Sorbothane
Sorbothane, Inc. is a privately held Kent, Ohio-based manufacturer of a proprietary viscoelastic polyurethane polymer used in shock absorption, vibration isolation, and damping components. It serves aerospace, industrial, consumer, medical, and sporting goods customers via direct sales, McMaster-Carr, and global distributors.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1982
- HeadquartersKent, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Sorbothane does
Sorbothane, Inc. is a privately held specialty materials manufacturer headquartered in Kent, Ohio, operating from a 64,000 square foot production facility with proprietary pouring equipment and in-house testing and quality assurance labs. The company manufactures a proprietary thermoset, polyether-based polyurethane viscoelastic polymer — also trademarked "Sorbothane" — that combines shock absorption, vibration isolation, vibration damping, and noise damping in a single material, with claimed absorption of up to 94.7% of impact shock energy and over 50% of vibration energy across a -20°F to +160°F operating range. The firm sells three product families: standard industrial components (bushings, washers, hemispheres, stud mounts, bumpers, isolation pads, rings, discs, leveling mounts, and sheet stock), specialty consumer products (Comfort & Performance Insoles, Soft-Blow Mallets, and SORBO-EASE Yoga & Workout Pads), and custom-engineered components developed jointly with customer engineering teams.
The company serves eight named verticals: aerospace and aeronautical, consumer and commercial products, industrial and manufacturing equipment, medical equipment, mobile electronic devices, precision laboratory equipment, sporting goods and fitness, and transportation/shipping and logistics. Notable end-users and partners include NASA, SpaceX, Vitamix, Getty Museum, National Park Service, US Air Force Memorial, Troemner, TouchStar, and Hamrick Manufacturing. Go-to-market combines direct sales for custom and large industrial orders, broad distribution through McMaster-Carr and regional specialty distributors in the US, Europe (UK, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria), Asia (Singapore, Taiwan), Oceania (Australia), and Canada, plus consumer DTC e-commerce through Isolate It!, Snap-On, and the company website. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed. Sorbothane, Inc. is the US operating entity; the material was invented in 1975 by Dr. Maurice Hiles in England, was brought to the US under BTR in 1982, was acquired by Swedish conglomerate Trelleborg in 2000, and returned to private ownership in 2003 where it has remained.
Sorbothane firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Sorbothane
- Legal name
- Sorbothane, Inc.
- Website
- https://sorbothane.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1982
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Sorbothane, Inc. is a privately held Kent, Ohio-based manufacturer of a proprietary viscoelastic polyurethane polymer used in shock absorption, vibration isolation, and damping components. It serves aerospace, industrial, consumer, medical, and sporting goods customers via direct sales, McMaster-Carr, and global distributors.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Sorbothane industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Vibration Isolation Materials
- NAICS
- Urethane and Other Foam Product (except Polystyrene) Manufacturing (326150)
- SIC
- Plastics Foam Products (3086)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Polyurethane (PU) Flexible Foam Manufacturing (IMANAIAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Vibration Control & Anti-Vibration Products (Mounts, Bushings, Isolators) (IMANALAD), Thermoset Resins (Epoxy, Phenolic, Unsaturated Polyester, PU resins) (IMAEANAE)
Keywords
Where Sorbothane is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Kent
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Sorbothane business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Operations, Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Standard Industrial Products: Sorbothane manufactures and sells standard industrial products including bushings, washers, hemispheres, stud mounts, bumpers, isolation pads, anti-vibration leveling mounts, and sheet stock. These are pre-made solutions available in various sizes, quantities, and colors. Sold through distributors like McMaster-Carr and direct sales.
- Custom Engineered Components: Custom-engineered viscoelastic material components designed for specific customer applications. Services include rapid prototyping, collaborative design, and production. Revenue from custom solutions for engineers and entrepreneurs across various industries.
