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.

Below you will find an overview of how gas struts work, their areas of application and their advantages and disadvantages:

How gas struts work:

• A gas strut consists of a cylinder filled with pressurized gas and a piston that moves in the cylinder. The piston is fitted with 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 into 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:
In office chairs to adjust the seat height, in desks or beds with adjustable head and foot sections.

5. Aerospace technology:
Supporting doors, hatches or flaps in airplanes.

Advantages of gas struts:

• Facilitate the lifting of heavy loads and the opening of flaps and doors.
• Enable smooth and quiet movement without jerking.
• They offer high performance in a compact design.
• Less wear and tear due to the use of gas struts instead of mechanical springs.

Disadvantages and limitations:

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

Gas struts 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 struts:

When buying gas struts, there are some 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 load in question. 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 manufacturer's lever arm or specific calculation formulas.
• Measure the maximum allowable length of the spring when installed (when fully extended) to ensure it will fit 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.
• Ensure that the gas strut is fitted with the required end fittings or that these can be retrofitted to ensure a safe and stable installation.
• Most gas struts are made of steel or stainless steel. Stainless steel offers greater corrosion resistance and is suitable for use in damp environments, outdoors or in areas with high hygiene standards (e.g. 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 struts provide this capability through internal valves or adjustable mechanisms.
• Make sure that the gas spring is suitable for the intended temperature range. Many standard gas springs are designed for use in temperatures from -30 °C to +80 °C, while special models can also be designed for extreme temperatures.
• Please note that the performance of a gas strut can change at extreme temperatures. In such cases, models with temperature compensation 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 version 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.
• Make sure that the gas struts comply with the relevant norms and standards (e.g. ISO, DIN), especially for safety-critical applications.
• Compare the costs of the different models, taking into account their specifications and the manufacturer. Sometimes a more expensive spring may be cheaper due to its 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 struts, it is important to carry out a comprehensive analysis of the requirements of the application in question and take all of the above factors into account. Careful selection will ensure that the gas strut is both effective and durable, providing a safe and reliable function.

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