FAQS

A TIFI pad is an engineered system. Unlike an ordinary pad, a TIFI system is sized and loaded to each machine foot and application on a custom basis. Just as no two machines are exactly alike, no two TIFI pads are exactly alike. Each pad will be designed by one of our engineers to fit a particular machine foot and provide consistent shock and vibration isolation on a case-by-case basis.

By using a TIFI system to provide isolation for your machine, you can be assured that you are getting outstanding performance, long life, predictable deflections and a known natural frequency. Simply “throwing a pad under there” would be counterproductive to machine life, durability, part repeatability and environmental vibration reduction.

A TIFI pad is actually a combination of two different types of UNISORB® isolation pads. We use the Red Line Isolation Pad, type F-1, for the body of the pad, then place 1” thick UNISORB® Titan Shock Pad squares into pre-placed and pre-cut holes. The shortened abbreviation of the Titan pad (TI) and the F-1 pad (F1) names combine to create the name ‘TIFI’ (pronounced “Tiffy”).

We need to know enough information to determine the static and dynamic loads that the pad will encounter as well as the exact geometry of the mounting points or machine feet. This process is simpler than it sounds! UNISORB® will provide to you a one page calculation sheet to guide you in gathering the required data. Simply look in our Quantum Press Mount catalog for a print version, or contact UNISORB® Engineering to receive a sheet via e-mail. We also have a copy on our website in PDF format that you can download and return. Please be as exact as possible when filling out the form. In particular, pay special attention to the weights, foot dimensions and hole locations as these will most directly affect the size, construction and cost of the final TIFI pad.

A TIFI pad contains any number of 1” thick Titan Shock Pad inserts. It is vital that we don’t inadvertently place an insert under the bolt hole as this would effectively prevent the insert from bearing any load. Worse, depending on the size of the hole and the insert, it may be possible that the insert could dislodge and enter the hole.

The answer is simply “as accurate as you can be”. Sizing of the pads and the placement of the Titan inserts is a mathematical procedure. Inserts must be placed at exact locations to provide maximum support to the machine foot as well as any anchoring system that may be used.

Not only will the exact size and dimension of the mounting points contribute to the performance of the pad system, it will determine the cost of the individual pads. Being accurate will save money!

It is common for a manufacturer of machine tools to change the weights, foot geometry or mounting hole locations from machine to machine – even in the same model series. If the machine is used, the previous owner very well could have altered the frame or updated the components.

It is best to consider each and every application of a TIFI system to be a unique solution. It would be wise to fill out the calculation sheet fully for UNISORB® Engineering to review for every machine, even if the make and model are identical.