Industrial vibrators are components of many industrial processing machines as well as laboratory equipment. Vibration is the means by which some bins and hoppers keep products moving toward the machines they feed. The industrial vibrator is also a key component in equipment like shakers, classifiers and other sorting, sifting and separating machines.

An industrial vibrators manufacturer may produce machines that operate on one of two principles. An industrial vibrator produces vibration either by rotational or linear motion. Linear vibrators generally use a linear actuator moved at a high speed by hydraulics, pneumatics or motor. Alternatively, the linear vibrator may consist of a motor or pneumatics with a single piston that produces the desired, fast, back and forth motion.

On the other hand, you can find rotary-based industrial vibrators online in three types:

1. One type of rotary industrial vibrator is a motor-driven shaft with an unbalanced weight.

2. A second type of rotary industrial vibrator uses a contained, free-rolling ball.

3. A third type of rotary industrial vibrator is a pneumatic turbine that vibrates due to the application of compressed air.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy industrial vibrators that meet your performance specifications

By necessity, force is measured differently for rotary versus linear industrial vibrators. But either way, you will usually see the figure measured in pounds. Motor power ratings are also significant. Besides these specs, however, pay attention to electrical ratings and compatibility with your application, as well as the overall size of a vibration device. Finally, look for the features you need. A distributor of industrial vibrators often carries models that simply turn off and on. Others have a rheostat effect, where there are a range of power settings.

I recommend: Dwyer Instruments carries industrial vibrators based on various mechanisms, such as the pneumatic ball. The company does a good job of clearly publishing all the necessary information on their products. For a large selection of bin or tray applications, Eriez Manufacturing is an excellent choice.

Find a linear industrial vibrators distributor website

A industrial vibrators website may provide products and information on both linear and rotary vibrators, and there are also many who sell only rotary. Providers of exclusively linear vibrators are the most unusual. Still, searching for linear will weed out the type of distributor of industrial vibrators site that is not strong in linear products. In order to do more price and quality comparisons, search for the type you're most interested in.

I recommend: Martin Engineering carries several lines of high quality industrial linear vibrators, but it's also a good example of a company that sells both linear and rotary. The National Air Vibrator Company is another great choice for a company strong in linear industrial vibrators.

Locate a rotary industrial vibrators distributor online

As mentioned in the previous step, there are some benefits to searching exclusively for either linear or rotary vibrators, rather than both at once. Also, as you examine more vibrator choices, compare more detailed information, like noise level, which can affect the safety of your employees' work environment. A quality manufacturer of industrial vibrators will often publish such information.

I recommend: Chicago Vibrator Products sells many types of vibrators, bust mostly rotary. The only type of industrial vibrator Jameco Electronics sells are motor rotary, but it has a very worthwhile selection if that's what you're after. If you need motor rotary industrial vibrators, make sure to do some comparison shopping at Nidec Copal, which has a well organized selection.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  For equipment run in food processing, laboratory or other sanitary facilities, there are industrial vibrators specifically manufactured for cleanliness and easy clean-up.