LORD AM-006 Low Profile Avionics Mount: Essential Guide for Aerospace Applications

Key Points

Before selecting a mount for your application, it's important to understand the key advantages that make the LORD AM-006 series stand out:

Load capacity range of 10-20 lb (4.5-9.1 kg)
Operating temperature range of -65°F to +300°F (-54°C to +149°C) with BTR elastomer
Maximum dynamic input at resonance of 0.036 in (0.91 mm) D.A.
Compact low-profile design for space-constrained installations
Available in both BTR and BTR II elastomer options

These features make the AM-006 series particularly effective at protecting sensitive equipment while maintaining minimal footprint requirements.

The LORD AM-006 series of low profile avionics mounts represents a critical solution for protecting sensitive avionics equipment in aerospace and defense applications. These mounts combine compact design with superior vibration isolation capabilities, making them ideal for applications where both space and performance are crucial considerations.

Learn everything you need to know about Parker LORD products here!

Technical Specifications

Understanding the detailed specifications helps ensure proper mount selection and implementation:

Physical Characteristics

The LORD AM-006 mount's physical design balances compact dimensions with robust construction, utilizing high-grade aluminum components and protective surface treatments to ensure durability in aerospace environments.

Weight: 0.82 oz (23.3 g)
Inner member material: 2024-T315 aluminum
Outer member material: 2024-T315 aluminum
Surface finish: Chromate treated per MIL-DTL-5541, Class 1A

Performance Specifications

Understanding the performance capabilities of the LORD AM-006 series is crucial for proper application. These mounts deliver consistent vibration isolation across a wide range of conditions.

Dynamic axial spring rate: 581-1844 lb/in (102-323 N/mm)
Dynamic radial spring rate: 528-1676 lb/in (93-294 N/mm)
Natural frequency: 24-43 Hz at rated load
Transmissibility: Typically 3.5 or less at resonance

Common Applications

The AM-006 series excels in several critical aerospace and defense applications:

Primary Use Cases

The versatility of the LORD AM-006 series makes it suitable for numerous critical aerospace and defense applications where protection of sensitive electronics is paramount.

Inertial navigation systems: Inertial navigation systems require precise vibration isolation to maintain accuracy in measuring aircraft position and movement.
Flight control computers: Flight control computers process critical flight inputs and commands, requiring protection from vibration to ensure reliable operation.
Radio/communications equipment: Radio and communications equipment needs isolation from engine and aerodynamic vibration to maintain clear signal transmission and reception.
Radar components: Radar components contain sensitive electronics and moving parts that require vibration dampening to maintain target tracking accuracy.
Critical avionics displays: Cockpit displays house delicate LCD/LED components that require isolation to maintain visual clarity and prevent damage.
Engine monitoring systems: Environmental control components need protection from both vibration and thermal cycling while maintaining system efficiency.

These applications benefit from the mount's ability to protect sensitive electronics while maintaining precise positioning requirements.

Installation Guidelines

Proper installation is crucial for optimal performance of LORD AM-006 mounts:

Mounting Considerations

Proper mounting is essential for achieving optimal vibration isolation performance. Several key factors must be addressed during installation to ensure long-term reliability.

Ensure mounting surfaces are clean and flat
Verify proper torque specifications for attachment hardware
Maintain recommended compression during installation
Account for thermal expansion in extreme temperature applications
Consider orientation effects on load distribution

Best Practices

Following established installation and maintenance procedures helps maximize mount performance and longevity while minimizing potential issues.

Use all mounting points as designed
Avoid excessive preload during installation
Ensure adequate clearance for maximum deflection
Verify proper load distribution across multiple mounts
Consider environmental exposure in hardware selection

Selection Guide

To choose the right LORD AM-006 variant:

Key Selection Factors

Choosing the appropriate AM-006 variant requires careful consideration of several critical parameters that will impact isolation performance.

Total equipment weight and center of gravity
Available mounting space
Operating temperature range
Vibration environment
Shock requirements

Mount Selection Process

A systematic approach to mount selection ensures the chosen variant will meet application requirements while providing optimal performance.

