Choose a linear damper for straight-line movement and a rotary damper for hinged or rotational movement. The decision begins with the motion path, then continues with force or torque, space, environment, and durability requirements.
Q1. What is the practical difference?
A linear damper resists translation and is normally specified by damping force. It suits drawers, sliding doors, telescopic parts, and other components that travel in a straight line. A rotary damper resists rotation and is normally specified by damping torque. It suits lids, hinges, flap doors, armrests, and rotating controls.
Q2. What happens if the wrong type is selected?
A rotary damper does not create useful control for a purely sliding motion without additional conversion hardware. A linear damper installed in a tight hinge arrangement may need more stroke clearance than the product can provide. For a mechanism that combines rotation and translation, define which motion carries the risk and evaluate a linkage or two separate damping elements.
Q3. What else should be checked after motion type?
For linear systems, determine stroke, force, speed, and extension clearance. For rotary systems, determine working angle, torque curve, shaft interface, and pivot geometry. In both cases, check temperature, contamination, corrosion exposure, cycle life, and installation access.
Clear conclusion: Match the damper to the motion before comparing models: straight-line motion calls for linear damping, while hinge or rotational motion calls for rotary damping. Then validate the required force or torque in the complete mechanism.
FAQ candidates:
| Question | Concise answer |
|---|---|
| When should I use a linear damper? | Use one when the controlled component travels in a straight line, such as a drawer, sliding door, or telescopic mechanism. |
| When should I use a rotary damper? | Use one for hinged, pivoting, or continuously rotating parts such as lids, flap doors, and armrests. |
| Can one damper control a mechanism with two kinds of motion? | Sometimes, but only after the linkage and dominant risk are analyzed; separate damping elements may be more reliable. |
