gas spring

Gas springs (also referred to as gas struts or gas support rods) is an industrial component utilized in various applications such as support, buffering, braking, height adjustment, angle adjustment, and so on. Their versatility enables them to be used in industries like automotive, aerospace, medical equipment, furniture and machinery production. Gas springs are widely widely used in various industries, and their effectiveness in controlling movement and providing controlled resistance is well-known. This article will help you understand the different types of gas springs, and the criteria for selecting the right one.

 Gas spring types

 Lift Gas Spring

Gas springs come in two varieties, but the lift gas springs are the most commonly used because of their simplicity and economical considerations. They are mainly support devices with two extreme positions — extended and compressed. They must follow through and cannot pause at any intermediate position. They are light weight, operate smoothly and are most suitable for automobiles, textile machinery, printing equipment, office devices, engineering machinery and other applications.

Flexible gas spring with Adjustable Spring Control

Lockable gas springs or controllable gas springs have the ability to stop anywhere in their course via release mechanisms. And they offer high locking forces, often over 10 kN – making them well suited for medical equipment, where positioning and an immobile locking state are key.

Friction Type Gas Spring (Optional Stop Gas Spring)

Unlike traditional gas springs, friction type gas springs can be stopped at any position along their stroke range without the need of an external control mechanism. They are free-type and lockable gas springs, so the benefit here is no more locking force is needed, and you can stop wherever you want. They are commonly used in kitchen furniture, medical devices, and video equipment. Adjustment is usually performed using a controller (handle or pull cord), and the valve will automatically close at the given position to lock the piston rod in position.

Gas Lift Cylinder (Chair Gas Spring)

These types of gas springs are specifically designed for adjustable chairs to allow for height adjustment. Depending on the need for intermediate stops, they also fall under the free-type and lockable versions.

Damper Gas Spring

Dampers have their resistance being proportional to the speed of collision. Which suits their application in machine tools, hospital beds, doors and other equipment that require smooth, controlled motion where noise reduction and buffering come in to the mix.

Guidelines for Choosing the Right Gas Spring

Key considerations when selecting a gas spring for your application include the following:

Load Capacity

Make sure to Calculate the maximum load your gas spring will have to hold. This line of reasoning will limit the selection down to springs that are robust enough to support the weight without breaking.

Stroke Length

Stroke Length: It is the distance through which the piston rod could travel, from the fully extended to the fully compressed position. Choose a gas spring whose stroke length is equal to or greater than the needed adjustment range.

Mounting and Installation

Please take into account the orientation and space constraints for mounting the gas spring. Make sure that the selected spring will fit the existing space and be installed correctly to prevent delay or failure.

Locking Mechanism 

Use a lockable or friction-type gas spring for applications that require intermediate stops. Test the locking force, as well as how easy it can be to adjust and lock the spring into position.

Environmental Conditions

Evaluate the environmental factors in which the gas spring is going to function like temperature, dampness, chemical direct exposure, or corrosive elements. Choose a spring material in combination with a sealing system that can withstand these conditions and is able to resist leakage and premature failure.

Cost and Availability

Lastly, take into account the gas spring's price and accessibility. Strike the right balance between performance needs, budgetary restrictions, and having the most cost-efficient option that does not reduce quality.

Knowing the types of gas springs and the selection criteria helps you make an informed decision considering the specific needs of your application, ensuring you select the right gas spring according to your requirement for long-lasting and reliable performance.