Safety Shock Absorbers

Safety shock absorbers are the tried and tested low cost method of preventing occasional emergency stops in amusement park rides. Designed for occasional use, they primarily serve as reliable, effective protection from emergency stop situations. One of the primary benefits of using ACE Safety Shock Absorbers is that they do not require maintenance and are ready to install immediately. With a typical product service life of 1,000 loads, these shock absorbers have an enormous potential lifetime to protect your riders from harm. Thanks to the wide range of product sizes and capacities, ACE Controls can help you find the perfect safety shock absorber for any amusement park ride.

Safety Bumpers

To ensure that rides come to a complete stop and don’t overrun the barriers in emergencies, ACE Controls has developed Safety Bumpers that can withstand tremendous force while still providing effective motion control. The most important quality to consider when looking at ACE Controls’ Safety Bumpers is whether the product is for a catastrophic emergency event or if it needs to be used multiple times. The TUBUS Profile Dampers, for instance, can be used many times to prevent uncontrolled stopping but other safety bumpers are one-time uses only. No matter which product you use, you can count on ACE Controls’ safety products to protect your riders should emergency situations arise. 

Clamping Elements

ACE Controls’ safety clamping elements can help create a precise braking force for rides in emergency situations. The ACE LOCKED solutions come in a variety of sizes, applications, and can function both linearly and via rotary. No matter what kind of ride you need safely decelerated in an emergency, ACE Controls Clamping Elements can help you smoothly stop without harming your riders. This includes conventional rail, rod, rotation clamping and safety functions for Z-axes, which reliably help secure axes with a gravitational load.

No matter which kind of safety product you need, ACE Controls provides the precision, reliability, and emergency motion control solutions you need to make these rides not only exhilarating but also exceptionally safe. If you are developing an amusement park ride and need to ensure rider safety, ACE Controls’ cutting-edge safety products can ensure your rides are built on a foundation of uncompromising safety. 

The post Ride Safety Redefined: A Guide to ACE Controls’ Cutting-Edge Safety Products for Amusement Park Rides appeared first on ACE Controls Inc..

Emergency Stop Systems are critical safety mechanisms designed to quickly halt machinery in dangerous situations, preventing accidents and protecting your workers. Thanks to ACE Controls’ shock absorbers, you can mitigate the potentially damaging effects of sudden stops. When an emergency stop is initiated, machinery can come to an abrupt halt, causing abrupt forces and vibrations that might lead to serious damage to machinery, wear and tear, or even worker injuries. Emergency Stop Systems, as the name implies, use shock absorbers to absorb energy and reduce force, smoothing out the deceleration process and reducing the risk of harmful impacts. This system is typically designed for one time use, in extreme situations. Without a functional emergency stop system, several dangers can arise. Workers might be unable to swiftly halt machinery in emergencies, leading to severe accidents. The absence of a good Emergency Stop System could result in machinery damage, increased maintenance costs, and operational downtime. Emergency Stop Systems with effective shock absorbers are indispensable for ensuring workplace safety, preventing equipment damage, and maintaining the overall efficiency of manufacturing processes.

2- Stability Systems

Stability systems play a crucial role in providing protection and maintaining the equilibrium of various dynamic systems, from the cockpits of helicopters to manufacturing systems. ACE Controls’ damping systems can form the integral center of stability systems, working to disperse kinetic energy and reduce oscillations within these systems. By absorbing and dissipating excess energy, damping systems counteract potential instabilities and prevent harmful vibrations from amplifying. Without an effective stability system in place, catastrophic outcomes could occur. Unchecked vibrations or oscillations could lead to structural failures, reduced performance, and compromised safety. For instance, in a suspension system of a heavy machine, the absence of effective damping could result in discomfort, reduced handling, and even loss of control in extreme cases. In essence, stability systems, powered by damping mechanisms, serve as guardians against the chaotic effects that can arise when systems are left unchecked and unregulated.

