Description
Sorbothane is a modern shock-absorbing material, and in airsoft guns, its properties can be utilized primarily in reinforcing the gearbox and reducing noise. In addition, Sorbothane allows adjustment of the angle of engagement between the piston and the sector gear.
Installation requires:
- Sorbothane pad
- A protective plate on top of the Sorbothane pad to prevent the piston head from striking the material directly
- Flexible super glue - for example, Loctite Flex Gel works well
Installation steps:
- Glue the Sorbothane pad onto or in place of the cylinder head's rubber cushion.
- Glue the protective plate on top of the Sorbothane pad to prevent the piston head from damaging it.
- Check the angle of engagement between the sector gear and the piston teeth, and remove one tooth from the piston if necessary.
Specifications:
- Diameter: 20 mm
- Thickness: 3.50 mm (with protective plate)
What is Sorbothane and how does it work?
Sorbothane is a modern rubber-like special material developed in the UK, used in everyday products such as high-quality running shoes and industrial applications. It has an exceptional ability to absorb vibration and shock. However, Sorbothane's material properties differ significantly from ordinary rubber.
If the impact force is examined as a function of time (see graph below), it helps to understand how Sorbothane works. The graph compares the shock-absorbing ability of Sorbothane to that of standard rubber under a constant force.
Scenario 1: No damping material (blue curve)
All kinetic energy from the moving part (the piston) is transferred into the gearbox structure within a very short time. The gearbox shell experiences a sharp stress spike, which can cause it to crack.
Scenario 2: Standard cylinder head rubber (yellow curve)
The rubber provides slight flexibility and reduces the stress spike somewhat.
Scenario 3: Damped with Sorbothane (red curve)
Sorbothane offers optimal damping, eliminating the strong impulse peak that stresses the gearbox.
A more detailed article about Sorbothane and angle of engagement adjustment can be found HERE.
More information about Sorbothane is available on the official website: www.sorbothane.com
