Virtually all manufacturing processes involve movement of some kind. In production machinery this can involve linear transfers, rotary index motions, fast feeds, etc. At some point these motions change direction or come to a stop.

Any moving object possesses kinetic energy as a result of its motion. When the object changes direction or is brought to rest, the dissipation of this kinetic energy can result in destructive shock forces within the structural and operating parts of the machine. Typically the results are machine damage, increased maintenance costs, loss of production and increased operating noise.

Kinetic energy increases as an exponential function of velocity. The heavier the object or the faster it travels, the more energy it has. An increase in production rates is only possible by dissipating this kinetic energy smoothly and thereby eliminating destructive deceleration forces.

Older methods of energy absorption such as rubber buffers, springs, hydraulic dashpots and cylinder cushions do not provide the required smooth deceleration characteristic - they are non linear and produce high peak forces at some point during their stroke.

The optimum deceleration solution is achieved by using a properly sized ACE Controls industrial shock absorber, providing constant linear deceleration with the lowest possible reaction force in the shortest stopping time.

Here's the comparison between cylinder cushions & dashpots, springs & rubber bumpers and Ace's industrial shock absorbers for consideration the next time you need optimum deceleration performance.

1. Cylinder Cushions and Dashpots (High stopping force at start of the stroke).
With only one metering orifice the moving load is abruptly slowed down at the start of the stroke. The braking force rises to a very high peak at the start of the stroke (giving high shock loads) and then falls away rapidly.


2. Springs and Rubber Bumpers (High stopping forces at end of stroke).
The moving load is slowed down by a constantly rising reaction force up to the point of full compression. These devices store energy rather than dissipate it, which causes load bounce back.

3. Industrial Shock Absorbers (Uniform stopping force through the entire stroke).
The moving load is smoothly and gently brought to rest by a constant resisting force throughout the entire shock absorber stroke.
The load is decelerated with the lowest possible force in the shortest possible time, thus eliminating damaging force peaks and shock damage to machines and equipment.

This is a linear deceleration force stroke curve that is designed into each Ace Controls industrial shock absorber for smooth operation without destructive shock forces.

For additional information, visit the Ace Controls website at www.acecontrols.com or contact ACE direct at 800-521-3320.