Safety shock absorbers – find manufacturers and suppliers

Safety shock absorbers protect machines, systems and moving structures from damage caused by uncontrolled movement, malfunctions or the overtravel of intended end positions.

They are used where normal service brakes, control systems or limit switches alone do not provide sufficient protection. In an emergency, safety shock absorbers absorb the kinetic energy of a moving mass and bring it to a controlled stop.
Typical applications include mechanical and plant engineering, storage and retrieval machines, crane systems, conveyor systems, lifts, handling systems and automated production equipment.
Unlike shock absorbers designed for regularly recurring movements, many safety shock absorbers are primarily intended for rare emergency or fault situations.

How safety shock absorbers work

Safety shock absorbers are installed at the end of a possible travel path. If a moving mass reaches this position due to a malfunction or control error, it impacts the shock absorber.
A piston then moves into the shock absorber housing. Depending on the design, the kinetic energy is dissipated hydraulically, elastically or through a combination of several operating principles.
The deceleration should be controlled in such a way that the resulting forces acting on the machine, supporting structure and moving components remain as low as possible.
After activation, some versions must be inspected and reset. Other safety shock absorbers are designed for only a limited number of impacts or for single use.

Types of safety shock absorbers

Hydraulic safety shock absorbers

Hydraulic safety shock absorbers dissipate kinetic energy by displacing a fluid.
They are particularly suitable for high masses and large impact energies. Hydraulic damping allows the load to be distributed over the available stroke.

Elastomer safety shock absorbers

Elastomer shock absorbers deform during impact and absorb energy in the process.
They are robust, compact and usually require little maintenance. Their damping characteristics, however, depend on the material, temperature and impact speed.

Single-use safety shock absorbers

Single-use shock absorbers are designed for one severe impact. After activation, they must be replaced.
They are used where an emergency is expected to occur only very rarely, but a high amount of energy must still be absorbed safely.

Resettable safety shock absorbers

Resettable designs can be used again after activation.
Before the machine or system is restarted, the shock absorber and the surrounding components must be inspected for damage, deformation and correct operation.

Applications of safety shock absorbers

Mechanical and plant engineering

In machines, safety shock absorbers limit uncontrolled movements of slides, axes, tools or other machine components.
They can help prevent damage if control systems, sensors or drives fail.

Storage and retrieval systems and conveyor technology

In storage and retrieval machines, travelling carriages and conveyor systems, safety shock absorbers act as emergency stops at the end of the travel path.
They protect vehicles, rails, supporting structures and transported goods from high impact loads.

Crane and lifting technology

On cranes, trolleys and lifting equipment, safety shock absorbers limit the travel of moving components.
They are used particularly at end stops and in areas where overtravel beyond the intended position cannot be completely ruled out.

Lift and stage technology

In lift systems and movable stage systems, safety shock absorbers can absorb kinetic energy in the event of a malfunction.
The required design depends on the mass, speed, stroke and applicable safety requirements.

Advantages of safety shock absorbers

• Reduction of damage caused by malfunctions
• Controlled dissipation of high kinetic energies
• Protection of machines and supporting structures
• Reduction of impact forces and deformation
• Additional protection alongside control systems and limit switches
• Adaptation to different masses, speeds and installation spaces

Important selection criteria for safety shock absorbers

Moving mass and speed

The energy to be absorbed depends primarily on the mass and speed of the moving component.
Possible maximum speeds in a fault situation must also be taken into account.

Damping stroke

A longer stroke generally allows more uniform deceleration and lower peak forces.
The available installation space should therefore be considered at an early stage of the design process.

Resulting forces

In addition to the energy absorption capacity, the maximum deceleration forces must be checked.
The machine, mounting points and supporting structure must be able to withstand these forces safely.

Frequency of impact

It must be clarified whether the shock absorber is intended only for rare emergencies or also for repeated impacts.
Single-use shock absorbers and reusable systems must not be confused.

Environmental conditions

Temperature, humidity, dust, corrosion and aggressive media can affect function and service life.
Suitable materials and protective measures are required for outdoor use or demanding industrial environments.

Inspection after activation

After a severe impact, the safety shock absorber and its mounting components must be inspected.
Damaged, deformed or single-use components must be replaced before the machine or system is restarted.

Distinction from operational shock absorbers

Operational shock absorbers are often used for regularly recurring movements and are designed for a defined number of load cycles.
Safety shock absorbers, by contrast, are primarily used as an additional protective device for malfunctions, uncontrolled travel or emergency situations.
The required design depends on whether the shock absorber operates regularly or is activated only in the event of an exceptional movement.

Summary

Safety shock absorbers protect machines and systems from damage caused by uncontrolled movement and the overtravel of intended end positions.
In a fault situation, they absorb kinetic energy and reduce the load on moving components, mounting points and supporting structures.
The main selection criteria include mass, speed, energy absorption capacity, damping stroke, impact frequency and environmental conditions.

Safety shock absorbers are available from various manufacturers and suppliers. Comprehensive information about manufacturers and suppliers of safety shock absorbers from around the world can be found on Exportpages.