3- Safety Clamping Systems

Within a variety of industrial and mechanical applications, Safety Clamping Systems play a pivotal role in protecting workers and products. They are designed to secure moving parts during operation and prevent unintended movements that result in accidents, injuries, or damage, particularly in emergency situations. ACE Controls’ LOCKED clamping systems utilize robust mechanisms to firmly hold components in place. Without a reliable Safety Clamping System in place, the risk of catastrophic events significantly increases. Uncontrolled movements or unexpected releases of pressure can lead to machinery malfunctions, equipment damage, and even serious harm to operators and bystanders. Implementing a well-engineered Safety Clamping System with ACE Controls damping products is the only way to ensure operational integrity, safeguard personnel, and maintain a secure working environment across a wide range of industries.

4- Impact Suppression Systems

Impact Suppression Systems provide advanced protection in any industry that needs to handle expected or unexpected impacts, from automotive to aerospace and beyond. At the heart of these systems are damping mechanisms that effectively absorb and dissipate kinetic energy generated during impacts or sudden movements. Damping systems within Impact Suppression Systems convert and dissipate the energy into heat, thereby minimizing the transmitted force and preventing structural damage. The consequences of not having a functioning impact suppression system are wide ranging. Uncontrolled impacts or sudden movements could lead to severe structural deformations, increased risk of injury to occupants or critical equipment, and compromised overall system integrity. Even in systems where the impact is expected, such as drop sorting systems, the long term impacts of unabsorbed impacts can be damaging. Impact Suppression Systems are paramount for ensuring safety, preserving equipment functionality, and extending the lifespan of critical components in the face of unexpected events or collisions.

5- Safety Bumper Systems

Safety Bumper Systems are designed to mitigate the impact of sudden collisions, minimizing the potential damage to both the vehicle or machinery and its operators. The most important part of any Safety Bumper Systems is the shock absorber, a device that mitigates the effects of sudden impacts. This is the most direct use of shock absorbers: dampening and slowing down the abrupt motion caused by a collision, thereby reducing the force transferred to the structure and its occupants. Without an effective Safety Bumper System in place, the problems are easy to miss until the moment it is needed. In the worst situations, such collisions can damage the vehicle or machinery, injure the occupants, and lead to costly downtime for repairs. By incorporating ACE Controls’ shock absorbers into a well-designed Safety Bumper Systems, the impact of accidents can be substantially minimized, ensuring both the physical integrity and the safety of all involved parties.

The post 5 Ways To Protect Your Products With ACE Controls (And What Can Happen If You Don’t) appeared first on ACE Controls Inc..

Miniature Lines

MC5 to MC75

The MC5 to MC75 shock absorbers from ACE are miniature-sized and ideal for compact, efficient designs, providing short overall lengths and low return forces. These maintenance-free hydraulic machine elements feature a continuous outer body thread, integrated positive stop, and temperature-stable oil, offering a wide range of energy absorption. Their versatility makes them well-suited for various applications, including rotary actuators, automation, material handling, robotics, and more in industries like electronics, medical, and light industrial manufacturing.

MC150 to MC600

The MC150 to MC600 shock absorbers from ACE offer exceptional endurance and the lowest resetting force. Their hermetically sealed rolling diaphragm technology allows for a lifetime of up to 25 million cycles and low return forces. These maintenance-free and ready-to-install absorbers feature progressive energy capacities and compatibility with impact angles up to 25°, when a side load adapter is installed, making them suitable for various applications, including material handling equipment, packaging equipment, medium robotics, and machine tools. They can also be installed inside a cylinder for end stop damping in pneumatic systems.

MC150-V4A to MC600-V4A

The MC150-V4A to MC600-V4A shock absorbers are high-performance stainless steel miniature shock absorbers, offering exceptionally high endurance and corrosion protection. Based on the MC150 to MC600 product family, they feature ACE’s proven damping technology with a rolling diaphragm for maximum service life and direct installation in pressure chambers up to approximately 100 psi (7 bar). These self-compensating shock absorbers provide perfectly progressive energy absorption, and with their stainless steel construction (AISI 316L) and a complete range of stainless accessories, they are ideal for medical, electro-technology, marine, packaging, and chemical applications. They can also be filled with food-grade oil for use in food processing applications.

Industrial Lines

MC33 to MC64

The MC33 to MC64 shock absorbers from ACE’S MAGNUM range offer high energy absorption and a robust design. They feature the latest damper technology with self-compensating capabilities, providing longer service life and wide damping range, making them highly advantageous for various industrial automation and machine engineering applications.