- Consumer Specialty Products: Ready-made Sorbothane-based products including Comfort & Performance Insoles (Ultra Classic, Ultra Heel Pad, Ultra Comfy, Ultra Max Duty, Ultra Sole, Ultra Plus, 3/4 Ultra Plus, Ultra SorboAir, Women's Ultra Sole, Ultra Graphite Arch), Soft-Blow Mallets, and SORBO-EASE Yoga & Workout Comfort Pads. Sold through retailers, distributors, and direct-to-consumer e-commerce.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Custom sizes, colors, and thicknesses available for Water-Resistant Sorbothane |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Soft-Blow Mallets available in 3 sizes |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Multiple insole product lines for different use cases |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels16 records
Marketing channels5 records
Sorbothane product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Sorbothane, Inc. manufactures and sells standard industrial vibration-isolation components (bushings, washers, hemispheres, stud mounts, bumpers, isolation pads, rings, discs, leveling mounts, and sheet stock in multiple configurations), specialty consumer products (Soft-Blow Mallets, Comfort & Performance Insoles, and SORBO-EASE Yoga & Workout Pads), and custom-engineered viscoelastic components designed collaboratively for OEM and engineering customers. All products are made from the company's proprietary thermoset polyether-based polyurethane viscoelastic polymer, which combines shock absorption, vibration isolation, vibration damping, and noise damping in a single material, manufactured at its 64,000-square-foot Kent, Ohio facility.
Product overview
Sorbothane, Inc. offers a comprehensive portfolio of viscoelastic polymer products centered on its proprietary Sorbothane material, which absorbs up to 94.7% of impact shock. The product lineup consists of Standard Industrial Products (including bushings, washers, isolation hemispheres, stud mounts, bumpers, isolation pads, isolation rings, isolation discs, leveling mounts, sheet stock in various sizes and configurations, and isolation strips), Specialty Products (Water-Resistant Sorbothane for wet environments, Soft-Blow Mallets for non-marring applications, Comfort & Performance Insoles in multiple models, and SORBO-EASE Yoga & Workout Comfort Pads), and Design Tools (Load Rating Calculator, Impact Calculator, Vibration Calculator, and Engineering Design Guide). The company also provides custom-engineered components for engineers and entrepreneurs. All products are manufactured in Kent, Ohio, USA.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Ultra CLASSIC: 100% Sorbothane heel to toe full sole inserts for shock absorption and cushioning
- Ultra HEEL PAD
- Ultra COMFY
- Ultra MAX DUTY
- Ultra SOLE
- Ultra PLUS
- Ultra SORBOAIR
- Ultra GRAPHITE ARCH
- SORBO-EASE
- SOFT-BLOW MALLET
- KICK-EEZ
- Silent Feet
- ShockSorb
- PeacePads
- S.A.F.E. Clip
- God' A Grip
- Swede-O Planter F3
Products and services
- Sorbothane Bushings Cylindrical vibration-isolation bushings that prevent metal-to-metal contact and isolate anchors and bolts in industrial assemblies.
- Sorbothane Washers Flat Sorbothane washers used to isolate anchors and bolts, absorb shock, and prevent metal-to-metal contact.
- Sorbothane Isolation Hemispheres Hemispherical isolators with optional PSA, felt, or urethane coating for audio, computing, and lab equipment isolation.
- Sorbothane Stud Mounts Male-male and male-female stud-mount isolators for audio, electronic, light-to-medium machinery, and scientific-instrument applications.
- Sorbothane Bumpers Male and female impact bumpers for absorbing shock and isolating vibration in audio, electronic, and sensitive testing equipment.
- Sorbothane Isolation Pads Square isolation pads in multiple configurations (with/without PSA, fabric top/bottom, interlocking patterns) for audio, computer, electronic, lab, and small-machinery isolation.
- Sorbothane Isolation Rings Ring-shaped isolators for heavier loads, optics, and shipping applications requiring vibration protection.
- Sorbothane Isolation Discs Round Sorbothane discs for isolating audio equipment, computer electronics, small machinery, and video components.
- Anti-Vibration Leveling Mounts Leveling mounts with Sorbothane elastomer elements for large equipment, medium machinery, and uneven-floor applications.
