Selection guide for isolation table: the way to choose between active and passive modes

Introduction: Choosing the right technical route is key

The primary decision in the selection process of vibration isolation stations is to choose between active or passive vibration isolation technology routes. This choice directly determines core elements such as vibration isolation performance, procurement cost, and maintenance complexity. Many users blindly pursue high-end options or excessively compress their budgets when selecting, resulting in a final solution that does not match their needs. This article will provide users with a selection guide for the isolation table of the system, starting from the two categories of active and passive.

1、 Key points for selecting passive isolation table

Selection of Air Float Passive Vibration Isolation Platform

Air flotation is the mainstream choice for passive vibration isolation platforms, and the following core parameters should be considered when selecting:

Natural frequency: The high-quality air floating vibration isolation platform should have a natural frequency of 1.0-2.0Hz, which can effectively isolate vibrations above 5Hz. The lower the natural frequency, the better the low-frequency isolation effect.

Carrying capacity: Based on the total weight of the equipment, it is recommended to reserve a safety margin of 20% -30%. Light load type ≤ 150kg, medium load type ≤ 300kg, heavy load type can reach 10T or more.

Leveling method: Pneumatic automatic leveling is standard, and the leveling accuracy should reach ± 0.1mm.

Gas source requirements: working pressure of 0.2-0.4MPa, and a clean and dry compressed air source should be configured. The noise level of the silent compressor should be less than 50dB.

Table performance: Flatness 0.05-0.1mm/m ², surface roughness<2 µ m/m ².

Selection of Rubber Passive Vibration Isolation Platform

The selection of rubber damping isolation table is relatively simple, mainly focusing on:

Natural frequency: generally 4-12Hz, suitable for isolating mid to high frequency vibrations.

Load range: Select the appropriate model based on the weight of the equipment to avoid overload or underload.

Environmental adaptability: Rubber materials should be resistant to aging, corrosion, and suitable for long-term use.

Rubber isolation table is suitable for scenarios with limited budget and low requirements for low-frequency isolation, and is an economical and practical entry-level choice.

2、 Key Points for Selecting Active Vibration Isolation Stations

Selection of piezoelectric active isolation table

Piezoelectric active isolation platform represents high-end isolation technology, and selection should focus on:

Isolation bandwidth: High quality products should achieve six degrees of freedom vibration suppression in the wide frequency range of 1-200Hz. The wider the bandwidth, the wider the applicable scenarios.

Response time: should be ≤ 20ms, able to quickly respond to sudden vibrations. The TA800 desktop active isolation table has a response speed of 10-20ms, suitable for ultra precision equipment.

Isolation efficiency: should be greater than 90% at 5Hz and greater than 95% at 10Hz. The lower the transmission rate, the better the vibration isolation effect.

Number of degrees of freedom: It is necessary to achieve six degrees of freedom (three translations+three rotations) omnidirectional isolation to avoid amplification of vibrations in other directions caused by isolation in a single direction.

Control function: Supports fully automatic height adjustment, dynamic leveling, RS232/EtherCAT communication interface, making it easy to integrate into automation systems.

Selection of electromagnetic active isolation table

Electromagnetic active isolation table has a greater output force and is suitable for heavy-duty equipment:

Maximum correction force: The vertical direction should reach ± 12N or more, and the horizontal direction should reach ± 8N or more.

Load capacity: Depending on the weight of the equipment, the LVH-T15 active isolation stage is specially developed for transmission electron microscopy and can support heavy-duty electron microscopy systems.

Vibration control accuracy: The vibration speed should be less than 0.1 μ m/s to ensure clear atomic level imaging.

Electromagnetic compatibility: It should comply with EN55011 standard to avoid electromagnetic interference affecting the normal operation of the equipment.

3、 Active and Passive Selection Decision Matrix

Select based on device sensitivity

High sensitivity equipment (atomic force microscope, transmission electron microscope, quantum device): an active isolation stage must be selected, as passive solutions cannot meet the nanoscale stability requirements.

Medium sensitivity equipment (SEM, FIB, optical platform): Air floating passive isolation table can meet the requirements, with higher cost-effectiveness.

Low sensitivity equipment (small optical instruments, teaching equipment): Rubber passive isolation table is economical and practical.

Choose according to the vibration environment

Ultra low frequency vibration environment (near subways, near large equipment): 1-5Hz vibration components are abundant, and active isolation platforms must be selected.

Medium to high frequency vibration environment (office buildings, ordinary laboratories): vibrations above 5Hz are predominant, and passive isolation platforms are fully capable.

Cleanroom environment: It is necessary to choose a vibration isolation table with a completely sealed hole structure to avoid the accumulation of particulate matter.

Choose based on budget constraints

Adequate budget (over 200000 yuan): Priority should be given to choosing active vibration isolation stations to achieve the best vibration isolation performance.

Medium budget (50000 to 200000 yuan): Choose a high-quality air floating passive isolation platform that balances performance and cost.

Limited budget (below 50000 yuan): Choose rubber passive vibration isolation platform or foundation air floating vibration isolation platform.

4、 Common selection misconceptions and pitfalls avoidance guide

Misconception 1: Being proactive is always better than being passive

The performance of active isolation table is indeed stronger, but not all applications require it. For general optical experiments, the air floating passive isolation stage can already meet the requirements. Excessive pursuit of high-end configurations can result in resource waste.

Misconception 2: Passive isolation table does not require power supply

Although the air floating passive isolation platform does not require an electrically driven isolation system, the compressor requires electrical support. When selecting, the overall energy consumption cost should be considered.

Misconception 3: Neglecting maintenance costs in the later stage

Active isolation stations require regular calibration of sensors and software upgrades, resulting in high maintenance costs. In passive vibration isolation stations, the air flotation type requires replacement of filters and inspection of airbags, while the rubber type requires almost zero maintenance. When selecting, full lifecycle costs should be considered.

Misconception 4: Neglecting brand and after-sales service

The isolation table is a device that requires long-term use, and it is crucial to choose a brand with comprehensive after-sales service. LeadTop, as a supplier of vibration isolation optical platforms and accessory products, has agents in multiple locations across the country and can provide fast response technical services.

5、 Suggestions for selection process

Step 1: On site vibration testing

Use a vibration tester to detect the vibration spectrum of the installation location and determine the main interfering frequency components. This is the key criterion for choosing between active or passive isolation platforms.

Step 2: Clarify equipment requirements

List the weight, size, sensitivity, operating characteristics, and other parameters of the supported equipment to determine the performance requirements of the isolation table.

Step 3: Budget Evaluation

Determine the acceptable price range based on the project budget and choose the optimal solution within the budget.

Step 4: Scheme Comparison

Compare 2-3 brands’ active and passive vibration isolation solutions, and comprehensively evaluate factors such as performance, cost, and service.

Step 5: On site verification

When conditions permit, suppliers are required to provide prototypes for on-site testing to verify the actual vibration isolation effect.

Conclusion: Scientific selection ensures investment return

The selection of isolation table is a systematic project, and both active and passive technical routes have their own applicable scenarios. It is recommended that users conduct thorough research before purchasing and consult professional engineers if necessary. Based on factors such as equipment sensitivity, vibration environment, budget limitations, etc., they should choose the most suitable type of isolation table. Choosing the right isolation table is to purchase an “insurance” for precision equipment, ensuring the accuracy of experimental data and the service life of the equipment, maximizing investment return.