MC33-V4A to MC64-V4A

The MC33-V4A to MC64-V4A shock absorbers from ACE’s MAGNUM range offer optimum corrosion protection with their stainless steel construction (AISI 316L) and special oil suitable for the food industry. These self-compensating industrial shock absorbers provide high energy absorption, a wide damping range, and a robust design, making them ideal for various industries, including food, medical, electronics, offshore, and more.

MC33-HT to MC64-HT

The MC33-HT to MC64-HT shock absorbers from the MAGNUM range are specifically designed for extreme high-temperature and high cycle applications. With special seals and fluids, they can operate reliably in temperatures ranging from 32 °F to 302 °F, offering a wide damping range and high energy absorption in a compact design. These self-compensating industrial shock absorbers are well-suited for challenging conditions and find applications in plant, industrial automation, and machine engineering.

MC33-LT to MC64-LT

The MC33-LT to MC64-LT shock absorbers from the MAGNUM range are designed for extreme low-temperature applications, with the capability to function reliably in temperatures ranging from -58 °F to +151 °F. These self-compensating industrial shock absorbers offer a wide damping range, high energy absorption in a compact design, and robust sealing technology, making them well-suited for various industrial, automation, and machine engineering applications, even under unfavorable conditions.

The post Two Charts To Help You Pick the Right MC Shock Absorber appeared first on ACE Controls Inc..

Push Type Gas Springs

ACE Controls’ push type gas springs are the go-to choice for applications requiring precision control and reliable force support. With a wide range of body diameters from 0.31″ to 2.76″ (8 to 70 mm) and forces ranging from 2 to 2,925 lbs. (10 to 13,000 N), these gas springs offer unparalleled variety, longevity, and gas spring load capacity. The availability of multiple connections and fittings ensures effortless installation and integration into various setups.

Industrial Applications and Automation:

Push-type gas springs serve as indispensable components within industrial machinery, providing smooth lifting and lowering actions for hatches, access covers, and safety guards. By generating a controlled pushing force, ACE Controls’ push-type gas springs ensure that these components can be effortlessly engaged or disengaged, thereby streamlining maintenance operations, facilitating equipment adjustments, and ensuring the safety of operators.
Case Study: Futuristic Auto Show Project Requires ACE Gas Springs

Machine Building:

In the machine building sector, push type gas springs assist in the controlled motion of various components, contributing to the overall efficiency and safety of the equipment. Applications include specialized machine designs, like CNC machining centers or robotic arms, where their ability to deliver consistent and repeatable forces contributes to seamless automation, improved accuracy, and overall operational excellence within the machine building sector.

Electronics and Automotive Sector:

In the electronics sector, gas springs are employed for ease of movement, such as adjusting monitor screens, device housings, display panels, and equipment compartments. In the automotive industry, these gas springs prove indispensable for tailgates, hoods, and trunk lids, delivering consistent and reliable pushing forces that streamline user experience while adhering to safety standards.

Furniture Industries:

ACE Controls’ push type gas springs can also enhance the usability of office chairs, adjustable desks, and cabinets, offering ergonomic benefits to users without concerns for user hazards.

Medical Technology:

Medical devices often require precise and gentle movements, making push type gas springs ideal for patient tables, hospital beds, and surgical equipment. Specific lines of ACE Controls’ Gas Springs are cleared for use in medical clean room environments, providing additional support without endangering patient health.
Case Study: Innovative new healthcare product features ACE Locking Gas Springs

Food and Shipbuilding Industries:

ACE push type gas springs find applications in food processing equipment, ship hatches, and marine components, where durability and reliability are paramount. The GS-8-V4A to GS-40-VA gas springs use FDA approved food safe oil, allowing for a safe handling of food products.

Pull Type Gas Springs

When space constraints pose a challenge, ACE pull type gas springs come to the rescue. These compact springs, with body diameters ranging from 0.59″ to 1.57″ (15 to 40 mm) and forces between 7 to 1125 lb (30 and 5,000 N), are designed for traction and work in the opposite direction of push type springs.

Industrial Applications and Automation:

In tight spaces and limited access scenarios, pull type gas springs provide controlled motion for tool trays, access panels, and compact machinery components. This enables smooth and safe operations in tight spaces without compromising accessibility.

