The benefits of rubber bumper feet
Are rubber bumpers necessary for your application? This guide will help you understand what you need to know when it comes to these critical components. Here, we’ll cover:
What are rubber bumper feet?
Also known as rubber feet bumpers, rubber mounting feet, round rubber bumpers or simply rubber feet, bumpers are small, typically round, components. Their purpose is to protect machines and equipment.
Rubber bumpers are usually manufactured with a small hole in the middle, which allows the rubber foot to deform when exposed to pressure. As the name rubber bumper feet implies, these are placed under a machine or piece of equipment. You can get them as screw-on rubber feet, as shown here, or with adhesive so that they stick on to the surface.
The benefits of rubber bumpers
Vibration can accelerate wear and tear on machines and equipment, creating damage and leading to unplanned downtime. Rubber bumper feet absorb vibration, noise and impact to help keep machines running smoothly. They also protect floors and surfaces from damage, acting as non-skid pads when the machines are moved.
Rubber bumpers are also easy to apply. You already know that you can get rubber screw-in feet and flat, adhesive rubber bumpers, but they’re also available in push-fit styles. Fast application keeps production processes flowing.
When to use rubber bumpers
Rubber feet give applications better grip with any surface. Factor in the lift they give machines and equipment, which creates airflow and helps prevent overheating. Then consider their vibration-damping qualities. Let’s look at the applications where rubber bumper feet are the most useful.
Applications of rubber bumper feet
Applications vary, from industrial to consumer uses. The examples below are by no means exhaustive, but they are common applications. Some are screw-in rubber feet, others push-fit, and still others have an adhesive backing.
Rubber feet for electronics
Electronics vibrate and can move as a result. They can also overheat and damage components. As laptop feet, small rubber bumpers do an excellent job of providing protection and stability. Use them as keyboard rubber feet too.
Round rubber bumpers can be used in PCBs as spacers. They act as barriers to help components avoid damaging heat build-up and short circuiting.
You can also use them on speakers, UPS units, printers, alarm clocks, gaming consoles – essentially, any table-top consumer electronic equipment can benefit from rubber feet bumpers, which also protect the table surface.
Rubber appliance feet
Almost all consumer appliances need rubber feet. Depending on the size and weight of the appliance, you might consider threaded rubber feet.
- Air conditioning units
- Washing machines
- Refrigerators
- Dryers
- Small kitchen appliances, such as blenders and food processors
Rubber feet for furniture
From rubber screw-in feet to cabinet bumpers, these handy components are used in furniture. Table legs, chairs and the glass on top of coffee tables often use them. So do sofas and bedroom furniture. Workbench and office drawers, shelving and other industrial and office furniture – rubber bumpers don’t only protect floors from scratches, but also act as stops to prevent banging.
Rubber feet for medical devices
Some of these applications are electronics, some are furniture, and others, appliances. But it’s still helpful to see how rubber bumpers – even a single rubber foot – are used within the industry. Note, while you’ll find castors on the bottom of hospital beds, rubber bumper feet are typically used within adjustable bed frame parts.
- Dental and surgical instrument trays
- Portable oxygen machines
- X-Ray machines
- Hospital beds
- Scales
- Acute care testing
- Microscopes
- Medical-device battery-charging bases
- Syringe pumps
- Surgical training equipment
- Respiratory equipment
- Ventilators
- Centrifuge machines
- Defibrillators
- Medical cabinets
- Cpap machines
You might find it helpful to check out our Quick guide: components for medical furniture.
What are the different types of rubber bumpers?
Some bumper feet are made of rubber and synthetic rubbers but not all, as you’ll see in our examples below. Available in a wide diameter range, the bumpers are divided by mounting type, style and material. Notice, too, that the shape can vary.
Screw-in rubber feet
Female threaded bumpers can be fastened with a screw, bolt or rivet.
ABS and rubber screw-in feet are Ideal for wooden cabinets, equipment enclosures, free-standing electrical/electronic equipment.
Recessed bumpers ideal for use as feet on consumer electronics and small appliances.
- Rubber appliance feet can also be used as spacers or door stops
- Available in round, coved and tapered configurations
Threaded rubber feet can be used as a leveling device or bumper for small equipment. The non-corrosive stud and screw-on feet are durable and resist harsh environments.
Coved, female threaded bumpers can also be used as glides or spacers to guard, stop, alight, position, or protect parts and finished products.
- Coved surface matched round tubing
Heavy-duty bumper feet – LDPE or nylon
Industrial rubber bumpers suitable for machinery, chairs and other furniture, door stops, electronics and appliances.
Self-adhesive bumper feet
Peel-and-stick bumpers will not tarnish, scratch, or discolor any surface.
Commonly used as feet, cabinet stoppers, door stops, and surface protectors.
- Available in clear or black
- Operating temperature range: 32°F to 122°F
PE Foam or Polyurethane – round
Round rubber bumpers are also typically used as feet, cabinet stoppers, door stops, and surface protectors.
- Available in clear or black
- Operating temperature range: 32°F to 122°F
Hemisphere, or domed, shape. Ideal as cushions for desk-top items and to protect surfaces from scratching. Also used under audio and electronic equipment.
- Available in clear or black
- Operating temperature range: 32°F to 122°F
PE Foam or Polyurethane – square
Comes on a pad for easy application. Ideal as bumper feet or surface protectors.
- Available in clear or black
- Operating temperature range: 32°F to 122°F
Push-fit bumper feet
The press-fit design holds the bumper securely in place to protect surfaces from contact
TPE version has excellent thermal properties and stability when exposed to different temperatures and environmental conditions. The PVC version is designed for use on metal or plastic housings and cases. Both push into punched or drilled holes.
Produced with a split-stem portion to make insertion easy and removal difficult.
Can be used as glides, bumpers, closures, slides, and stops. The incorporated push rivets quickly and easily install into pre-drilled holes. Removable. Available in:
- TPR and nylon 6
- TPE and nylon
- TPE and PP
Alternatives to bumper feet
Rubber bumper feet aren’t appropriate for all applications, of course. It might be that leveling feet are right for you. You can learn more in our Guide to leveling feet. You might also find it helpful to watch our video Types of industrial feet.
Download free CADs and try before you buy
Free CADs are available for most solutions, which you can download. You can also request free samples to make sure you’ve chosen the right rubber bumper feet. If you’re not quite sure which solution will work best for your application, our experts are always happy to advise you.
Whatever your requirements, you can depend on fast dispatch. Request your free samples or download free CADs now.
Questions?
Email us at sales@essentracomponents.com or speak to one of our experts for further information on the ideal solution for your application 800-847-0486.