Can I neutralize vibrations from a machine in the dividing wall with the neighbors through a metal plate?

Answer

Best,

The vibrations and noise generated by the machine can be considered separately.

To stop the noise, you should preferably use materials with a high density, such as the steel plate you mention. It is important to insulate the entire contact surface between the two houses because even a small leak through this barrier can greatly reduce its efficiency. The sound resistance of the wall can be further increased by combining a heavy material with a soft material. This effect occurs, for example, with plasterboard walls where soft insulation is provided between the plasterboards.

If there is also contact noise – possibly the machine vibrates against the wall – you can use soft materials to separate the two materials that make contact with each other. Presumably, however, this aspect does not apply in this case.

The vibrations are not absorbed by means of a noise barrier between the two houses, but can be done by mounting the machine on springs or, in the case of limited vibrations, by basing the machine on a few points on a soft material such as rubber. This will dampen the vibration of the machine and transfer it to the structure on which it is founded. The choice of material to be used or the properties of the spring depend on the weight of the device and the vibration frequency, so it is not possible to indicate one material for all applications. There are specialized firms that can help you with this, if necessary.

Regards,

Jeroen Engelen