Machine Building and Test Equipment:

Pull-type gas springs play a pivotal role in the domains of machine building and test equipment. In machine building, these versatile devices ensure controlled motion of access panels, hinged components, and tool changers, enhancing operational efficiency while maintaining the integrity of machinery. They provide counterbalancing forces, ensuring stable and precise positioning of various components without sacrificing performance.

Medical Technology and Electronics:

Pull-type gas springs play a vital role in the realm of medical equipment, contributing to the design and functionality of various devices that prioritize precision, safety, and ease of use. ACE Control’s gas springs enable controlled and smooth movement of components such as adjustable beds, examination tables, and ergonomic patient chairs, ensuring optimal patient comfort and efficient clinical workflows.
Case Study: Motion control of test systems for medical pumps

Furniture Industries:

ACE pull type gas springs are suitable for space-saving solutions in furniture designs for controlled movements such as lids, flaps, or doors. This allows for ease of access without concerns for sudden, uncontrolled movement.

ACE Controls’ industrial gas springs, both push type and pull type, revolutionize the way loads are lifted and lowered across various industries. With their reliability, smooth motion, and easy installation, these gas springs have become essential components in industrial automation, medical technology, electronics, automotive, and more. Whether it’s ensuring safety in industrial applications, optimizing ergonomics in office furniture, or meeting stringent requirements in specialized industries, ACE Controls’ gas springs continue to be the smart choice for controlled motion and automation needs.

The post Common Applications For Gas Springs appeared first on ACE Controls Inc..

Miniature Shock Absorbers

The miniature lines of shock absorbers from ACE Controls offer a compact and space-efficient solution, making them ideal for applications with limited space. They are suitable for lighter loads, providing cost-effective deceleration and control. Their easy integration, versatility, and precise load deceleration make them well-suited for handling devices, rotary actuators, and linear cylinders. Additionally, their maintenance-free operation reduces downtime and maintenance costs. Consideration of space constraints, lighter loads, integration flexibility, precision control, and maintenance requirements can guide the choice towards ACE Controls’ miniature shock absorbers.

Some common applications include electronics, robotics, medical equipment, as well as food and beverage machinery.

Industrial Shock Absorbers

When comparing the different shock absorber lines, size is the most important consideration. While the miniature line is suitable for compact and small-scale applications, and the heavy industrial line addresses high-force situations, the industrial shock absorbers bridge the gap between these extremes. They provide a reliable and versatile solution for a wide range of damping needs. With their ability to evenly decelerate moving loads over the full stroke, these shock absorbers offer optimal braking force and minimal braking time. They are designed to withstand moderate to substantial forces, making them ideal for applications that fall within this range. Additionally, the industrial shock absorbers incorporate innovative features like diaphragm accumulators, long life seals, and hardened inner pressure chambers to extend service life and enhance load range capabilities. When facing damping requirements that aren’t extraordinarily large or small, ACE Controls’ industrial shock absorber line is the dependable choice that ensures reliable performance and efficient load control.

As the most common motion control solution, industrial shock absorbers are widely used across almost every industry, including automotive, aerospace, robotics, material handling, manufacturing, mining, railway, energy, and even amusement parks.

Heavy Industrial Shock Absorbers

Heavy industrial shock absorbers are necessary when dealing with significantly heavier loads and more demanding applications than the normal industrial shock absorbers can handle. Heavy industrial shock absorbers are specifically designed to handle and control the deceleration of these heavy loads, providing enhanced performance and reliability. They are essential for applications where the absorption of significant amounts of energy is required to prevent damage, minimize vibrations, and enhance equipment longevity.

Common applications for heavy industrial shock absorbers include heavy machinery, automation, and large scale manufacturing.

Miniature Shock Absorbers

ACE Controls has a diverse range of Miniature Shock Absorber lines designed to control motion on smaller scales. The MC Line stands out with its compact and efficient design, providing short overall lengths and low return forces. For hermetically sealed shock absorbers, the PMCN Line features a compact cap that ensures perfect sealing. The SC Line specializes in ‘soft contact’ damping, offering gentle impact absorption at varying capacity. With the MA Line, customers can benefit from adjustable shock absorbers that can be fine-tuned when requirements change. The 3/8×1 line presents a wide weight range and high energy capacity. If you need a shock absorber for PET stretch blow machines, the PET line was built specifically for these operations, with an extended service life and impressive operational longevity. Lastly, the OPT Line is ideal for compact and efficient designs, providing lightweight and corrosion-resistant shock absorbers.

