E2M Technologies produces durable electric linear and rotary actuator solutions. The Dutch company also delivers multi DOF electric motion systems for various markets. As experts in the field of electrical control engineering, the mechatronics product designers also rely on shock absorbing solutions provided by ACE Controls.

E2M Technologies, based in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, offers various subsystems for simulators for a wide range of applications. Depending on whether aircraft cockpits, passenger cars, off-shore wave compensation or product testing are simulated for industrial applications or the effects of entertainment rides need to be tested in an electric motion system, the parameters in terms of size, weight and speed vary. However, the principle of movement always remains the same. Nevertheless, simulator construction is very complex. This is because there are usually simultaneous movements in the X, Y and Z axes. Due to different loads, the Dutch company was aware in the planning phase that they would need dampers with different characteristics. Pieter Campagne, Mechanical Design Engineer, and General Manager Jan van Bekkum were looking for a manufacturer whose products would meet all requirements. Precisely for this purpose ACE Stoßdämpfer GmbH with headquarters in Langenfeld, Germany, is known as a leader in the field of industrial damping technology. In its product branch of automation control the company offers a variety of universal damping solutions which convert kinetic energy into heat.

In this case, Ralf Kueppers and Han Titulaer, responsible for sales of ACE solutions in the Benelux countries, recommended profile dampers and safety bumpers to E2M. Both product families belong to the exceedingly successful TUBUS line offered by ACE and are perfect alternatives to industrial shock absorbers when masses don't need to be decelerated to an exact point. Comprising seven designs, engineers have around 150 individual products to choose from when opting for ACE's TUBUS for a wide range of their applications. With the compact, high performing and durable machine elements it is possible to produce degressive, progressive or approximately linear characteristics.

In this case profile dampers and safety bumpers absorb drive forces of up to 200 kN
For the electric motion technology from the Netherlands the team selected profile dampers coming from the TUBUS TA-family which is mainly used for its degressive characteristics on the one hand. Moreover, the so-called TC-series from ACE's line of safety bumpers plays an important role in securing the construction of E2M's durable electric linear and rotary actuator solutions on the other hand. These maintenance-free, ready-to-install damping elements made of co-polyester elastomer have been specially developed for use in crane systems and meet the international industry standards for OSHA and CMAA. As such, the TUBUS TC come equipped with ideal characteristics and high restoring forces at absorbed energies of 630 to 17,810 Nm per stroke for emergency stop applications in simulators as well. The safety bumpers offer dynamic loads of 80,000 N up to 978,000 N, weighing less than 4 kg in the heaviest version. Even with the first stroke, they can absorb up to 64 percent of the total energy they are subjected to. This makes them ideal for capturing the sometimes extremely high forces at the electric motion platforms for simulators. Pieter Campagne, E2M Technologies' designer, states: "Individual motion systems from our company can weigh up to 20 tons. With a traversing speed of 1 m / s, drive forces of up to 200 kN are generated quickly. To absorb these, notably without damaging the overall design, is a safe thing to do in an emergency thanks to ACE's rugged, reliable profile dampers and safety bumpers."