Custom shock absorbers – find manufacturers and suppliers

Custom shock absorbers are developed for applications in which standard shock absorbers do not adequately meet the technical, structural or operational requirements.

They are used, for example, at unusually high or low temperatures, in aggressive environments, where installation space is limited, with high impact energies or where special materials, mountings and damping characteristics are required.
The design may be based on an existing product range or developed specifically for the respective machine and movement. Dimensions, stroke, damping characteristic, connections, materials and surface protection can be adapted to the application.
The following provides an overview of typical designs, applications and important selection criteria for custom shock absorbers.

Types of custom shock absorbers

Shock absorbers with special dimensions

Particularly short, narrow or angled shock absorbers may be required where installation space is limited.
Other applications may require extended piston rods, longer strokes or special housing designs.
The installation dimensions must ensure that the full damping stroke is available and that no excessive lateral forces act on the piston.

Shock absorbers for extreme temperatures

High or low temperatures affect the viscosity of the damping fluid as well as the properties of seals and materials.
Custom designs therefore use temperature-resistant seals, suitable fluids and adapted materials.
They are used, for example, in furnaces, cooling systems, outdoor installations or environments with significant temperature fluctuations.

Corrosion-resistant custom shock absorbers

In humid, aggressive or hygienically demanding environments, housings, piston rods and mounting components made of stainless steel or other corrosion-resistant materials may be required.
Additional coatings and special seals provide protection against cleaning agents, chemicals, salt water and other media.

Custom shock absorbers for high energies

Large moving masses or high speeds can generate considerable kinetic energy.
Custom shock absorbers can be designed with larger piston diameters, longer strokes or special damping characteristics.
Several shock absorbers may also be installed in parallel to distribute the load.

Adjustable custom shock absorbers

Adjustable versions allow the damping effect to be adapted to different masses, speeds or motion sequences.
They are particularly suitable for machines that process different products or workpieces.
After adjustment, it must be verified that the moving mass is decelerated in a controlled manner over the entire stroke.

Special designs for demanding media and environments

Cleanrooms, food processing equipment, potentially explosive atmospheres and applications involving aggressive media may require special materials, lubricants and sealing systems.
Depending on the application, requirements relating to hygiene, particle emissions, electrical conductivity or chemical resistance may also need to be considered.

Applications of custom shock absorbers

Mechanical engineering and special-purpose machinery

In special-purpose machinery, shock absorbers often have to be adapted to unusual movements, installation conditions or loads.
They damp slides, grippers, tools, flaps and other moving machine components.

Automation and handling technology

Fast automation systems may require special damping characteristics and short response distances.
Custom shock absorbers can be matched precisely to cycle time, moving mass and impact speed.

Food, chemical and pharmaceutical equipment

These industries may require corrosion-resistant materials, smooth surfaces and chemically resistant seals.
The materials used must be suitable for the respective cleaning and process environment.

Vehicle, transport and outdoor technology

Custom shock absorbers are also used in vehicles, mobile machinery and outdoor installations.
In these applications, they frequently have to withstand vibration, dirt, moisture and significant temperature fluctuations.

Advantages of custom shock absorbers

• Adaptation to special installation conditions
• Design for unusual masses and speeds
• Use of temperature-resistant or corrosion-resistant materials
• Adjustment of the damping characteristic to the motion sequence
• Integration into existing machine designs
• Reduction of impact loads and wear
• Solutions for applications outside standard operating ranges

Important selection criteria for custom shock absorbers

Kinetic energy and damping stroke

The energy to be absorbed depends primarily on mass, speed and operating frequency.
The available stroke determines the distance over which the movement can be decelerated.

Installation space and mounting

Dimensions, installation position and mounting points must be defined at an early stage.
Special brackets, threads, flanges or connection dimensions may form part of the custom design.

Environmental conditions

Temperature, humidity, dust, chemicals and cleaning processes influence the selection of materials, seals and damping fluids.
All exposed components and parts in contact with media must be suitable for the respective environment.

Frequency of operation

It must be considered whether the shock absorber is loaded only occasionally or at short machine cycle intervals.
At high operating frequencies, heat generation, reset time and fatigue strength are particularly important.

Coordination with the manufacturer

Custom shock absorbers require a precise description of the application.
This includes the moving mass, speed, stroke, installation position, cycle rate, environment and required damping behaviour.
Complete technical information facilitates correct sizing and helps prevent an unsuitable custom design.

Summary

Custom shock absorbers are application-specific damping components designed for special loads, environmental conditions or installation requirements.
Their dimensions, stroke, damping characteristic, materials, seals and mountings can be adapted to the application.
The main design criteria include kinetic energy, speed, damping stroke, operating frequency, installation space and environmental conditions.

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