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LORD HDM Series: High-Deflection Mounts for Mission-Critical Aerospace & Defense Applications

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    Key Points

    • HDM Series mounts offer exceptional shock protection with up to 0.75 inches of deflection in both axial and radial directions
    • Designed specifically for aerospace and defense applications requiring reliable performance from -65°F to +300°F
    • Available in both BTR® silicone and SPE® I elastomer options to match application requirements
    • Proven capability to attenuate 15g shock inputs down to 10g and 30g inputs to 16g
    • Mechanically fail-safe design ensures equipment remains secured even in worst-case scenarios

     

    Every day matters when lives depend on aerospace and defense equipment performing flawlessly in extreme conditions. The LORD HDM Series of high-deflection mounts provides superior shock absorption and vibration isolation for mission-critical applications where failure isn't an option.

    Design Features and Capabilities

    Understanding the fundamental engineering principles behind the LORD HDM Series helps designers evaluate its suitability for specific applications. These mounts incorporate several innovative design elements that work together to deliver consistent performance across a broad range of operating conditions, making them particularly valuable for applications where reliability is paramount.

    The HDM Series represents decades of LORD Corporation's expertise in vibration control and shock isolation. These mounts combine innovative geometry with advanced elastomeric materials to deliver:

    • All-attitude shock protection with equal performance in axial and radial directions
    • Broad temperature range performance from -65°F to +300°F (-54°C to +149°C) with BTR silicone option
    • Excellent damping characteristics to control resonant responses
    • Compact form factor that minimizes space requirements
    • Mechanically fail-safe construction through bonded elastomer-to-metal design

    HDM Series Product Overview

    Understanding the distinct capabilities and applications of each HDM Series variant helps engineers select the optimal solution for their specific requirements. LORD Corporation has developed three main product lines within the HDM Series to address different load ranges and environmental conditions while maintaining superior shock and vibration control.

    Product Line Comparison

    The HDM Series includes three distinct product lines, each engineered for specific load ranges and operating conditions. Let's explore the key features of each:

    HDM-100 Series

    • Optimized for higher loads up to 50 pounds
    • Uses SPE® I elastomer for good damping characteristics
    • Ideal for applications requiring high load capacity with moderate temperature requirements
    • Cost-effective solution for ground-based and shipboard equipment

     

    HDM-200 Series

    • Designed for medium loads up to 30 pounds
    • Features BTR® silicone for extreme temperature performance
    • Superior damping characteristics with transmissibility under 3.5
    • Perfect for aerospace applications requiring broad temperature range capability

     

    MHDM Series

    • Compact design for lighter loads up to 6 pounds
    • Uses BTR® silicone for consistent performance across temperature extremes
    • Miniaturized form factor while maintaining high-deflection capabilities
    • Ideal for protecting sensitive avionics and electronic equipment


    Specification

    HDM-100 Series (SPE I)

    HDM-200 Series (BTR)

    MHDM Series (BTR)

    Load Rating

    30-50 lb (14-23 kg)

    12-30 lb (5.5-14 kg)

    2-6 lb (0.91-2.7 kg)

    Temperature Range

    -65°F to +165°F (-54°C to +74°C)

    -65°F to +300°F (-54°C to +149°C)

    -65°F to +300°F (-54°C to +149°C)

    Natural Frequency

    20-25 Hz

    20-25 Hz

    22 Hz

    Maximum Dynamic Input

    0.125 in D.A.

    0.125 in D.A.

    0.12 in D.A.

    Dynamic Axial Spring Rate

    1550-2584 lb/in (272-453 N/mm)

    620-1550 lb/in (109-272 N/mm)

    100-300 lb/in (17.5-52.5 N/mm)

    Dynamic Radial Spring Rate

    1107-1615 lb/in (194-283 N/mm)

    517-1107 lb/in (91-194 N/mm)

    N/A

    Weight

    8.8 oz (250 g)

    8.8 oz (250 g)

    2.05 oz (58 g)

    Maximum Transmissibility

    5-7

    3.5

    N/A

    Materials

    • Inner member: 6061-T651 aluminum<br>• Outer member: 6061-T6 aluminum<br>• Elastomer: SPE I

    • Inner member: 6061-T651 aluminum<br>• Outer member: 6061-T6 aluminum<br>• Elastomer: BTR Silicone

    • Inner member: 2024-T351 aluminum<br>• Outer member: 2024-T3/T351 aluminum<br>• Elastomer: BTR Silicone

    Note: All specifications are at rated load unless otherwise noted. Spring rates measured at 0.036 in (0.91 mm) D.A. input.

    Design Commonalities

    Despite their differences, all LORD HDM Series products share several important design features that make them ideal for aerospace and defense applications:

    • Mechanically fail-safe construction through bonded elastomer-to-metal design
    • All-attitude mounting capability for flexible installation options
    • High-grade aluminum components for optimal strength-to-weight ratio
    • Predictable, linear load-deflection characteristics
    • Built-in travel limits to prevent overextension

     

    The HDM Series demonstrates LORD Corporation's commitment to providing comprehensive solutions for vibration and shock control across a wide range of applications. By offering multiple product lines with different load capacities and environmental capabilities, engineers can select the exact mount that meets their specific requirements without overspecifying or compromising performance.

    Related: Read our Guide to Parker LORD Vibration Isolation Mounts.

