While the machine was able to perform a variety of machining tasks, it was hindered by a recurring problem: Whenever an operator closed the access door, the door often bounced back in the opposite direction, creating additional, unwanted impacts and safety issues.

To ensure a controlled stop whenever an operator closes the door, the machine tool manufacturer implemented our MA225M miniature shock absorber. This maintenance-free, ready-to-install unit offers an energy capacity of 300 inch-pounds per cycle and 400,000 inch-pounds per hour. Available in a weight of 5 to 500 pounds, the shock absorber has a very short length of 4.67 inches and has a 0.75-inch stroke length. The MA225M provides soft damping with a return force range of 1.05 to 2.15 pounds, and it includes an integrated positive stop.

Thanks to the MA225M, the machine tool manufacturer was able to:

• Increase the door closure velocity, which in turn has increased production.
• Reduce the machine load.
• Ensure smooth damping whenever the door closes.
• Eliminate the possibility of operator injury.

Smooth, Controlled Closure Without Bounces
Access doors to powerful machines such as this turning-milling center are critical to keeping operators safe and nearby components undamaged. That means the damping devices that bear the doors’ frequent closures, as well as the machine’s constant operation, must be strong and reliable. A door that frequently bounces back is unacceptable.

Our miniature shock absorbers are designed to support up to 900 inch-pounds per cycle depending on the model, and they have a long operating lifetime that makes them well-suited for continuously operating equipment. When it comes to heavy-duty machinery, ACE Controls miniature shock absorbers can keep your access doors trouble-free.

For more information about our MA225M miniature shock absorbers, visit our product page.

The post Miniature Shock Absorbers Keep Turning-Milling Center Access Doors in Place appeared first on ACE Controls Inc..

However, industrial gas springs like the GS Series are appropriate for more than lifting and closing flaps. In fact, industrial gas springs can be used in winding-type applications. Recently KOHLS Maschinenbau GmbH incorporated ACE industrial gas springs into vertical taping machines used to wind coils around a large transformer.

Winding a large transformer core with resin tape comes with a challenge: The transformer’s oval legs’ right angled cross-sections can cause a drop in belt tension. The interruption undermines a flat, uniform winding where a variation by even one millimeter is unacceptable. The company needed to add an industrial gas spring to the taping machine’s brake system. By using the gas spring’s stroke path as a backup during interruptions, proper belt tension can be maintained. KOHLS chose an ACE Controls GS19-150-EE user-adjustable push-type gas spring with a stroke length range of 50 to 300 millimeters.

Based on the application requirements, ACE filled the GS19 with the right amount of pressurized nitrogen to get the desired pressure force. If the gas spring required further adjustment, the GS19 — like ACE Controls’ other industrial gas springs — comes with a built-in relief valve. KOHLS’ GS19-150-EE engineered solution now provides an extension force of 550 Newtons, and its 152-millimeter reserve travel distance maintains a constant tape tension that withstands interruptions. The result: uniform and even windings around the multi-ton transformer core, and KOHLS has optimized its transformer coil-winding process.

The successful transformer coil-winding application is a good example of how ACE Controls’ industrial gas springs combine strength, durability, sizing options and adjustability to give you an engineered solution to match your lifting, lowering or load-handling requirements.

For more information about ACE Controls’ industrial gas springs, visit www.acecontrols.com.

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The post Large Transformer Core Windings: A Gas Spring Application With A Twist appeared first on ACE Controls Inc..

Let’s take a look at some of the common ones you’ll see, as well as examples of their typical uses:

Push-type gas springs to lift and lower loads. These gas springs suit devices that lift or lower loads with easy control and minimal exertion. They support covers and lids in many industries, including automation and machine building, medical technology, electronics—and more.

Pull-type gas springs to fit constrained spaces. These compact springs can mount in any orientation and position. Unlike push-type springs, the gas pressure in the cylinder retracts the piston rod. Pull-type gas springs are used in various industrial applications, as well as medical devices, electronics and furniture.

Locking gas springs to hold a position. Many chair-type applications, such as mobility systems, need to maintain a certain position to support the end user. For example, when a person triggers a chair into motion by pressing a button or lever, a piston valve opens—extending the spring and moving the seat into position. When the user triggers the seat again, the valve closes, locking the piston rod—and chair—into position.

Rust-inhibiting gas springs to protect against corrosion. Many gas spring vendors offer rust-inhibiting versions of their standard models to protect against corrosion in food or hygienically sensitive areas. ACE Controls, for example, offers standard gas springs with an advanced UV coating or stainless steel outer bodies that can also be filled with food-grade oil—conforming to FDA standards.

To learn more about gas spring design and customization, download our latest white paper.

Download the White Paper

The post Your Guide to Gas Spring Design and Customization: Part II appeared first on ACE Controls Inc..

E2M engineers needed a way to absorb these forces and avoid structural damage in the event of an emergency stop. Here’s how the company found a solution in profile dampers and safety bumpers from ACE Controls.

Dampers And Bumpers Provide Maximum Safety
Because E2M’s motion systems need to be able to support several tons, ACE engineers recommended a combination of two products-profile dampers and safety bumpers from the TUBUS TA and TC families, respectively.

TUBUS TA profile dampers provide high energy absorption up to 73% between 2 and 2,951 Nm. Made out of copolyester elastomer, these compact components provide consistent damping in a variety of applications.

TUBUS TC safety bumpers, also made of copolyester elastomer, were developed for crane systems and meet OSHA and CMAA international industry standards. As such, these rugged components provide high energy absorption up to 64% between 450 and 17,810 Nm-even in emergency stop situations.

Download The Case Study  

The post ACE Dampers And Safety Bumpers Absorb Forces In Motion Simulators appeared first on ACE Controls Inc..

From pick-and-place equipment to conveyor belts to linear transfer lines, moving work pieces and finished products from point A to point B is a major part of today’s fast-paced production environments. In many cases, speed and precision are top priorities. So too is safety. Protecting both operators and equipment from destructive impact forces is a critical task—one that is often accomplished with shock absorbers and safety dampers. In the case of linear modules that must endure high speeds and loads, well-designed safety dampers provide reliable insurance against impact damage at an affordable cost.

Download The Case Study   

The post Safety Dampers Protect Linear Modules From Runaway Motion appeared first on ACE Controls Inc..