MC Line

• Self-Compensating
• Some with Rolling Diaphragm and Corrosion Resistance 
• Energy capacity and Stroke vary by product

See Miniature MC Line

PMCN Line

• Hermetically Sealed, Self-Compensating, Rolling Diaphragm Technology
• Energy capacity 175 in-lbs/Cycle to 1,200 in-lbs/Cycle
• Stroke 0.50 in to 1.00 in

See PMCN Line

SC Line

• “Soft Contact” design for minimal impact
• SC² Products Use Piston Tube Technology
• Energy capacity and Stroke vary by product

See Miniature SC Line

MA Line

• Adjustable
• Energy capacity 31 in-lbs/Cycle to 900 in-lbs/Cycle
• Stroke 0.28 in to 1.58 in

See MA Line

3/8×1

• Adjustable
• Energy capacity 600 in-lbs/Cycle
• Stroke 1 in

See 3/8×1 Line

PET Line

• Optimized for PET stretch blow machines
• Energy capacity 500 in-lbs/Cycle
• Stroke 0.68 in to 0.74 in

See PET Line

OPT Line

• Corrosion protection, Self-Compensating, Light Weight
• Energy capacity 930 in-lbs/Cycle
• Stroke 1.00 in

See OPT Line

Industrial Shock Absorbers

Within the Industrial Shock Absorber lines, the MC Line stands out with its latest damper technology, offering self-compensating shock absorbers that can include stainless steel corrosion resistance or extreme temperature protection. The SC Line combines proven sealing technology from the MAGNUM range with piston tube technology, providing strong and durable absorber models. The MA/ML Line offers adjustable shock absorbers that can be precisely adjusted at the front and rear, contributing to the success of the MAGNUM range. The SALD Line is designed for high-speed moving machines and features built-in external positive stops for damage prevention and reliable work positioning. These different lines of shock absorbers from ACE Controls provide distinct features and capabilities to cater to a wide range of industrial applications.

MC Line

• Self Compensating
• Some built for corrosion or extreme temperature protection
• Stroke and Energy Capacity vary by product

See MC Line

SC Line

• Self-Compensating, Piston Tube Technology
• Energy capacity 1,372 In-lbs/Cycle to 6,019 in-lbs/Cycle
• Stroke 0.91 in to 1.91 in

See SC Line

MA/ML Line

• Adjustable front and back
• Energy capacity 1,505 in-lbs/Cycle to 60,008 in-lbs/Cycle
• Stroke 0.91 in to 5.91 in

See MA/ML Line

SALD Line

• High energy absorption and a wide effective weight range
• Energy capacity 1,350 in-lbs/Cycle to 48,000 in-lbs/Cycle
• Stroke 1 in to 6 in

See SALD Line

Heavy Industrial Shock Absorbers

While both the CA2 to CA4 series and the A1 1/2 to A3 series of heavy industrial shock absorbers are great solutions for heavier loads, there are a few key differences. The CA series stands out for its self-compensating design, which reacts to changing energy conditions without manual adjustment. With a focus on robustness and large energy absorption capacities, the CA series is well-suited for heavy industrial engineering applications where precise stopping power is essential. On the other hand, the A1 1/2 to A3 series offers adjustable damping rates, providing flexibility and adaptability to specific applications. These shock absorbers can be fine-tuned using a socket on the absorber base, making them ideal for heavy-duty applications where usage data is not yet precisely determined.

CA2 To CA4 Series

• Self-Compensating
• Energy capacity 21,000 in-lbs/Cycle to 1,120,000 in-lbs/Cycle
• Stroke 2 in to 16 in

See CA2 To CA4 Line

A1 1/2 to A3

• Adjustable
• Energy capacity 21,000 in-lbs/Cycle to 390,000 in-lbs/Cycle
• Stroke 2.00 in to 12.00 in

See A1 1/2 to A3 Line

The post A Handy Guide For ACE Controls’ Many Shock Absorbers appeared first on ACE Controls Inc..