Calculate total system weight
Determine required natural frequency
Consider environmental conditions
Select appropriate elastomer type
Verify spring rates match application needs

Performance Optimization

The AM-006 series performs best when properly matched to application requirements:

Optimization Considerations

Maximizing the performance of LORD AM-006 mounts requires careful attention to various application-specific factors that influence isolation effectiveness.

Equipment weight distribution
Operating temperature range
Vibration input levels
Shock requirements
Space constraints

Proper attention to these factors ensures optimal isolation performance and equipment protection.

Maintenance and Inspection

Regular maintenance ensures long-term reliability:

Inspection Points

Regular inspection helps maintain mount performance and identify potential issues before they impact equipment protection. Key areas require specific attention.

Visual inspection for elastomer degradation
Check for proper mount compression
Verify hardware torque retention
Monitor for unusual wear patterns
Assess environmental exposure effects

Replacement Criteria

Understanding when to replace LORD AM-006 mounts is crucial for maintaining system reliability. Several indicators help determine when replacement is necessary.

Visible elastomer damage
Loss of isolation performance
Excessive permanent set
Hardware damage or corrosion
End of service life

Troubleshooting Guide

Common issues and their solutions:

Typical Issues

While LORD AM-006 mounts are highly reliable, certain challenges may arise during their service life. Recognizing and addressing these issues promptly ensures continued performance.

Excessive vibration transmission
Uneven loading
Temperature effects
Installation difficulties
Performance degradation

Each issue requires systematic evaluation and appropriate corrective action to maintain optimal performance.

Final Thoughts

The LORD AM-006 Low Profile Avionics Mount series provides a robust solution for protecting sensitive aerospace equipment. With proper selection, installation, and maintenance, these mounts deliver reliable vibration isolation in demanding environments.

Working with Modus Advanced for Aerospace and Defense Applications

Aerospace and defense projects that include vibration isolation components often require careful consideration of the entire system, including the housing and mounting structure. Modus Advanced brings particular expertise to these applications through our comprehensive approach to aerospace and defense projects.

Engineering-First Approach

Modus Advanced's engineering team, comprising over 10% of our staff, provides comprehensive technical support across all aspects of aerospace and defense projects. Our engineers work directly with customers from initial design through production, offering expertise in materials science, manufacturing processes, and system-level optimization.

This engineering-first mindset enables us to assist with critical decisions about material selection, manufacturing methods, and design optimization that can significantly impact project success.

When working with aerospace and defense customers, our engineering team provides invaluable insights into design for manufacturability, helping to identify potential issues before they become costly problems.

We understand the complex requirements of aerospace and defense applications, from material compatibility and environmental considerations to quality control and documentation requirements. This deep technical knowledge, combined with our practical manufacturing experience, helps ensure that designs move smoothly from concept to production while meeting all necessary specifications and standards.

Vertical Integration Benefits

When developing complex aerospace and defense components, traditional manufacturing approaches often require coordinating with multiple vendors for different processes, leading to extended lead times, increased shipping costs, and greater risk of quality issues or delays.

Modus Advanced's vertically integrated manufacturing capabilities eliminate these challenges by bringing critical processes under one roof, allowing us to maintain strict quality control while significantly reducing both production time and cost. This integration means customers can work with a single point of contact while having confidence that their components will meet specifications across all aspects of manufacturing.

Modus Advanced's vertically integrated manufacturing capabilities provide significant advantages for aerospace and defense projects:

Complete in-house manufacture of housings and mounting systems
Form-in-place gasket dispensing for environmental sealing
EMI shielding integration
Thermal management solutions
Quality control across all manufacturing processes

This integration reduces lead times and ensures consistent quality across all components.

Quality and Security Standards

Our commitment to aerospace and defense requirements is demonstrated through our comprehensive certifications and standards:

AS9100 certification
ITAR registration
ISO 9001 certification
Working toward CMMC Level 2
Strict quality control processes

These certifications ensure we meet the exacting standards required for aerospace and defense applications.

Partnership Approach

Rather than operating as a traditional supplier, Modus Advanced functions as a strategic partner in our customers' success. We engage early in the design process, providing technical insights and manufacturing expertise that help optimize designs for both performance and producibility. This collaborative approach often leads to significant improvements in design efficiency, reduced manufacturing costs, and accelerated time to market.

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