Parabolic shock absorbers

Parabolic shock absorbers are used as support feet and vibration damping pads. They attenuate shock and vibration between contacting surfaces. They have a parabolic-shaped rubber base vulcanized onto a metal element that usually consists of a disk with an integrated screw. They are manufactured using the same technology as standard vibration dampers, which is based on rubber-metal co-molding. This ensures perfect adhesion at the interface and high mechanical strength. This combination of materials provides stability, durability, and reliable anti-vibration performance, even under severe working conditions.

Description

Parabolic Rubber Shock Absorbers with Threaded Insert

Barbieri Rubber parabolic shock absorbers are anti-vibration supports with parabolic profile and threaded metal insert. The parabolic shape delivers a strongly progressive stiffness characteristic: high compliance at low loads and continuously increasing stiffness as deflection grows. They are catalog rubber components, available in multiple sizes and hardness.

 

Code Ø A (mm) Height B (mm) Screw C (mm) Thread F (mm) Max Load (Kg)
SATP4030PM845 40 30 23 M8 70
ANT PAR 50/50 50 50 35 M8 70

What a parabolic shock absorber is for

Parabolic shock absorbers are the technical choice when a strongly non-linear stiffness behavior is required: initial compliance to damp small-amplitude vibration, and increasing stiffness to support high static loads or dynamic peaks. They are an optimal compromise for assemblies with mixed vibration profiles, such as combustion engines, industrial compressors, generators, presses, pumps and equipment combining static load and variable-amplitude vibration.

Available compounds and typical hardness

Standard compound for parabolic shock absorbers is SBR for general applications, NBR for oil exposure, EPDM for outdoor, VMQ silicone for high temperatures, FKM (Viton®) for chemically aggressive environments. The parabolic geometry works well with medium compounds because it operates intrinsically in a progressive way.

Compound Temperature range Feature Typical applications
SBR -20 / +90 °C Good mechanical balance General-purpose feet
NBR (Nitrile) -40 / +130 °C Resistance to mineral oils Workshops, hydraulics
EPDM -40 / +100 °C UV, ozone, outdoor resistance Outdoor, photovoltaic
VMQ (Silicone) -60 / +200 °C High temperatures Ovens, hot environments, food-grade
FKM (Viton®) -10 / +180 °C Aggressive oils and solvents Chemicals, automotive

 

Catalog standard version and custom designs

The most recurrent sizes and threads of parabolic shock absorbers are standard catalog rubber components in stock at Barbieri Rubber, with no tooling cost for the customer. For non-standard sizes or threads, special compounds and dedicated hardness, we produce custom parabolic shock absorbers: at least a preliminary drawing from the customer is required. The dedicated mold is manufactured in cooperation with our trusted toolmaking partners.

Industrial applications

Parabolic shock absorbers are used on generators, industrial compressors, combustion engines, presses, pumps, test benches, fans and unbalanced rotating units. They are valued for applications combining significant static load with variable-amplitude vibration: the parabolic profile maximizes damping efficiency over the entire working range.

Frequently asked questions

When should I choose a parabolic shock absorber?

When the supported system has highly variable vibration amplitude, dynamic peaks or when strongly progressive stiffness is required. Parabolic shock absorbers cover a wider load and deflection range than equivalent cylindrical feet.

What is the difference between parabolic and cone?

Both cone and parabolic show progressive behavior, but parabolic ones have a more pronounced progressivity and a wider working range. Cone feet are easier to size for applications with moderate load variation.

Are parabolic shock absorbers available from stock?

Yes, the most recurrent sizes are catalog rubber components, with no tooling cost. For special sizes we produce custom versions with a dedicated mold.

Which hardness is recommended?

Typically 50-70 Shore A. The parabolic geometry inherently provides progressive stiffness, so medium-hardness compounds already deliver effective dynamic behavior.

Is the threaded insert co-molded with rubber?

Yes. Production uses rubber-to-metal bonding: the insert is placed in the mold and rubber vulcanizes directly onto it, ensuring a stable bond suitable for industrial use.