One method of reducing vibration is through the use of shock absorbers. ACE Controls produces a full lineup of industrial shock absorbers and safety shock absorbers that can be used to reduce impact forces and vibrations in a variety of industrial applications. These shock absorbers are designed to withstand heavy loads and high impact forces, making them ideal for use in heavy machinery or equipment. Any piece of machinery that uses shock absorbers should come with them built in, but they can wear out after long term use. If you are noticing additional impact force in machinery that has not always been there, you might need to look into replacing your shock absorber with ACE Controls!

Another method of reducing vibration is through gas springs and hydraulic dampers. Gas springs work to provide controlled force and smooth motion control, effectively minimizing vibrations in a variety of applications. They are particularly useful in situations where precise force control and damping are required, such as in the automotive industry for hoods, tailgates, or adjustable seats. On the other hand, hydraulic dampers excel at absorbing and dissipating energy, offering effective vibration reduction for equipment with high impact or repetitive motion. These dampers are commonly used in industrial machinery, robotics, or heavy-duty applications where shock absorption and precise motion control are crucial. With ACE Controls’ gas springs and hydraulic dampers, units can achieve optimal vibration reduction and enhance the overall performance and longevity of their equipment.

Most machines use a number of different motion control solutions, so every product has a lot of built in flexibility for a wide range of situations. For example, the miniatures line typically works for small, quick machines like pick and place units while the middle bore line has enough strength and durability to handle heavy slides moving back and forth. Hydraulic dampers can be found on gates or swinging arms, things that require control of the entire motion rather than just absorb end of line impacts.

In addition to shock absorbers and hydraulic dampers, vibration isolation mounts and pads are another effective method for reducing vibration on manufacturing floors. Vibration isolation pads offer numerous benefits, including extended machine life, equipment reliability, leveled equipment, and safe working environments for both machines and personnel. Fabreeka’s vibration isolation pads and mounts are the solution to isolate that vibration for a variety of equipment and machinery. When installing new machinery, it is important to consider factors such as the floor thickness and flatness, cleanliness of the area, and the technical specifications of the machine, particularly regarding vibration criteria. By utilizing machine levelers, manufacturers can ensure the longevity and performance of their equipment while minimizing the impact of vibrations on operations.

Fabreeka’s line of pneumatic and air spring isolators are designed to provide superior vibration isolation for a range of industrial applications. These isolators are made from a high-quality material and utilize compressed air to and isolate vibrations. The pneumatic isolators feature a rugged steel or aluminum housing and a resilient elastomeric element that is designed to withstand heavy loads and provide long-lasting performance. The air spring isolators, on the other hand, use a series of reinforced rubber air springs to isolate vibrations and provide excellent shock absorption. Both types of isolators are effective at reducing noise and vibration and can be customized to meet the specific needs of a given application.

Overall, the best method for reducing vibration on a manufacturing floor will depend on the specific application and equipment involved. However, by using a combination of shock absorbers, gas springs, hydraulic dampers, vibration isolation mounts, and pads, it is possible to significantly reduce vibration levels and improve equipment performance no matter the situation.

Both ACE Controls and Fabreeka International offer a range of products that can be used in these applications, making them great options for anyone looking to reduce vibration and improve equipment performance in an industrial setting.

The post Different Methods To Reduce Vibration in Manufacturing appeared first on ACE Controls Inc..

While industrial shock absorbers can last for a long time, it’s critically important to recognize when they need to be replaced. All of the shocks at ACE Controls are tested to 1.5 million cycles but some units that utilize rolling seal technology (such as the MC 150-MC600) have been reported to last up to 25 million cycles in the field! Typically you can recognize when an industrial shock absorber needs to be replaced when the seals start to wear out, the accumulator may not return as fully, the damping will soften, or sometimes oil will begin to leak out. When any of these signs are spotted, the industrial shock absorbers need to be replaced. Once they are used beyond their lifespan, they will eventually stop absorbing the energy they were installed for and no longer provide any benefit to the system. The energy that the shocks should be absorbing will go straight into the machine, causing extra noise and vibrations. It can even damage other parts of the system, creating more problems.

