Explain end-of-stroke cushioning and how it protects the system during deceleration.

Explain end-of-stroke cushioning and how it protects the system during deceleration.

• A. Cushions absorb mechanical energy near end of travel to reduce impact, minimize noise, and extend cylinder life
• B. Cushions are used to adjust stroke length
• C. Cushions only affect start-up speed
• D. Cushions increase system pressure

Answer: (A)

End-of-stroke cushioning is about absorbing the piston’s energy as it finishes its travel to slow it down smoothly. As the piston nears the end of its stroke, the cushion provides controlled resistance that absorbs part of the kinetic energy, so deceleration happens gradually rather than with a hard impact. This smoother stop reduces peak forces on the cylinder, seals, rods, and mounting hardware, cuts noise and vibration, and helps prevent rebound or chatter that can wear components or misalign the load. In short, cushioning protects the system by turning a potentially damaging shock into a controlled, gentler deceleration. It isn’t used to adjust stroke length, isn’t primarily about start-up speed, and doesn’t raise system pressure; its job is to absorb energy and soften the deceleration at the end of travel.

End-of-stroke cushioning is about absorbing the piston’s energy as it finishes its travel to slow it down smoothly. As the piston nears the end of its stroke, the cushion provides controlled resistance that absorbs part of the kinetic energy, so deceleration happens gradually rather than with a hard impact. This smoother stop reduces peak forces on the cylinder, seals, rods, and mounting hardware, cuts noise and vibration, and helps prevent rebound or chatter that can wear components or misalign the load. In short, cushioning protects the system by turning a potentially damaging shock into a controlled, gentler deceleration. It isn’t used to adjust stroke length, isn’t primarily about start-up speed, and doesn’t raise system pressure; its job is to absorb energy and soften the deceleration at the end of travel.