Gas struts Manufacturers online

Gas struts, often also referred to as gas springs or gas pressure dampers, are mechanical components that are used to support, dampen or control movements.

They facilitate the lifting, lowering, opening or closing of flaps, lids, doors and other moving parts.

The following is an overview of how gas struts work, their areas of application and their advantages and disadvantages:

Mode of operation of gas struts:

• A gas strut consists of a cylinder filled with compressed gas and a piston that moves within the cylinder. The piston has a seal that prevents the gas from escaping. The gas strut often also contains oil, which provides lubrication and damping.
• When the gas strut is compressed, the gas pressure inside increases, creating a force that pushes the piston back to its original position. This force supports the movement and helps to lift or hold loads.

Typical applications:

1. Automotive industry:
Gas struts are used in trunk lids, hoods and tailgates to facilitate opening and holding.

2. Mechanical engineering:
In machinery and equipment to support moving parts, such as doors, flaps or covers.

3. Medical technology:
In hospital beds, treatment chairs and wheelchairs where controlled movement and positioning is required.

4. Furniture industry:
Used in office chairs to adjust the seat height, in desks or beds with adjustable head and foot sections.

5. Aerospace engineering:
Support of doors, hatches or flaps in airplanes.

Advantages of gas springs:

• Facilitate the lifting of heavy loads and the opening of flaps and doors.
• Provide smooth and quiet movement without jerking.
• Offer high performance in a compact design.
• Have less wear and tear due to the use of gas instead of mechanical springs.

Disadvantages and limitations:

• Can lose performance in extreme temperatures.
• Gas springs can be more expensive than mechanical springs.
• Over time, the seals can wear out and gas can escape, affecting performance.

Gas springs are versatile and powerful components used in many applications to support and control movement
Their selection depends on the specific requirements of the application, and their advantages make them a better choice than conventional mechanical springs in many cases.

Here is an overview of the most important criteria to look out for when buying gas springs:

When buying gas springs, there are several important factors to consider to ensure that the spring is ideally suited to the intended application.

• The gas strut must provide exactly the force required to move or hold the specific load. Springs that are too strong can make the movement more difficult or even damage it, while springs that are too weak will not support the function sufficiently.
• Take into account the weight of the component to be moved or held and the desired movement path. Ideally, use the lever arm or specific calculation formulas provided by the manufacturer.
• Measure the maximum permissible length of the spring when installed (when fully extended) to ensure that it will fit in the application.
• The stroke is the distance the piston rod of the spring travels. Select a stroke that is sufficient to allow the desired movement without overstretching the spring.
• Pay attention to the type of connections (e.g. ball sockets, clevises, rod ends) required to attach the spring. These should be compatible with the existing mounting points of the application.
• Make sure that the gas strut is equipped with the required end fittings or that these can be retrofitted to ensure safe and stable installation.
• Most gas struts are made of steel or stainless steel. Stainless steel offers higher corrosion resistance and is suitable for applications in humid environments, outdoors or in areas with high hygiene standards (such as food or medical technology).
• Look out for surface treatments such as powder coating or galvanizing, which offer additional corrosion protection.
• Some gas struts offer controlled damping for smooth opening and closing. Pay attention to whether adjustable or fixed damping is required, especially for sensitive applications.
• For certain applications, it is important to control the speed at which the spring moves. Some gas springs offer this option through internal valves or adjustable mechanisms.
• Check that the gas strut is suitable for the intended temperature range. Many standard gas struts are designed for use in temperatures from -30 °C to +80 °C, while special models can also be designed for extreme temperatures.
• Note that the performance of a gas strut can change at extreme temperatures. In such cases, temperature compensation models should be selected.
• Pay attention to the service life specified by the manufacturer, which is given in cycles (number of movements). The service life requirements depend on the frequency and type of use.
• Some gas struts require occasional refilling of gas or lubricant. check whether a maintenance-free option makes sense.
• Some gas struts are equipped with a safety valve that releases the pressure in the event of an overload to prevent damage.
• For applications where a sudden failure could have catastrophic consequences, gas struts with additional safety systems are advisable.
• Ensure that the gas struts comply with the relevant norms and standards (e.g. ISO, DIN), especially in safety-critical applications.
• Compare the cost of different models, taking into account their specifications and the manufacturer. Sometimes a more expensive spring may be cheaper due to longer life or better performance.
• Check the availability of spare parts or comparable models to ensure easy replacement in the event of wear or failure.

When purchasing gas springs, it is important to carry out a comprehensive analysis of the requirements of the specific application and consider all the factors mentioned above. Careful selection will ensure that the gas strut is both effective and durable, providing a safe and reliable function.

Gas struts can be purchased from various suppliers. Comprehensive information about manufacturers and suppliers of Gas springs from all over the world can be found on Exportpages.