Thankfully, the industrial shock absorbers from ACE Controls can be easily replaced or repaired. Nearly all of our industrial shock absorbers have threaded bodies or are installed with a built in flange, which makes swapping them out relatively painless. Larger units are even repairable so you can send your industrial or heavy industrial shock absorbers back to be evaluated and repaired, which can be a cost-effective way of continuing their use. The miniature shock absorbers are not repairable, but nearly all are available on our website for a quick reorder or from any of our numerous distributors, many who carry stock of some items.

You can order any of our industrial shock absorbers online directly, or speak to one of our experts to find the perfect motion control system for you!

The post What You Need To Know About Replacing Your Industrial Shock Absorbers appeared first on ACE Controls Inc..

1963 – The Founding of ACE Controls 

Automation Control Equipment (ACE) Controls was incorporated in 1963 by William J. Chorkey, Alice Chorkey and Larry Ellis in the basement of the Chorkey’s home. The company quickly grew so operations were moved to a Quonset hut in Farmington Hills, Mich.

1964 – ACE Controls Patents the World’s First Adjustable Shock Absorber

In 1964 ACE introduced and patented the first adjustable shock absorber. The first application of the adjustable shock was at Fisher Body, where ACE’s shock absorber helped increase production far more than originally planned.

1968– Moving to Farmington Hills building that we’re still in today. ACE Controls also reached 1 million in sales!

1970s – ACE Controls Goes Global

Just two years later William Chorkey attended the London Fluid Power show where he realized that ACE’s technology would make them an industry leader in Europe, and by the early 1970s the first ACE facility was established in Newton-le-Willows, England. Soon after, he became the director of the National Fluid Power Association, and another ACE facility was established in Germany which is still in operation today! In 1978 ACE acquired Flairline and started Fluid Machine. Before the 1970s are over, there’s yet another revolutionary product that ACE Controls releases with the Self absorbing shock absorber!

1980s – Expansion and Diversification of ACE Products

The 1980s proved to be another busy decade for ACE, with the development of rolling-seal technology and the introduction of the MC 150/225/600 series. The Chorkeys gained complete ownership of ACE before they expanded into the Asian market with a facility in Tokyo.

1990s – ACE Controls Strengthens its Foundation

In the mid 90s, after the introduction of two new product lines, gaining ISO 9001 certification and the establishment of Valves Inc., the seven Chorkey children began to lead ACE. In 1998 William J. Chorkey stepped down and Bill Chorkey was elected president. ACE released the Magnum Group product line in 1998 and in 2000 the piston tube was designed and patented.

2000s- A More Global ACE Controls

ACE Controls was acquired by Kaydon Corp. in 2001, and the new millennium saw many expansions. ACE Controls  more acquisitions and product innovations, including the smallest shock absorber in history, the MC5, which is used in microchip and semiconductor production.  New factories were built in  India and China in 2006, which allowed the company to become truly global.

2010s- Joining the Stabilus Family

Bill Chorkey retired as president of ACE Controls in 2011, bringing the Chorkey era of ACE Controls to a close. In 2016, ACE Controls was acquired by Stabilus to gather even more expertise in the field of motion control. This led to a record breaking year for ACE Controls, with $40 million of sales in 2018! With the introduction of the HB 50 hydraulic damper, ACE added a dynamic new adjustable motion controller to the product line. 

2020s and Beyond
Even while the 2020s have barely begun, ACE Controls has already released a brand new OPTIMUM product line, a Solar Damper, Smart Shocks, and a Crash Damper. Despite the supply chain shortages created by COVID-19, ACE Controls continues to deliver cutting edge motion control products with the same excellence the company was founded on.

As we celebrate 60 years of excellence, ACE Controls continues to innovate and exceed expectations in the field of industrial damping technology. With a commitment to quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction, ACE Controls has solidified its position as a trusted partner for businesses around the world. Here’s to the next 60 years of delivering dynamic solutions that improve the safety, productivity, and efficiency of our customers’ operations

The post 60 Years of ACE Controls – A Timeline Of Our History appeared first on ACE Controls Inc..

What brought you into engineering?
Both my brother and dad were engineers, so engineering runs in the family. Originally, I started my career in the banking industry but after the 2008-2009 collapse, I decided to change careers. So I went back to school for an engineering degree.

Why engineering?
I really enjoy problem solving and had the mechanical aptitude to be a mechanical engineer.
I also love the hands-on part of the job and build stuff at home for fun.