    Material Options

    The choice of elastomer in vibration isolation applications significantly impacts system performance, especially when dealing with extreme environments. LORD offers two distinct elastomer options for the HDM Series, each with specific advantages that allow engineers to optimize the trade-offs between temperature range, damping characteristics, and cost based on their application requirements.

    Engineers can select between these two premium elastomer options to match their specific application requirements:

    BTR® Silicone

    • Operating temperature range: -65°F to +300°F (-54°C to +149°C)
    • Superior damping characteristics
    • Excellent temperature stability
    • Ideal for extreme environment applications

     

    SPE® I Natural Rubber Blend

    • Operating temperature range: -65°F to +165°F (-54°C to +74°C)
    • Good damping properties
    • Cost-effective solution for moderate environments
    • Proven track record in shipping and transportation applications

    Performance Specifications

    Accurate performance data is essential for engineers to model and predict system behavior under various operating conditions. The LORD HDM Series has been extensively tested to provide verified performance metrics across its entire operating range, allowing designers to confidently integrate these mounts into their systems.

    The HDM Series delivers consistent, reliable performance across a wide range of conditions:

    Load Capacity

    • Available in ratings from 12 to 50 pounds (5.5 to 23 kg) per mount
    • Static load capacity matched to application requirements
    • Linear load-deflection characteristics for predictable performance

     

    Natural Frequency

    • 20-25 Hz at rated load with 0.036 inch input
    • Tuned for optimal isolation of typical equipment disturbance frequencies
    • Consistent frequency response across operating temperature range

     

    Dynamic Capabilities

    • Maximum dynamic input at resonance: 0.125 inches D.A.
    • Shock attenuation: 15g input reduced to 10g output
    • Superior performance under combined loading conditions

    Common Applications

    While the HDM Series offers excellent broad-spectrum vibration and shock control, certain applications particularly benefit from its unique performance characteristics. Understanding where these mounts have been successfully deployed helps engineers identify similar use cases where the HDM Series could provide optimal protection for sensitive equipment.

    The LORD HDM Series excels in protecting sensitive equipment in demanding aerospace and defense applications:

    Avionics Equipment

    • Inertial navigation systems
    • Flight control computers
    • Communication systems
    • Radar and sensor packages

     

    Military Hardware

    • Mobile command centers
    • Tactical communications equipment
    • Vehicle-mounted electronics
    • Shipboard systems

     

    Test Equipment

    • Calibration systems
    • Measurement devices
    • Data acquisition systems
    • Environmental test chambers

    Installation and Mounting

    Proper installation is crucial for achieving optimal vibration isolation performance. The HDM Series incorporates several design features specifically intended to simplify installation while ensuring consistent performance. Understanding these features and following proper mounting procedures helps engineers achieve the full potential of these isolators.

    Mounting Considerations

    • Available in standard and custom bolt patterns
    • All-attitude mounting capability
    • Built-in mechanical stops prevent overtravel
    • Self-aligning design accommodates misalignment

     

    Installation Guidelines

    • Follow torque specifications for mounting hardware
    • Ensure proper load distribution across multiple mounts
    • Account for static deflection in system design
    • Consider dynamic envelope requirements

    Why Choose the HDM Series?

    When specifying vibration isolation solutions for aerospace and defense applications, engineers need confidence in both the product and the manufacturer. The HDM Series represents decades of LORD Corporation's expertise in developing and manufacturing isolation solutions for mission-critical applications, backed by comprehensive testing and validation.

    The HDM Series represents the culmination of LORD Corporation's expertise in vibration and shock control:

    Engineering Excellence

    • Backed by decades of aerospace experience
    • Extensive testing and validation
    • Proven performance in field applications
    • Continuous product improvement

     

    Quality Assurance

    • AS9100 certified manufacturing
    • Full lot traceability
    • Comprehensive testing of each batch
    • Complete documentation packages available

    Final Thoughts

    When your application demands superior shock and vibration protection in a compact, reliable package, the LORD HDM Series delivers proven performance backed by decades of aerospace expertise. 

    Supporting Mission-Critical Aerospace & Defense Programs

    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 DNA

    At Modus Advanced, engineering excellence isn't just a capability—it's our foundation. With engineers comprising over 10% of our workforce, we bring deep technical understanding to every aerospace and defense project. This expertise spans:

    • Materials science and selection 
    • Advanced manufacturing processes 
    • System-level optimization Design for manufacturability 
    • Quality validation methods

     

    Our engineering team engages directly with yours, ensuring technical precision from initial concept through final production.

    Single-Source Manufacturing Solution

    We've built our manufacturing capabilities to eliminate the complexity and risk of multi-vendor production chains. Under one roof, we deliver:

    • Precision CNC machining of metal housings 
    • Form-in-place gasket dispensing 
    • EMI shielding integration 
    • Thermal management solutions 
    • Complete quality validation

     

    This consolidated approach cuts lead times while maintaining strict quality control throughout production.

    Defense-Grade Quality & Security

    Our quality system is built to meet the industry's highest standards:

    • AS9100 aerospace certification 
    • ITAR registration 
    • ISO 9001 quality management 
    • Progress toward CMMC Level 2

     

    These certifications demonstrate our commitment to mission-critical manufacturing excellence.

    True Engineering Partnership

    We serve as an extension of your engineering team, providing:

    • Early design optimization input 
    • Ongoing technical collaboration 
    • Manufacturing process refinement 
    • Rapid problem resolution

     

    This partnership approach helps accelerate development while ensuring the quality that aerospace and defense applications demand.

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