We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Machinery

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Hydraulic Buffer?

By Christy Bieber
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 8,146
Share

A hydraulic buffer absorbs the majority of energy produced in an impact shock through the use of water compression and release. Typically comprising of a piston tube containing a piston and rod that protrudes from the tube, a hydraulic buffer can be used in a number of different impact-related applications. From door closure units to recoil-reducing weaponry tactics, hydraulic buffers are more commonly used than most people would generally consider.

In the automation process of heavy steel or metal fabricated door mechanisms, simple closure mechanics aren’t strong enough to withstand the energy produced by a door as it closes. This often allows the heavy door to slam closed, which is dangerous for anyone who uses the automated doorway. The use of a hydraulic buffer closure relieves the pressure created by the heavy door as it shuts because of the resistance created as the piston is forced through the hydraulic fluid inside the piston tube.

The piston creates fluid displacement. With the movement of the fluid comes powerful resistance that is able to withstand the weight of the heavy door as it closes. This effect means that the door is no longer able to close with an amount of force as to create an impact, but rather must close slowly, allowing the user to safely navigate the doorway.

In the weapons industry, hydraulic buffer tubes have been designed in a much more compact fashion, allowing the user to substantially reduce the amount of recoil or “shoulder shock” produced when the firing pin engages the primer of the shell inside the firing chamber. These hydraulic buffer tubes have greatly reduced the amount of shoulder strain incurred when a soldier is in combat and has to fire either a fully automatic weapon or is firing a heavier piece of weaponry that uses a much larger shell than conventional civilian firearms. Hydraulic buffers are also available for civilian use in hunting rifles or for high-powered, long-distance firearms used by hunting and shooting enthusiasts.

There are also many uses for hydraulic buffer units on much larger scales, such as stop mechanisms for large freight elevators and the lowering units on large industrial crane mechanisms. Buffers used in these applications greatly reduce the speed and shock of impact if either of the two operating mechanisms were to fail. The hydraulic shock buffers that are typically standard equipment on many construction tools, especially demolition tools like jackhammers, are another example.

Share
About Mechanics is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.aboutmechanics.com/what-is-a-hydraulic-buffer.htm
Copy this link
About Mechanics, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

About Mechanics, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.