- Sorbothane Sheet Stock Rectangular Sorbothane sheet stock in sizes from 4x4 to 25x25 inches for custom cutting, prototyping, gaskets, and shock/vibration padding; optional PSA backing.
- X-Tra Flex Sheet Stock Flexible Sorbothane sheet molded with hemispherical bumps, intended for irregular surface applications and medium-to-heavy equipment isolation.
- Diamond Pattern Sheet Stock Diamond-patterned Sorbothane sheet for edge-to-edge vibration isolation, shock attenuation, and irregular-surface applications.
- Sorbothane Isolation Strips 2x36 inch Sorbothane strips for custom-cut applications on medium-to-heavy equipment isolation.
- Water-Resistant Sorbothane Sorbothane polymer with a water-resistant formulation that maintains shock absorption and vibration damping in wet environments; available in custom sizes, colors, and thicknesses.
- Soft-Blow Mallet Viscoelastic-polymer striking mallet in 5.5 oz, 12 oz, and 20 oz sizes for fine woodworking, auto body, trim, glass, finish carpentry, cabinetry, and remodeling applications where a non-marring strike is required.
- Sorbothane Comfort & Performance Insoles Performance insoles absorbing up to 94.7% of impact shock, recommended by doctors, sports medicine specialists, and trainers; available in multiple models (Ultra Classic, Ultra Heel Pad, Ultra Comfy, Ultra Max Duty, Ultra Sole, Ultra Plus, 3/4 Ultra Plus, Ultra SorboAir, Women's Ultra Sole, Ultra Graphite Arch).
- SORBO-EASE Yoga & Workout Comfort Pad Dual-layer comfort pad with yellow Sorbothane GEL cushioning and a blue Sorbothane impact-absorption layer (up to 94.7%) for yoga, workout programs, arthritis therapy, and functional fitness.
- Custom Engineered Sorbothane Components Bespoke viscoelastic components with rapid prototyping, collaborative design, and in-house testing; for engineers and entrepreneurs across aerospace, industrial, medical, audio, and consumer applications.
Quantifiable outcome
- Absorbs up to 94.7% of impact shock energy (confirmed by Nike studies)
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Sorbothane
Customer profileNamed customers28 records
Segments1 record
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Sorbothane technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
Sorbothane partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
38 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.
- McMaster-Carr Supply CompanycoreMajor US industrial distributor of Sorbothane standard products including bushings, washers, hemispheres, stud mounts, bumpers, isolation pads, sheet stock, and more. Products distributed through McMaster-Carr offices nationwide.
- Advanced Anti-vibration ComponentsminorDistributes Sorbothane industrial stud mounts from New Hyde Park, NY for vibration isolation applications.
- W.M. Berg CompanyminorDistributes many Sorbothane standard products from East Rockaway, NY.
- Edmund OpticsminorDistributes shock attenuating Sorbothane sheet stock for optical and precision applications.
- ThorlabsminorDistributes vibration isolating feet and sheets for photonics applications.
- Isolate It!corePrimary e-commerce distributor of most Sorbothane standard products, insoles, and Soft-Blow Mallets.
- Impacto Protective DevicesminorIndustrial ergonomic equipment distributor including Sorbothane insoles, seat cushions, anti-vibration gloves, elbow and knee pads.
- IEM Orthopaedic SystemsminorMedical supplier distributing Sorbothane insoles for orthopaedic applications.
- GelmecminorEuropean distributor covering UK (Great Yarmouth) and Benelux (Wommelgem, Belgium) regions for sound damping and isolation products.
- CREDIMEX AGminorDistributes Sorbothane products in Switzerland, Lichtenstein, and Austria.
- Marcom SG PTE LTDminorDistributes Sorbothane products in Singapore.
- Marcom TW LTDminorDistributes Sorbothane products in Taiwan.
- Sorbothane AustraliaminorDistributes Sorbothane standard products and insoles in Australia from Thomastown, Victoria.
- Snap-On USAminorDistributes Sorbothane Soft-Blow Mallet through Blue-Point brand tool distribution network.
