Square Wave damping – Where deceleration forces remain relatively constant over the full length of the shock absorber stroke. Square wave damping yields the most efficient energy absorption while imparting the lowest peak deceleration forces.

Progressive damping – Where deceleration forces start low, then build through the shock absorber stroke. Such “soft catch” applications are common when working with more fragile loads which need to be stopped.

Dashpot damping – Is the simplest form of damping, involving a fixed orifice through the entire shock absorber stroke. Dashpot damping allows for relatively high amounts of energy to be removed in relatively shorter strokes, but with higher deceleration forces being imparted to the impact load.