Different application fields of metal shock absorbers and plastic shock absorbers

Both metal shock absorbers and plastic shock absorbers are devices used for shock absorption, but they differ in material properties, application areas, and shock absorption effects. The following is a detailed comparison of the two shock absorbers:

1. Material properties
- Metal shock absorbers: Use metal materials such as steel, aluminum, and lead. Metals have high strength and toughness and can withstand large loads and deformations. Energy is dissipated through plastic deformation or friction of metals, with high durability and long life.
- Plastic shock absorbers: Use plastic materials such as polyurethane, silicone, and rubber. These materials are elastic, can return to their original shape after being stressed, and have good wear resistance and aging resistance. Plastic materials can absorb vibrations better and have lower hardness, making them suitable for vibrations with smaller loads and frequencies.

2. Shock absorption principle
- Metal shock absorbers: Vibration energy is usually dissipated through plastic deformation or friction of metals. For example, steel plate dampers use metal yielding to dissipate energy, while friction-type dampers use friction between metals to dissipate energy. Metal shock absorbers are mostly used in high-frequency vibration and large dynamic load environments, such as earthquake protection and building structures.
- Plastic shock absorbers: Rely on the elastic and viscoelastic properties of plastic materials to absorb vibration energy. When subjected to vibration, plastic materials will deform and dissipate energy through their own restoring force and internal friction. This type of shock absorber is suitable for smaller vibration amplitudes and lighter loads.

3. Application areas
- Metal shock absorbers: Widely used in fields such as building structures, bridges, aerospace and mechanical equipment that require high load-bearing capacity. Due to their high strength and durability, metal shock absorbers can effectively cope with strong vibrations, especially earthquakes, wind loads and vibrations of heavy machinery.
- Plastic shock absorbers: Commonly used in electronic equipment, home appliances, automobiles and light machinery, etc., where low-frequency and small vibrations need to be isolated. For example, plastic rubber gaskets are used in electronic products to reduce the impact of vibration on components. Silicone and polyurethane shock absorbers are very common in home appliances, office equipment and light machinery.

4. Comparison of advantages and disadvantages
- Metal shock absorbers:
- Advantages: Strong load-bearing capacity, suitable for large vibrations, high durability, suitable for high-frequency vibrations.
- Disadvantages: Usually heavier and more expensive than plastic shock absorbers, and not as good as plastic shock absorbers in small vibration and low-frequency environments.
- Plastic shock absorbers:
- Advantages: Lightweight, low cost, suitable for low-frequency and small vibration environments, easy to install.
- Disadvantages: Lower load-bearing capacity, life may be shorter than metal shock absorbers, not suitable for high-frequency and large vibration environments.

Summary
Metal shock absorbers are suitable for high-frequency and large-amplitude vibration scenarios, such as building earthquake resistance and heavy machinery earthquake resistance; while plastic shock absorbers are suitable for small-load and low-frequency vibration scenarios, such as electronic products and light equipment. Choosing the right type of shock absorber depends on the needs of the specific application scenario and the required shock absorption effect.