How did you get your start with ACE Controls?
My brother worked there for 10 years prior and recommended a job. It seemed like a great way to get my start in the industry, but I did not get the job at ACE after the first time. They didn’t have an opening and had to cancel the job before selecting a new hire. So I continued to go to school for engineering, and interviewed again 2 years later. That’s when I finally started at ACE as a services CAD Specialist.

How do you think your 10 years of experience at ACE Controls will affect your new position as General Manager?
Working from the bottom up is a great way to come into the job. Getting to know the people and processes from every angle really gives you the insights you need to improve the processes. I’ve worked with the purchasing groups, on the assembly floor, and inside of the sales processes. That baseline information and know-how is invaluable, you can start the job understanding the business and what needs to be done.

What are you most excited about now that you’re a General Manager?
Being able to build and structure the team in the way that makes the most sense. Prior to being the GM, I observed and experienced many flaws in the sales, assembly, and other processes. I really understand how we could improve things, so I’m very excited to work with the team to pick up efficiency and create much healthier team dynamics. We’re also bringing different team players into the group to better improve processes and overhaul efficiency as well as implementing some operational excellence strategies. We’ve hired a new operations manager recently who is an expert at efficiencies.

So across the board we are improving the processes, from start to finish. I want to make the day to day activities easier, have quotes turn around quicker, and improve our response time to customers. We’re also building some new processes on the planning group side, including a strategic plan for the production team, aligning daily production activities with capacities, and improve delivery time with customers

Ultimately, we’re building from the ground up to improve the overall business. We’re hiring for some totally new roles, including a new sales manager, quality manager, engineering manager. A lot of new key players that ACE is picking up and reorienting around.

Is there a part of ACE Controls’ values or history that really speaks to you?
When I first started at ACE Controls, I knew all the people that used to work there and really loved the family dynamics. I also really value maintaining everyone’s work/life balance. Some people I work alongside here have been around for 20+ years. Bringing Family value culture back to ACE is a big priority that also really speaks to me. Let’s keep the connections going and keep that big family atmosphere.

Are there any leaders, mentors, or friends that you are grateful for?
My dad and brother were both excellent mentors and friends. They always pushed me to improve and supported my career. I am also very grateful for my wife and new baby daughter. Family is always important to me, and I’m always grateful for that. My close circle of friends in general have been there to support me too. I wouldn’t be where I am today without all of them

Anything else you’d like to add about becoming GM?
One of the more exciting things about becoming GM is being able to be a leader for the people at ACE. We’ve gone through a lot of tough times recently with the pandemic and endured a lot of hardship with our people. Keeping up with orders despite supply chain issues has been a real challenge. Becoming GM really matters to me because I am now in the position to help his people. I want to make sure that everyone at ACE is successful and continues to grow. It’s really satisfying to work with these people and help everyone win together.

Let’s end on a fun question: Would you rather listen to the same artist for the rest of your life or only be able to watch one tv show?
Hmm, that’s a tough one. If I had to choose, I would listen to the same artist and would choose Elton John. He’s easy to listen to and offers a lot of styles that can go with any mood. There’s all kinds of different sounds he offers: slow, upbeat, calming, and tons of variety to keep things interesting.

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To start out with, you need to collect broad details about the functions and dynamics of your placement. 

• Where will the motion need to be controlled? 
• What kind of configuration are you using?
• Are there any specific temperature requirements that need to be accounted for?

Additional necessary information can be found inside the calculator page that applies to your situation. If you need help measuring the levels of vibration and shock, ACE Controls has released an app called VibroChecker  which is specifically designed to help you detect vibration and shock.

As you fill out your information, the calculator will update  the models automatically and identify the precise tool you need for the job. Anticipating needs for more nuanced information, ACE has built some calculators to utilize 3D models that will visualize the exact movements in your space. As soon as you hit the “Calculate” button, your recommended product will appear below. 

Once you’ve connected with the proper product for your job, ACE Control’s online catalog is specially equipped with the information you need to order, plan, and install your damping solution. You can find CAD drawings, mounting instructions, and other technical details that you might need to properly utilize your motion control system. As always, if you have any questions you can connect directly with ACE engineers by filling out a form or calling the ACE Controls offices!

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