Friction buffer stops for mainline person and goods traffic railways are especially designed to withstand an impact with large masses with max. speeds of 25 km/h. The track systems and the used locomotives or cars in addition to their buffer geometry determine the type and design of the corresponding solution. Friction buffer stops that are also able to withstand the permanent stress in shunting operations are what characterise. A buffer stop or bumper is a device to prevent railway vehicles from going past the end of a physical section of track. The design of the buffer stop is dependent in part upon the kind of couplings that the railway uses, since the coupling gear is the first part of the vehicle that the buffer stop touches.

The purpose of a friction buffer block is to secure the track end and its direct surroundings as well as the rail vehicles themselves. If the brakes fail, the buffer stop should be designed to decelerate the vehicle safely and in controlled manner until it stops.