Gas traction springs – find manufacturers and suppliers

Gas traction springs are mechanical components that exert a pulling force with the help of compressed gas and a piston and are used to support, dampen or control movements.

They are retracted when at rest and expand when pulled. They are used for the controlled opening, closing or positioning of components, for example in machines, in vehicle technology or in furniture.

Below you will find how they work, the types of gas traction springs, their areas of application and their advantages:

How gas traction springs work:

1. A gas traction spring consists of a cylinder filled with compressed gas and a piston that moves in the cylinder. The piston is fitted with a seal that prevents the gas from escaping. The gas traction spring often also contains oil, which provides lubrication and damping.
2. When the gas spring is pulled apart, 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 pull or hold loads.

Types of gas traction springs:

Gas traction springs differ from gas springs in that the force is applied when the piston rod is retracted (rather than extended). 
They are mainly used when components need to be pulled inwards or held in place.

1. Standard gas traction springs:
   The simplest design.
   Nitrogen is located on the piston rod side, so that the spring force acts when the piston rod is retracted.
   Linear force characteristic, the force remains relatively constant over the stroke.
   Typical applications: Counterweight systems, mechanical engineering, mechanisms in vehicles, seat adjusters.
2. Lockable gas traction springs:
   Like lockable gas springs, gas tension springs can also be fitted with a valve system.
   They can be locked in any position - either rigid, without spring action, or elastic, with spring action.
   Application: Height adjustments, medical devices, instrument tables, special folding mechanisms.
3. Brake gas traction springs (end position damping):
   With integrated damping for smooth and controlled retraction.
   Ideal when movements must not end abruptly.
   Application: Precision devices, flap mechanisms, furniture, medical technology.
4. Stainless steel gas traction springs:
   Specially designed for corrosive or hygienic environments.
   Manufactured from V2A/V4A stainless steel.
   Application: Food and medical technology, outdoor installations, offshore area.
5. Special and high-temperature gas traction springs:
   Gas traction springs for extreme operating conditions:
   High-temperature gas traction springs: Heat-resistant up to 200 °C or more.
   Low-temperature gas tension 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 traction springs:
   Very small gas traction springs for tight installation spaces or filigree mechanisms.
   Diameter and stroke are greatly reduced.
   Application: Medical technology, laboratory technology, precision devices.

Areas of application for gas traction springs:

Gas traction springs are used in numerous areas of application where controlled tensile forces are required. They provide precise motion control and increase the efficiency and safety of many systems. Typical areas of application include:

1. Automotive industry:
Gas traction springs are used in vehicle seats to provide smooth adjustment and hold the seat in a specific position.
In trunk covers or cargo nets, gas traction springs support easy retraction and extension and ensure secure locking.
Gas ttraction springs are used to support the movement of steps and access platforms in vehicles to facilitate operation.

2. Mechanical engineering and industrial applications:
Gas traction springs facilitate the opening and closing of machine covers, especially in confined spaces.
They support the adjustment and fixing of brackets or machine components, making operation safer and more convenient.
In assembly or production systems, gas traction springs are used to adjust and lock lifting or guide arms.

3. Furniture industry:
In chairs and recliners, gas traction springs help to adjust and fix the position of the backrest or seat.
For easy opening and closing of heavy flaps or lids in pieces of furniture, e.g. bed drawers, gas traction springs facilitate operation and prevent sudden drops.

4. Medical technology:
Gas traction springs are used in hospital beds and therapy tables to enable smooth and safe adjustment.
In movable arms or holders for medical devices, gas traction springs help to position and fix the device.

5. Rehabilitation and fitness equipment:
In fitness equipment, such as leg presses or weight machines, gas traction springs help to adjust the positions of the equipment and contribute to safety.
Gas traction springs are used in wheelchairs to make it easy to adjust the seat position or footrests.

6. Electrical and household appliances:
Gas traction springs are used in electronic devices such as photocopiers and printers to safely open and hold flaps closed.
In household appliances, e.g. vacuum cleaners with extendable handles or in kitchen cabinets with adjustable elements, gas traction springs make handling easier and ensure stable positioning.