- MptronixminorElectronics distributor based in Dacula, GA distributing Sorbothane products.
- NASAflagshipNASA collaborated with Sorbothane to design custom Sorbothane isolators that protected shuttle cameras from violent vibrations during launch. Also developed shock isolator and vibration isolation system for International Space Station treadmill.
- SpaceXflagshipSpaceX relies on Sorbothane for aerospace vibration isolation solutions.
- VitamixflagshipVitamix partnered with Sorbothane to develop The Quiet One commercial blender using three exclusive Sorbothane components for dramatic sound reduction. Blender operates 18 decibels below closest competitor.
- TroemnercoreWorld leader in precision lab equipment partnered with Sorbothane to enhance Vortex Mixers with custom components ensuring exacting, repeatable motion.
- Hamrick ManufacturingcoreCustom Sorbothane bumper system designed for end-of-line packaging machinery to protect products during packaging and shipment.
- TouchStarcoreTouchPC Hawk vehicle mount computers with custom Sorbothane corner mounts protecting 7 inch TFT LCD touchpad screens from shock and vibration in extreme conditions.
- KICK-EEZcoreSorbothane engineered multi-layer molding system for recoil pads integrating rigid mounting plate with solid Sorbothane pad. Independent testing shows it reduces more recoil than any other pad on market.
- OTNY Impact Hockey GloveminorIncorporated Sorbothane viscoelastic material into Impact Hockey Glove providing elite shock absorption outperforming competitors by average of 30%.
- SnareweightminorDeveloped uniform damping system for snare drums with interchangeable Sorbothane inserts providing expressive damping. U.S. patent-protected product.
- LiveKühnminorSorbothane refined patented design for PeacePads multifunction foot roller to relieve plantar fasciitis pain and support stretching and healing.
- Road-to-ProminorPartnered with tennis pro Sky Kim to engineer ShockSorb tennis racket vibration damper that reduces arm and shoulder fatigue while preserving racket feel.
- God' A GripminorSorbothane engineers helped design universal rifle and shotgun grip with molded finger grooves and special 3M adhesive for secure damage-free adhesion.
- Hook StudiosminorDeveloped THS-MMD Microphone Decoupler featuring Sorbothane compression center member that absorbs vibration and provides true decoupled suspension.
- Fiberbuilt GolfcoreFiberbuilt designers collaborated with Sorbothane engineers to integrate impact-absorbing material into Player Preferred Series Golf Mats. Absorbs up to 94.7% of club head vibration.
- SHOTOVERminorSorbothane bumpers isolate unwanted vibration for SHOTOVER mobile camera systems used in broadcast, motion picture, and surveillance markets.
- Minus KminorVibration isolation leveling tables incorporating Sorbothane for precision laboratory applications.
- EnerSysminorBattery systems for satellite and space exploration utilizing Sorbothane components.
- Pangea AudiominorAudio isolation feet removing muddying effects of vibration from audio/video signal chain.
- Carbide AudiominorCarbide base vibration isolation feet for heavy audio/visual gear manufactured in partnership with Sorbothane.
- Nigel B. DesignminorAnti-vibration projector and camera mounts incorporating Sorbothane for wall mount applications.
- United States Air Force MemorialflagshipSorbothane components help maintain structural integrity of memorial from harmful wind energy.
- Getty MuseumflagshipCustom shipping crates and artifact protection for Jackson Pollock's Mural and other priceless ancient artifacts. Sorbothane sheets configured to precise custom alignment.
- National Park ServiceflagshipSorbothane wheeled carriage support system protected the Liberty Bell during historic 935-foot move to the Liberty Bell Center.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Sorbothane competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Rogers Corporation: Rogers (now part of DuPont) produces specialty polyurethane foams and elastomers (PORON, BISCO, ARLON) used in cushioning, gasketing, vibration management and sealing. It is the closest direct comp to Sorbothane's viscoelastic polymer platform and serves many of the same industrial, electronics and mobility design engineers.
