Actuators · Shock absorbers

Shock Absorbers

Shock absorbers convert kinetic energy into heat — they decelerate a moving cylinder (or other moving mass) in a controlled way at the end of stroke, instead of letting it slam into the end cap. This prevents wear, cracking, noise, and mechanical damage in high-cycle applications. Norgren's miniature shock absorbers are self-contained, maintenance-free hydraulic units that mount directly into a cylinder's end cover (up to 7 bar) or as a separate stop. Two series: MA series (3 models — MA 150 / MA 225 / MA 600) with adjustable damping (rear screw or 0-9 adjustment knob); and MC series (9 variants: MC150/225/600 × EUM/EUMH/EUMH2 weight tier) self-compensating, no manual setup. Impact velocity MA: 0.3-3.6 m/s (FA units max. 2 m/s), MC: 0.08-6 m/s. Operating temperature 0…+66 °C (dry air required below +2 °C to avoid ice formation).

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Cylinder end-cap protectionWithout absorbers, every full-stroke hit slams kinetic energy into the cylinder's end cap and rod-end mounting. Cumulative damage = cracked welds, loose fasteners, eventual end-cap failure. A properly-sized shock absorber moves end-cap life from thousands to millions of cycles.

Higher cycle rate, smoother motionWithout absorbers you have to slow the cylinder before stroke-end via pneumatic flow control — wasted compressed air, slower cycle. With absorbers the cylinder runs at full speed to almost the end of stroke, then decelerates over the absorber's stroke. Faster cycles, less air consumption, quieter operation.

Maintenance-free up to 25 million cyclesMA / MC are sealed self-contained hydraulic units — no top-up, no service, no replacement of internal fluid. Up to 25 million cycles rated lifetime. Integral positive stop on all models. Steel body with black oxide finish, hardened stainless-steel piston rod.

Available series

Miniature shock absorbers

MA series

Miniature shock absorber, adjustable

Datasheet (PDF) →

MC series

Miniature shock absorber, self-compensating

Datasheet (PDF) →

Frequently asked questions

You need kinetic energy at impact = ½ × mass × velocity². Add driving force × stroke during deceleration for full energy absorbed. Compare to the absorber's W3 (single-cycle) or W4 (per-hour, repetitive) capacity in the datasheet. Always size up by ~30% for safety margin and to extend cycle life. The Norgren datasheets include effective-weight calculation tables for typical applications.

MC self-compensating is the default modern choice — no setup, automatically handles load variations, simpler commissioning (impact velocity 0.08-6 m/s). MA adjustable is better when you have a specific repeatable load and want the smoothest possible deceleration curve (the MC's auto-tuning is a compromise; the MA's manual tuning to your exact load is optimal). Also MA when the load is unusually light for the absorber size and the MC's self-compensation can't tune low enough. Important: the MC's EPDM seal is not compatible with petroleum-based fluids — use MA in such environments.

Yes — Norgren miniature absorbers are designed to mount into the cylinder's end cover (up to 7 bar operating pressure). The absorber takes the place of the standard end-cap cushioning. Result: the cylinder itself decelerates internally, no external bumper or stop needed. For higher-pressure or higher-energy applications, mount externally as a stop instead.