Technology Compared

MR technology has moved out of the laboratory and into viable commercial applications for a diverse spectrum of products. Applications include:

In contrast to conventional electro-mechanical solutions, MR technology offers:

Quick response time (less than 10 milliseconds)
Real-time, continuously variable control of damping
Simple design (few or no moving parts)
Consistent efficacy across extreme temperature variations
High dissipative force independent of velocity
Greater energy density
Minimal power usage (typically 12V, 1 Amp max current; fail-safe to battery backup, which can fail-safe to passive damping mode)
Inherent system stability (no active forces generated)

In contrast to electro-rheological (ER) fluids, MR fluids:

Are 20-50 times stronger;
Are significantly less sensitive to contaminants and extremes in temperature; and
Can be operated directly from low-voltage power supplies.

MR technology can provide flexible control capabilities in designs that are far less complicated and more reliable than those based on ER technology.