What is shock absorber in automotive?

The springs in a car's suspension system are shock absorbers that absorb bumps in the road and keep the car stable. CBIES is one of the leading companies in this industry and this article takes an in-depth look at the shock absorbers produced by CBIES.

We will discuss what they are made out of as well as their manufacturing process including materials used and production methods employed. Additionally, it will also cover some benefits they offer such as improving vehicle safety ratings or increasing overall ride comfort using hydraulic cylinder seamless steel tube.

No matter if you’re an engineer, mechanic, or just someone who drives every day; understanding these complex parts is important for any person concerned with ride control.

By doing so we can appreciate why CBIES uses special steel tubing, precision machining techniques along with strict tests to create their top-of-the-line shocks that excel at both durability and performance when it comes to riding quality.

Three components of a shock absorber

Shocks aren’t single-component systems – they are multi-component devices that work together to damp vibrations. The dust cover tube is one such product among three others manufactured by a leading company in this industry called CBIES: reserve tube and cylinder being the other two types.

Each component has its own function in keeping rides smooth and stable by absorbing energy from impacts before sending them elsewhere or converting into another form altogether. Let’s take a closer look:

Dust Cover Tubes

Dust cover tubes are cylindrical containers that fit over the piston rod of a shock absorber to protect it from dirt, debris, and contaminants. If these impurities were allowed inside, they could damage the sliding piston and cause premature wear.

CBIES manufactures its dust cover precision tubes from seamless steel tube in sizes ranging from 45mm to 82mm outside diameter. The tube wall thickness is tightly controlled between 1.0-1.5mm. They are produced by electric resistance welding of Q195, SPCC or Q235B grade steel strip into a tube, followed by removal of the weld bead.

After welding, the tubes undergo further processing such as spray powder coating, electrophoresis, or paint to improve corrosion resistance and surface finish. The dimensional tolerances are precisely controlled to ensure an exact fit over the range of piston rod sizes. This prevents entry of contaminants during operation while allowing smooth movement of the rod.

Proper installation of the dust cover tube is critical to protect internal shock absorber components throughout their service life. CBIES manufactures the tubes according to OEM specifications for easy, accurate fitting and consistent performance. The high strength seamless construction, controlled tolerances, and protective coatings ensure long service without tearing or deteriorating even when exposed to harsh conditions.

Reserve Tubes

The reserve tube, also called the fluid holder, is a cylindrical vessel that contains hydraulic oil to absorb vibration. This oil flows through precision holes and valves in the piston to provide damping action.

CBIES manufactures its reserve tubes from high quality seamless steel tube in sizes ranging from 38mm to 74.5mm outside diameter. The tube wall thickness is tightly controlled between 1.0 and 2.5mm. They are produced by drawn tube, welded tube, or pickled tube processes using Q235B, ST37-2, Q345B, or S355 grade steel. After fabrication, the tubes undergo further processing such as spray powder coating, electrophoresis, or paint for corrosion protection.

The inside diameter is precisely machined and polished to a smooth, mirror-like finish which allows unrestricted oil flow while maintaining required volumes in the limited space.

Extensive validation testing shows CBIES reserve tubes can withstand fatigue for hundreds of thousands of cycles beyond typical service life, ensuring durable shock absorber performance.

Proper dimensional control and material selection ensures the reserve tube will not crack, deform, or leak when subjected to continuous pressure fluctuations. The high strength seamless construction and smooth interior surface finish enable consistent oil flow and long service life even under harsh conditions.

Cylinders

The cylinder is a key component in shock absorbers, containing the piston and hydraulic fluid reservoir. CBIES manufactures cylinders from seamless cold drawn steel tube in sizes ranging from 22mm to 54mm outside diameter with wall thicknesses of 1.0mm to 1.4mm.

The raw material is Q235B, ST37-2, Q345B or S355 grade steel. After cold drawing, the tubes undergo further processing such as chamfering, car mouth flaring, or whirlwind grooving to meet design needs.

The inner diameter is precision machined and honed to an ultra-smooth finish with surface roughness Ra<0.4um to minimize piston friction. Dimensional tolerances, especially on the inner diameter, are tightly controlled to Japan +/-0.04mm, Germany +/-0.03mm or China +0-0.32mm depending on customer requirements. This prevents oil leakage past seals during rapid cycling.

Material selection and manufacturing processes ensure the cylinder withstands millions of pressure cycles without fatigue failure. CBIES validates performance through mechanical property testing, flattening/expansion tests, surface finish measurements, plug gauging, and other quality checks. The high precision seamless steel construction provides consistent damping performance across a wide range of automotive parts applications.

Advanced Production Processes

To produce shock absorber mechanical parts with such precise tolerances and specifications is only possible through the use of state-of-the-art process technologies and metrology equipment.

CBIES checks material strength and hardness during heat treatment using hardness testers such as Brinell and Rockwell machines. Fatigue life analysis is done by universal testing machines that simulate years’ worth of pressure cycles.

Grinders for metallographic specimens, microscopes, and spectrometers are used to analyze the internal grain structure as well as composition. Surface roughness is measured up to the micron level using profilometers.

Systems that mimic real-world vibration, pressure, and friction conditions subject shock assemblies to full-scale mechanical testing which confirms their performance before they are released.

Eddy current systems, hardness testers among other precision instruments are used in inspecting components throughout production so as to ensure that they meet specifications consistently.

Moreover, CBIES employs simulation techniques together with modeling methods that are advanced in order to optimize the designs; their engineering know-how coupled with process technology and quality control guarantees the reliability of their shock absorber products.

Automotive Performance Benefits

The premium shock absorbers from CBIES deliver measurable improvements in ride, handling, and safety:

1. Smoother ride quality from consistent dampening that absorbs bumps and vibrations

2. Enhanced handling with more responsive steering and less body roll when cornering

3. Improved traction and grip from better tire contact, especially in curves

4. Increased safety through resistance to bottoming out and failure

5. Minimal noise and harshness across rough terrain

6. Greater high-speed stability and control

7. Reduced wear on other suspension components

The optimized fluid dynamics provide excellent real-time adaptation to changing road inputs. This gives the driver more control and confidence during evasive maneuvers.

And the durable components prevent bounce, sway, and bottoming for safer vehicle dynamics. CBIES shock absorber products are engineered to maximize stability, comfort, and performance.

CBIES utilizes specialized seamless steel tubing, precision machining, and advanced production processes to manufacture shock absorber components to the highest quality standards. Their obsessive engineering and testing deliver the ultimate in ride comfort, handling, and safety.

With CBIES shocks, drivers can feel confident in responsive handling and smooth dampening performance even under extreme conditions. For OE-quality fit, function, and durability, insist on CBIES shock absorber products for your vehicle.

To learn more about CBIES shock absorber products and how they can improve your vehicle's ride and handling, visit www.cbiestube.com/.