Gas springs are a versatile, high-performance lifting and counterbalancing solution. They use nitrogen gas and oil to seal, lubricate and transmit pressure. Typically, they have Force Ratios ranging from 1.2 to 1.4. These values depend on the application and can vary from one manufacturer to the next.
Lifting
Gas springs (also known as gas dampers) are an ideal solution when lifting or supporting heavy loads. They help operators raise heavy objects and open doors and lids, providing smooth and controlled movement in compression or extension. These springs use pressurized gas – usually nitrogen – to provide a counterforce to external forces.
Their cylinders, piston rods, seals, and mechanics can be adjusted to suit a wide range of applications. Gas springs have a working life that depends on size, orientation, ambient temperature, and the number of cycles. They’re also susceptible to gas loss, which slows their output force over time.
Stabilization
Gas springs like the SPD gas springs shocks help stabilize hoods or lids in place. They also reduce the need for a lifting mechanism. The length of the gas spring’s stroke, the distance it can move, determines how much force a specific version can handle. It’s important to choose the right size and length for your application.
A gas spring tube is carbon, powder-coated, or stainless steel tubing that can withstand high pressures. Its internal surface finish and tensile strength are critical for its longevity and burst pressure performance. Guides and seals in gas springs are manufactured from plastic composite, zinc, brass, or other materials with a bearing sleeve incorporated. They provide a bearing surface for the rod and prevent the escape of gas and ingress of contamination.
Stiffness
Gas springs, also called pneumatic springs, are a type of hydro-pneumatic element that stores potential energy by compressing gas inside an enclosed cylinder sealed by a sliding piston. They are used in various applications, from car boots and office chairs to furniture and medical devices.
The spring’s stiffness is a function of the amount of gas it compresses and the rate at which that compression occurs. A typical gas spring has a pre-tension force that gradually increases until it is fully compressed. This allows the gas spring to withstand much higher forces than a conventional metal spring with graded stiffness.
Damping
A gas spring is a self-contained, force-generating, maintenance-free cylinder that compresses pressurized nitrogen gas. It’s ideal for applications that require high resistance or dampings, such as hoods and lids.
The piston design, nozzles, and oil viscosity affect the speed and damping of a gas spring, which can be changed for special application requirements. Typically, a standard gas spring has fixed speed and damping, depending on force and size – if these are needed to be changed, manufacturers have different construction methods that allow these factors to be adjusted as desired.
Damping with a gas spring is achieved by using the oil to push the piston rod down on the end of the stroke. This ensures the seals and piston rods are lubricated and reduces friction between them, thereby extending the life of the spring.
Support
Gas springs are self-contained, force-generating cylinders that contain nitrogen-based gas and oil. The high pressure inside the cylinder forces the piston rod out of the cylinder, creating an extension force.
They are often used in lift supports, hoods, lids, and struts to hold open doors, hatches, and covers. They also work well for office furniture and other applications that require support. Choosing the correct gas spring depends on a few factors. First, you need to understand how much force you need it to generate. The output force is a function of the length of the gas spring stroke, the angle at which it opens and closes, and the mounting location. Consult your datasheet to determine what force-generating parameters best suit your application and its needs.