Understanding NVH and the Role of PE Cushion Strips
Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) are critical performance factors in industrial manufacturing, automotive systems, appliances, and building materials. Uncontrolled NVH leads to premature wear, structural fatigue, and reduced user comfort. One of the most effective solutions for NVH mitigation is the use of PE (polyethylene) cushion strips. These extruded plastic components provide mechanical decoupling, absorb impact energy, and dampen sound transmission across a range of applications.
PE cushion strips function by isolating vibrating surfaces, reducing direct contact, and dissipating kinetic energy. Their closed-cell or semi-rigid foam structures offer consistent compression resistance and resilience. Unlike metal or rigid plastic spacers, PE cushion strips adapt to surface irregularities, ensuring uniform load distribution and long-term performance.
Material Properties of PE Cushion Strips for NVH Control
Mechanical Damping Characteristics
Polyethylene, particularly in low-density (LDPE) and linear low-density (LLDPE) forms, exhibits high internal damping. This allows PE cushion strips to convert vibrational energy into minimal heat, reducing resonance and oscillation. The material’s viscoelastic behavior ensures energy dissipation across a broad frequency range—critical for applications involving dynamic loads, such as HVAC systems and transportation equipment.
Thermal and Chemical Resistance
PE cushion strips maintain performance across temperatures from -40°C to +80°C, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. They resist moisture, UV degradation (with stabilizers), and common industrial chemicals. This stability ensures consistent NVH performance over time, even in harsh environments. For example, in refrigerators and industrial enclosures, PE strips prevent condensation-induced degradation while maintaining acoustic isolation.
Compression Set and Rebound Resilience
Low compression set is essential for long-term NVH control. High-quality PE cushion strips recover >90% of their original thickness after prolonged compression, maintaining sealing and damping functions. Rebound resilience (typically 50–70%) balances cushioning and support, preventing over-compression in load-bearing applications.
Key Applications of PE Cushion Strips in NVH Management
Building and Construction
In window and door assemblies, PE cushion strips isolate glass panels from frame structures, reducing wind-induced noise and thermal expansion vibrations. They also act as thermal breaks, improving overall energy efficiency. The strips are commonly used between aluminum profiles and glazing units, where mechanical isolation prevents stress cracking and sound bridging.
Appliance and Refrigeration Systems
PE cushion strips are widely used in refrigerators, freezers, and HVAC units to decouple compressor mounts, dampen fan vibrations, and seal cabinet panels. By minimizing direct metal-to-metal contact, these strips reduce operational noise and prevent micro-vibrations from transmitting through the appliance chassis. For more on refrigerator-specific plastic profiles, including PE cushion strips, see Dalang’s specialized product line.
Industrial Equipment and Machinery
Heavy machinery, conveyor systems, and power tools benefit from PE cushion strips installed at mounting points, panel junctions, and moving components. The strips absorb shock loads, reduce harmonic resonance, and extend the service life of connected parts. In robotics and automation, PE cushion strips improve precision by minimizing vibration-induced positioning errors.
Design and Installation Considerations
Cross-Section and Density Selection
NVH performance depends on proper profile design. Round, rectangular, or U-shaped cross-sections are selected based on load requirements and installation space. Density ranges from 30 kg/m³ (soft, high cushioning) to 120 kg/m³ (firm, structural support). Higher densities are used in high-load applications, while softer grades prioritize acoustic damping.
Adhesive Backing and Mounting Methods
Self-adhesive PE cushion strips simplify installation and ensure consistent placement. Pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) are formulated for plastic, metal, and composite surfaces. For high-vibration environments, mechanical fasteners (clips, screws) or dual-sided tape with high shear strength may be required to prevent delamination.
Environmental and Regulatory Compliance
PE cushion strips can be formulated to meet UL 94 flammability standards, RoHS, and REACH regulations. In food-contact applications (e.g., refrigeration gaskets), FDA-compliant PE grades are available. Always verify material certifications for safety-critical installations.
Conclusion: Optimizing NVH with Precision-Engineered Solutions
Effective NVH control requires more than material selection—it demands precise engineering, consistent extrusion quality, and application-specific design. PE cushion strips offer a proven, cost-effective solution across industries, combining mechanical resilience with acoustic and vibrational damping. For applications requiring custom plastic profiles with tight tolerances and repeatable performance, partnering with an experienced extrusion provider is essential. Dalang specializes in custom extrusion services for PVC, UPVC, ABS, PE, and other plastic materials, widely used in windows, doors, refrigerators, and various applications requiring precision plastic components.