Acoustic & Vibration in
Manufacturing Industry

In the manufacturing industry, managing environmental vibrations and acoustics is crucial for maintaining operational efficiency, ensuring worker safety, and adhering to regulatory standards. Uncontrolled vibrations and excessive noise can lead to equipment malfunctions, compromised product quality, and a negative environmental impact. This page outlines the challenges posed by vibrations and acoustics in manufacturing and how Nordic Metrology Science (NMS) provides effective solutions through advanced metrology services.

Environmental Impact of Vibrations and Acoustics in Manufacturing

Vibrations and acoustics in manufacturing significantly impact both the environment and operational efficiency. Often overlooked, these factors are vital for the sustainability and performance of manufacturing processes. Understanding their environmental implications is essential for modern manufacturers aiming to optimize operations and minimize ecological footprints.

Vibrations from machinery, tools, and nearby construction can cause structural wear and tear, noise pollution, and health issues for workers, such as hearing loss and increased stress, reducing productivity and increasing absenteeism. Managing unwanted vibrations and acoustics also consumes significant energy, raising operational costs and carbon emissions, as excessive vibrations make machinery work harder.

Unique Environmental Vibrations and Acoustic Challenges in Manufacturing

Manufacturing environments present unique challenges regarding vibrations and acoustics, requiring tailored solutions for each sector.

• Automotive Industry: Heavy machinery on assembly lines generates significant vibrations, causing misalignments and defects, increasing waste, and posing risks to worker health and safety.
• Electronics Manufacturing: Precision components are highly sensitive to vibrations, impacting processes like soldering and microchip fabrication, leading to microscopic defects and compromising product quality.
• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: Cleanroom environments are sensitive to acoustic disturbances, where excessive noise can disrupt production, leading to potential contamination and reduced efficacy.

Addressing these challenges requires understanding the sources and impacts of vibrations and acoustics. NMS provides specialized metrology services tailored to different manufacturing sectors, identifying critical parameters and developing customized solutions to mitigate these challenges effectively.

Optimizing Manufacturing with Metrology Solutions

Effective management of environmental vibrations and acoustics necessitates precise measurement and control. At NMS, we offer a comprehensive suite of services designed to address the specific needs of various manufacturing sectors.

1. Vibration Analysis and Control:
   • Utilizing state-of-the-art equipment to measure and analyze vibration levels across manufacturing processes.
   • Recommending and implementing control measures such as vibration dampers, isolation mounts, and balancing services to reduce machinery wear and enhance product quality and operational efficiency.
2. Acoustic Measurement and Management:
   • Providing detailed acoustic assessments using advanced sound level meters and frequency analyzers.
   • Developing noise control strategies including soundproofing, quieter machinery, and optimized facility layouts to create a safer, more productive work environment and reduce the ecological footprint of manufacturing operations.
3. Predictive Maintenance:
   • Integrating vibration and acoustic monitoring into predictive maintenance programs to detect early signs of wear and potential issues.
   • Continuous monitoring and data analysis to minimize downtime and extend equipment lifespan, contributing to economic and environmental sustainability.
4. Compliance and Certification:
   • Ensuring compliance with relevant noise and vibration standards to help manufacturers avoid legal penalties and improve environmental performance.
   • Providing comprehensive documentation and certification services to demonstrate compliance and support continuous improvement efforts.
5. Customized Solutions:
   • Developing and implementing strategies tailored to specific vibration and acoustic challenges.
   • Working closely with clients to ensure interventions are effective and efficient, maximizing benefits.

Our Metrology Services

Nordic Metrology Science is capable of inspecting and calibrating a wide range of acoustic and vibration measuring instruments, including:

• Sound Monitoring Systems
• Sound Analyzers
• Vibration Meters
• Sound Level Meters
• Vibration Measurement Systems
• Vibroblocks

The Range of Acoustic Measurements

• Sound Level Calibrators:
  • Measurement Limits: (94; 114; 124) dB at (250; 1000) Hz
  • Measurement Uncertainty: 0.12 dB at 2.8·10⁻⁵ – 0.004·f Hz
  • Calibration Method: LST EN IEC 60942:2018
  • Other Parameters: Reference microphones
• Sound Level Meters:
  • Measurement Limits: (94; 114; 124) dB at 1000 Hz; 114 dB at 250 Hz
  • Measurement Uncertainty: 0.14 dB at 1000 Hz, 0.12 dB at 250 Hz
  • Calibration Method: LST EN 61672-1:2014, LST EN 61672-3:2014 (excluding p. 11.1)
  • Other Parameters: Reference calibrator at 250Hz and 1000 Hz frequencies
• Sound Pressure Level:
  • Measurement Limits: (30 … 140) dB, (20 … 8000) Hz
  • Measurement Uncertainty: 0.18 dB
  • Calibration Method: LST EN 61672-1:2014, LST EN 61672-3:2014 (excluding p. 11.1)
  • Other Parameters: Comparison with a reference in a microphone pairing chamber (20 … 8000) Hz

The Range of Our Vibration Measurements

• Vibration Measuring Instruments:
  • Measurement Limits: Acceleration: (0.1 … 100) m/s²; Speed: (0.3 … 300) mm/s; Amplitude: (1 … 3000) μm
  • Measurement Uncertainty: 5.012 Hz ±2%
  • Calibration Method: ISO 8041-1:2017
• Sensor Sensitivity (Vibration Sensors):
  • Measurement Limits: (0.5 … 10000) mV/m/s²
  • Measurement Uncertainty: 5.012 Hz ±1%
  • Calibration Method: ISO 16063-21:2003
• Vibration Acceleration, Speed, Amplitude (Vibration Calibrators, Stands, Tables, Platforms):
  • Measurement Limits: Acceleration: (0.1 … 200) m/s²; Speed: (0.3 … 300) mm/s; Amplitude: (1 … 3000) μm
  • Measurement Uncertainty: 5.012 Hz ±1.2%
  • Calibration Method: ISO 16063-44:2018
• Additional Vibration Calibration (AV2.3):
  • Measurement Limits: (10 … 15.85) Hz ±0.8%; (19.95 … 2000) Hz ±0.7%
  • Calibration Method: AV2.3 (date: 2022-09-27)

The Benefits of Our Services

Nordic Metrology Science is committed to delivering high-quality metrology services that offer numerous benefits to the manufacturing industry: