Selecting the Correct Type of Shock Absorber

Before beginning the mathematical calculations to determine the correct size shock absorber you need, Enertrols suggests first considering the Type, or Style, and options that will be best suited to your application.

Basic Types:

Miniature Full Threaded-body Series
Primary Mounting Series
Fixed Flange Mounting Series

FULL THREADED-BODY TYPE These shock absorbers offer real mounting versatility. Stud mounting, in or through a threaded hole; universal mounting brackets, threaded on and locked anywhere on the body; and clevis-type fittings let you install these miniature units almost anywhere. Available in both adjustable (SALD) and nonadjustable (SNALD) models.
PRIMARY MOUNTING TYPE This larger series also features versatility of mounting through use of optional accessories that are threaded on either end of the shock absorber body and securely locked against a machined shoulder. Primary series units are heavily used in environments that require a number of different style mountings of the same basic bore size and stroke length shock absorbers.
FIXED FLANGE MOUNTING TYPE Conventional fixed flange Enertrols shock absorbers have permanently attached flanges. They are ideally suited for use by cost-conscious OEM's using the same basic shock absorber in large volume. Positive set-down positioning when changing units is a major feature of this type.

TYPE OF MOUNTING
Enertrols shock absorbers are available in a number of mounting configurations to meet most any need. For fixed flange series you must specify front or rear mount flanges, which are available in square, rectangular, lug or clevis-type choices. Primary series do not require choice of front or rear mounting since you may thread flanges on either end.

TYPE OF ACCUMULATOR
Internal accumulators are the most widely used and permit immediate installation and use with no piping or fitting required. High cycle rates and/or extremely high energy requirements may require an external accumulator for cooling the oil by recirculating it outside the shock absorber body.

TYPE OF ROD RETURN
Spring return piston rods, used with internal accumulators, are the most common type. Air (or mechanical) returns, used with external accumulators, permit delayed rod return type installations where required.

TYPES OF OPTIONS
Certain types of options should also be selected at this time. Positive Stop Collars, Mounting Stop Collars and Positive Stop Bars have been among Enertrols fastest growing options items. They provide a unique, tamperproof positive stop that establishes an accurate work-positioning point These attachments also prevent impact damage that might be caused by bottoming the shock absorber piston. As standard, stock items, they also eliminate the cost to design and fabricate external positive stops into your system.

Soft pads, molded polyurethane pads that snap over the hardened steel impact button of our shock absorbers, prevent marring of the object being stopped and help to reduce noise.

On-board proximity sensors are available for most of the shock absorbers in the Enertrols line. They electronically signal the end-of-stroke, or home position, of the piston rod to control interlocking motions, devices, etc.