements.

For suspended rotary screens, ROSTA AV mounts use comparatively large rubber inserts to absorb vibration and guide circular movement. This helps reduce the load transferred into nearby structures, including supporting frames and overhead steelwork. Further technical details are available from ROSTA’s official AV mount information.

Steel Coil Springs for Vibrating Equipment

Steel coil springs remain one of the most widely used suspension systems for vibrating machinery. They are available in many sizes and load ratings and can accommodate relatively large working movements.

A set of correctly selected springs supports the vibrating mass while allowing the screen, feeder or table to move independently from its base. The spring rate and operating deflection determine the system’s natural frequency and influence how much vibration is transmitted to the supporting structure.

Advantages of steel springs include:

• High load-carrying capacity

• Suitability for larger strokes

• Straightforward visual inspection

• A wide selection of spring rates and sizes

• Individual springs can normally be replaced

• Suitability for heavy screens, feeders and compaction tables
  

Steel springs are often the preferred solution for heavy-duty equipment where substantial vertical movement is required. However, they provide relatively little inherent damping. Additional restraints, guides or damping devices may therefore be needed to control sideways movement and excessive motion during start-up or shutdown.

Springs must also be checked periodically for corrosion, cracking, settlement and unequal deflection. A damaged or incorrectly loaded spring can change the machine’s operating angle and place additional stress on the remaining suspension points.

ROSTA Mounts Compared with Coil Springs

ROSTA mounts and coil springs are both effective, but they behave differently.

ROSTA elements combine spring action, damping and movement control within one compact assembly. They can offer a tidier installation and require little routine maintenance. Their inherent damping is helpful when a machine passes through its natural frequency while starting or stopping.

Coil springs generally allow greater freedom of movement and can be well suited to heavy loads and larger strokes. They are also familiar to maintenance teams and are available in a wide range of standard sizes. However, they may require extra components to control lateral movement or limit excessive travel.

Neither option is automatically better for every machine. The most appropriate solution depends on the application, available space, operating conditions and required vibration characteristics.

Other Vibration Reduction Devices

Several other products can be used either instead of, or alongside, ROSTA mounts and coil springs.

Rubber Mounts

Rubber anti-vibration mounts are often used beneath motors, small feeders, control equipment and lighter machinery. They are compact, relatively economical and provide useful damping.

Their suitability depends on load, temperature, chemical exposure and operating frequency. Rubber can deteriorate when exposed to oils, heat, aggressive cleaning chemicals or prolonged environmental conditions, so the correct compound must be selected.

Air Springs

Air springs provide excellent vibration isolation and can be useful where the supported load changes significantly. Their pressure can be adjusted to maintain the required operating height.

They are often used for sensitive equipment and specialised vibration tables. However, they require a reliable compressed-air supply and may need levelling valves, pipework and additional controls.

Wire Rope Isolators

Wire rope isolators use loops of stainless steel cable to support and damp movement. They can perform well in harsh environments and tolerate shock, corrosion and wide temperature ranges.

They are often used where both vibration and impact loads must be controlled, although their cost and movement characteristics need to be considered carefully.

Hydraulic or Viscous Dampers

A damper does not normally replace the main supporting spring. Instead, it restricts excessive movement and absorbs energy, particularly while the machine passes through resonance.

Dampers can be valuable on equipment that experiences noticeable movement during start-up or shutdown. They must be positioned so that they control unwanted motion without interfering with the machine’s intended working stroke.

Rubber Compression Springs

Large rubber compression springs can provide both load support and damping. They are resistant to dirt and do not suffer from metal-to-metal coil contact.

They generally offer less working travel than steel springs and may change stiffness over time or with temperature. Nevertheless, they can be effective on selected feeders, screens and impact-sensitive equipment.

Why Correct Vibration Isolation Matters

A suspension system is not merely an accessory. It is part of the machine’s operating design.

Poorly selected mounts can allow excessive vibration to enter the surrounding structure. They can also cause uneven movement, reduced conveying performance, premature bearing wear and fatigue cracking.

A properly designed system helps:

• Protect structural steelwork and foundations

• Reduce vibration reaching nearby machinery

• Lower noise levels

• Maintain the intended screening or conveying movement

• Reduce stress on motors, bearings and fasteners

• Improve reliability and service life

• Create a safer and more comfortable working environment
  

Choosing the Right Vibration Reduction System

Before selecting ROSTA mounts, steel springs or another isolation method, it is important to establish:

• The machine’s complete operating weight, including material

• The number and position of mounting points

• Load distribution at each mounting point

• Operating speed and frequency

• Stroke or amplitude

• Direction of vibration

• Starting and stopping behaviour

• Required isolation efficiency

• Environmental conditions

• Available installation space

• Cleaning and hygiene requirements
  

The suspension system should be selected as part of the complete machine design. Replacing one type of mount with another without checking its dynamic characteristics can significantly change how the equipment behaves.

Conclusion

ROSTA oscillating mounts provide an effective, compact and low-maintenance way to support many types of vibrating equipment. Their combination of elasticity, damping and movement control makes them particularly useful for screens, feeders and oscillating conveyors where reducing vibration transfer is a priority.

Steel coil springs remain an excellent solution for heavy machinery, high loads and applications requiring greater movement. Rubber mounts, air springs, wire rope isolators and dampers also have important roles in particular operating environments.

The best solution is the one matched to the machine’s weight, operating frequency, movement and installation conditions. Careful selection helps the equipment perform as intended while protecting the surrounding structure from unnecessary vibration.

If you require help selecting ROSTA mounts, coil springs or other vibration reduction components for a screen, feeder, conveyor or vibration table, please contact us to discuss your application.