- Lord Corporation (Parker Hannifin): Lord, now part of Parker, manufactures engineered vibration isolation mounts, bonding systems and damping components for aerospace, defense and industrial equipment — directly overlapping with Sorbothane's aviation/industrial vibration control business.
- Fabreeka International: Fabreeka produces anti-vibration pads, isolation pads and pads/washers for machinery, optics and precision equipment — overlapping directly with Sorbothane's standard industrial isolation-pad catalog.
- Vibration Mountings & Controls (VMC): VMC designs and manufactures elastomeric and spring vibration isolators, hangers and mounts for HVAC, industrial and precision equipment, directly competing for the same engineering design-ins Sorbothane pursues in industrial and laboratory applications.
- UFP Technologies: UFP Technologies custom-fabricates foam, film and specialty components for medical, aerospace, industrial and consumer clients — overlapping with Sorbothane's custom-engineered component business and engineered protective packaging.
Broad incumbents
- Trelleborg AB: Trelleborg is a diversified polymer-engineering group that previously owned Sorbothane and continues to manufacture anti-vibration mounts, polyurethane components and engineered elastomers across industrial, aerospace and offshore markets, making it both a former parent and a strategic adjacent player.
- 3M (E-A-R Specialty Composites): 3M's E-A-R line offers industrial vibration damping foams, isolators and acoustic materials; as part of a much larger conglomerate it competes with Sorbothane across both industrial OEM and consumer/COM markets.
- Recticel NV: Recticel is a Belgian polyurethane foam manufacturer with broad industrial, automotive and bedding/comfort lines — comparable as a scaled PU foam producer competing against Sorbothane's foam-based industrial and consumer SKUs.
- FoamPartner: FoamPartner (part of the Recticel group) specializes in engineered polyurethane and specialty foams for industrial, automotive and acoustic applications, serving similar industrial OEM buyers as Sorbothane.
- Huntsman Corporation: Huntsman produces polyurethane chemicals and MDI/TDI systems that feed downstream elastomers and foams — comparable to the upstream chemistry behind Sorbothane's proprietary polyether-based PU and a possible material partner or competitor at scale.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Sorbothane social profiles
Digital presenceSorbothane financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Sorbothane leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Sorbothane funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Sorbothane M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Sorbothane
What does Sorbothane do?
Sorbothane, Inc. manufactures and sells standard industrial vibration-isolation components (bushings, washers, hemispheres, stud mounts, bumpers, isolation pads, rings, discs, leveling mounts, and sheet stock in multiple configurations), specialty consumer products (Soft-Blow Mallets, Comfort & Performance Insoles, and SORBO-EASE Yoga & Workout Pads), and custom-engineered viscoelastic components designed collaboratively for OEM and engineering customers. All products are made from the company's proprietary thermoset polyether-based polyurethane viscoelastic polymer, which combines shock absorption, vibration isolation, vibration damping, and noise damping in a single material, manufactured at its 64,000-square-foot Kent, Ohio facility.
Is Sorbothane a public or private company?
Sorbothane is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Sorbothane founded?
Sorbothane was founded in 1982. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Sorbothane based?
Sorbothane is headquartered in Kent, United States, in the North America region.
How does Sorbothane make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Standard Industrial Products are the primary driver. The others are custom Engineered Components and consumer Specialty Products.
Who are Sorbothane's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Rogers Corporation, Lord Corporation (Parker Hannifin), Fabreeka International, Vibration Mountings & Controls (VMC) and UFP Technologies. Broad incumbents are Trelleborg AB, 3M (E-A-R Specialty Composites), Recticel NV, FoamPartner and Huntsman Corporation.
Does Sorbothane have an API?
No public API is recorded for Sorbothane.
What industry is Sorbothane in?
Sorbothane's product category is Vibration Isolation Materials. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMANAIAC, Polyurethane (PU) Flexible Foam Manufacturing, with a secondary code of IMANALAD, Vibration Control & Anti-Vibration Products (Mounts, Bushings, Isolators). Its NAICS code is 326150 and its SIC code is 3086.