Stroke, Energy and Force: Which Rating Should Be Checked First?
A short engineering sequence for checking absorber ratings without reducing selection to a single catalog number.
Direct answer
Start with available stroke and required stopping energy, then check energy per hour and impact force. A model is only suitable when all of these ratings make sense together; passing a single rating is not enough for a reliable selection.
Questions this page answers
- Which shock absorber rating should be checked first?
- Is stroke or energy more important for shock absorber selection?
- Why can a shock absorber pass one rating and fail another?
Required inputs
Formula logic
Average stopping force
A shorter stopping stroke increases average force for the same absorbed energy, so stroke and force should be reviewed together.
Favg = E / sUnit: N
Review steps
- 1
Confirm usable stroke
Check the machine can physically use the absorber stroke without bottoming out or hitting a mechanical stop first.
- 2
Check energy per cycle
Calculate the energy of one impact, including drive force or gravity where relevant.
- 3
Check duty and force
Multiply by cycle rate for hourly energy, then compare estimated stopping force with absorber and machine limits.
Common mistakes
- Selecting by stroke alone because the product fits the space.
- Checking energy per cycle but ignoring repeated high-frequency operation.
- Choosing a very short stroke and then discovering the frame sees excessive stopping force.
Technical notes
- Product rating tables commonly list stroke, energy per cycle, energy per hour and maximum impact force because these limits must be checked together.
Move from answer to model shortlist.
Use the sizing tool when you have the inputs, or send the application data for engineering review.