Passing test with flying colors: custom industrial shock absorbers from ACE protect yachts

It goes without saying to protect yachts in the best possible way. To ensure safety and an impeccable appearance in the long run, the German company multiplex GmbH made improvements to its high-quality multifenders. For this purpose, ACE Stoßdämpfer GmbH was brought on board. The German damping specialist supplied custom-made MAGNUM industrial shock absorbers made of stainless steel that were integrated into the multifender.

The Bremen-based plywood GmbH produces high-quality products for mega-yachts, ranging from shade cloths and step systems to fenders. These ensure that yachts withstand collisions with other boats or jetties unscathed. Fenders are installed on yachts in areas prone to impacts and collisions. They provide optimum damping of vertical and horizontal movements and the resulting forces, for example when passengers are disembarking and disembarking. For many years, industrial impact absorbers from ACE in plywood fenders provided reliable protection in these situations. In a subsequent phase of cooperation, they were replaced by similarly functioning stainless steel versions.

Stainless steel fenders don't just make fenders sparkle visually

The basic principles of ACE and plywood are very similar: solutions must convince not only by their function, but also visually. This is why the Langenfeld-based company carries a large number of small and industrial shock absorbers in stainless steel design in its product range. These are used when the dampers and their seals must be protected from aggressive fluids, such as salt water, or when they are used in environments where they must also meet aesthetic requirements. In the case described here, industrial steel shock absorbers were initially preferred because they were installed invisibly inside the multifender, protected from water. Over time, however, water was found to manage to penetrate the inside of the fender. While this did not affect its functionality, it did affect its appearance. In fact, the coating of ACE's MAGNUM series steel industrial shock absorbers discolored over time. This led to brownish color marks on the outside of the fender. ACE and plywood set out to find a solution to this problem.

Satisfaction with new industrial shock absorbers

Unlike many other small and industrial shock absorbers in ACE's extensive portfolio, the MAGNUM types previously ordered by multiplex were not yet available in stainless steel. The damping specialist then produced the ML3350EUM-14202 type in stainless steel specifically for multiplex. And because this type is an adjustable model, not only the housing had to be developed in V4A, but also the bottom and the adjustment screw.

Nothing changed in the requirements of the damping solutions, so a new calculation was not necessary. Like their predecessors, the stainless steel versions are capable of absorbing 340 Nm per stroke. Designed for industrial applications, this enables energy absorption of up to 85,000 Nm per hour. More important for marine use is the allowable mass. The allowable mass with this model is up to 80,000 kg and is large enough even when ships dock. There are even adjustable MAGNUM dampers available that can absorb up to 500,000 kg or, if the weight is significantly lower, are already ideal for masses as low as 9 kg.

The machine parts are equipped with excellent sealing technology and hardened guide bearing and offer a wide range of accessories, such as PU heads for noise reduction, swivel flanges and guide pins. The guide pins are useful for excessive radial forces. The new complete package of plywood multifenders with integrated MAGNUM dampers is easy to install and works to the satisfaction of all parties involved. Since the switch to stainless steel, no color marks are visible anymore.

Technical background

Industrial shock absorbers of ACE's MAGNUM series: unmatched in design and size

The secret behind the success of these dampers is on the inside. Because whether it is the self-adjusting or adjustable types, whether they are made of steel or stainless steel, the components of this series feature the latest damping technology. Equipped with a hardened guide bearing and an integrated fixed stop, they have a long service life even under the most difficult conditions. The stainless steel types are suitable not only for marine applications, but also for the food industry, as they are factory filled with special oil that meets the requirements (NSF-H1) for this sector. An important additional advantage for designers is their high energy absorption capacity and compact size. In addition, ACE Stoßdämpfer GmbH offers a wide range of steel and stainless steel threaded versions in sizes M33, M45 and M64. More information can be found at https://www.ace-ace.nl/nl/producten/dempingstechniek/industriestootdempers.html