Advantages of gas traction springs:

• Gas traction springs provide a smooth, controlled movement and prevent sudden pulling out or closing, which increases safety and comfort.
• The traction force gently dampens the movement and enables precise positioning, which is particularly advantageous in medical and furniture technology.
• Gas traction springs are maintenance-free and have a long service life thanks to the use of high-quality materials, even with frequent use.
• They are compact and available in various sizes and forces and can therefore be used flexibly and in a space-saving manner.

Gas traction springs offer a valuable solution for applications that require controlled tensile forces. From the automotive to the furniture industry, they improve operability and increase comfort and safety. When selecting them, it is important to ensure that the traction force, installation dimensions and environmental characteristics match the application exactly to ensure optimum performance and longevity.

Here you will find an overview of the most important criteria to look out for when purchasing gas traction springs:

When purchasing gas traction springs, it is crucial to consider the specific requirements of the application and the environmental conditions in order to select the optimum spring.

• The traction force of the gas traction spring should be matched to the weight and requirements of the component to be moved. Too low a traction force may not sufficiently support the movement, while too high a traction force may result in heavy handling.
• Check the load capacity of the spring and the maximum stroke (distance by which the spring can be extended). The stroke should correspond to the distance that needs to be moved.
• Gas traction springs should be suitable for the prevailing temperatures, as temperature fluctuations can affect the nitrogen pressure and therefore the traction force. Temperature-stable models are recommended for applications in cold or hot environments.
• In environments with high humidity, dust or chemicals, it is advisable to choose gas traction springs with special coatings or made of stainless material to prevent corrosion and wear.
• The damping influences how quickly or slowly the piston rod is pulled back into the cylinder. For a smooth and controlled movement, a spring with adequate damping is required.
• Some throttle cable springs offer the possibility to adjust the speed. If your application requires variable traction resistance or special movement control, choose a spring with this capability.
• The size of the gas traction spring must fit into the intended installation space. Therefore, pay attention to the length when extended and retracted as well as the diameter.
• Check which mounting options are best suited to your design, e.g. rod eyes, clevises or ball heads. The compatibility of the connections facilitates installation and stability.
• Gas traction springs made of high-quality materials (e.g. stainless steel or galvanized steel) are particularly durable and resistant. A high number of load cycles (retraction and extension) indicates a long service life.
• Most gas traction springs are maintenance-free. Nevertheless, the type of seals and coatings used can have an influence on the maintenance requirements.
• Check whether the spring is specifically designed for the requirements of the application. In some areas of application (e.g. medical technology or the food industry), certain standards and hygiene regulations must be observed.
• For applications that only require damping in one direction, you should ensure that the spring only acts in the required direction.
• Particularly in sensitive areas such as medical technology or the automotive industry, gas traction springs with CE marking or other relevant certificates are often required. Such standards guarantee that the spring is safe and reliable.
• Some gas traction springs have special safety functions, e.g. against sudden failures or overstretching. Such additional features are recommended in safety-relevant applications.
• A good manufacturer or supplier will offer expert advice and, if necessary, technical support during the selection process to ensure that the gas traction spring fits the application exactly.
• Choose a spring that not only impresses in terms of price, but also in terms of durability and quality. Higher-quality gas traction springs often cost more, but can save you money in the long term thanks to a longer service life and lower maintenance requirements.
• If wear is to be expected, make sure that spare parts or replacement springs are available. Avoid gas traction springs from unknown manufacturers who may not be able to guarantee a long-term supply.
• For applications in quiet environments, such as offices or hospitals, a gas traction spring with low-noise characteristics should be selected. Special damping and high-quality seals can minimize noise.

When purchasing gas traction springs, the most important criteria are traction force, size, environmental resistance and motion control. Careful selection based on application requirements and environmental conditions is critical to finding a gas traction spring that is both functional and durable. A comparison of different models and manufacturers can help to find an economical and reliable solution for the application in question.

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