Gas springs – find manufacturers and suppliers

Gas springs, often also referred to as gas struts, 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 the function and types of gas springs, their areas of application and their advantages and disadvantages:

How gas springs work:

1. A gas spring 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.
2. When the gas spring 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.

Types of gas springs:

1. Standard gas springs:
   These are the most commonly used gas springs.
   They consist of a cylinder filled with pressurized nitrogen and a piston rod.
   When compressed, a counterforce builds up which supports the extension.
   Application: Boot and engine hoods, flaps, lids, hoods, furniture, machine covers.
2. Lockable gas springs (Lockable Gas Springs):
   These springs can be locked in any position.
   They have a valve system that is actuated hydraulically or mechanically.
   They can lock rigidly (no more spring action) or elastically (with spring travel).
   Application: Height adjustment of chairs, recliners, medical technology, beds, instrument tables.
3. Brake gas springs (end position damping):
   These gas springs have integrated damping at the end of the stroke.
   They gently slow down the extension or retraction.
   Ideal when sensitive components or people need to be protected.
   Application: For furniture (soft closing), hoods, flaps.
4. Stainless steel gas springs:
   Specially designed for corrosive or hygienic environments.
   Made of stainless steel, e.g. V2A or V4A.
   Application: Food industry, medical technology, outdoor areas, offshore, shipping.
5. Special and high-temperature gas springs:
   Gas springs for extreme operating conditions:
   High-temperature gas springs: Heat-resistant up to 200 °C or more.
   Low-temperature gas springs: Function even at -40 °C.
   Explosion-proof versions for ATEX areas.
   Application: Oven systems, cooling systems, industrial environments with special requirements.
6. Miniature gas springs:
   Very small gas springs for tight installation spaces or delicate mechanisms.
   Diameter and stroke are greatly reduced.
   Application: Medical technology, laboratory technology, precision devices.

Typical applications of gas springs:

1. Automotive industry:
Gas springs 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 springs:

• 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 springs instead of mechanical springs.

Disadvantages and limitations of gas springs:

• They 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 leak, 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 some important factors to consider to ensure that the spring is ideally suited to the intended application.

• The gas spring must provide exactly the force required to move or hold the load in question. Gas springs that are too strong can make the movement more difficult or even damage it, while gas 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 gas 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 gas spring. These should be compatible with the existing mounting points of the application.
• Ensure that the gas spring is fitted with the required end fittings or that these can be retrofitted to ensure a safe and stable installation.
• Most gas springs 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 springs 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.
• Make sure that the gas spring 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.
• Please note that the performance of a gas spring 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 springs require occasional refilling of gas or lubricant. Check whether a maintenance-free version makes sense.
• Some gas springs 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 springs with additional safety systems are advisable.
• Make sure that the gas springs 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 springs, 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 spring is both effective and durable, providing a safe and reliable function.

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