| When recently examined "Tomorrow's shock | | | | rubber-bonded-to-metal parts know as elastomers that |
| absorbers," they began from this perspective: "Ride | | | | reduce noise and vibration. |
| control is basically governed by a vehicle's suspension | | | | Leading producers of custom-molded and |
| system, including its shock absorbers (dampers) and | | | | rubber-to-metal bonded parts for noise and vibration |
| struts. For the last decade or so, the high-end technical | | | | control are constantly utilizing up-to-date CAD |
| emphasis has been on developing dampers in which | | | | software to design and construct new tooling and new |
| the damper rate can be varied according to the road | | | | elastomer formulas. In fact, some such producers have |
| conditions." | | | | formulated over 1,000 different elastomer formulas, |
| Producers of custom-molded rubber and | | | | thereby ensuring decades of dependable service. The |
| rubber-to-metal bonded parts stand at the forefront of | | | | high grade neoprene elastomers such companies |
| the shock absorbing future that is the focus of the | | | | produce have good resistance to flame, oil, gasoline, |
| site's examination. That is because such companies | | | | natural aging, abrasion and weather. |
| specialize in rubber-to-metal bonding of dampers, | | | | What else is special about the technology? An |
| isolaters and mounts for noise and vibration control. | | | | elastomer "allows the damping characteristics to be |
| Obviously, the latter accomplishment plays a vital part | | | | changed in milliseconds, [thereby] ensuring the |
| in ensuring a smooth ride out on the road. | | | | occupant a smooth transition between comfortable |
| In its analysis, went on to point out, "Technically | | | | ride and a safe handling." Continuous damping, in |
| speaking, the term 'shock absorber' is a misnomer | | | | particular, is the wave of the future. Unfortunately, the |
| because the device doesn't, in the strictest sense, | | | | rubber-to-metal vibration control technology is currently |
| absorb shock at all." Rather, it "is designed to dampen | | | | only available in top-tier vehicle segments. "Given that |
| the movement of the springs." The Website then adds, | | | | much of this continuous damping technology is initially |
| "The sole purpose, however, of the more accurately | | | | only available as optional equipment, it is up to |
| named 'damper' in any suspension system is to control | | | | dealership staff to sell its benefits," the Website |
| the spring's oscillations." | | | | stresses. |
| Indeed, vibration occurs when mechanical oscillations | | | | New suspension modules, like corner modules, are |
| take place about an equilibrium point such as those on | | | | another trend the auto industry is embracing. |
| a vehicle's tires, wheels, hubs and spring mounts. | | | | "Suspension corner modules include brakes, struts, strut |
| Custom-molded rubber and rubber-to-metal bonded | | | | mounts and bearing elements as well as suspension |
| dampers put a damper on, or slow down, those | | | | bushings and vibration control elements." For most |
| irksome oscillations. | | | | customers, industry experts predict, corner modules |
| "There have been some advances made to shock | | | | are "here to stay." |
| absorbers which may be referred to as trends. To | | | | Thanks to the constantly updated technology involving |
| improve ride comfort without adding to cost, | | | | custom-molded rubber and rubber-to-metal bonded |
| manufacturers are creating a longer shock absorber | | | | parts for noise and vibration control, tomorrow's |
| movement," continues. One of the latest trends that is | | | | highway rides are looking and feeling a whole lot more |
| "'highly influential' in automakers' buying decisions" is | | | | comfortable and smoother. |