What is a Gas Spring?
A gas spring, also known as a gas strut, is a cylindrical device that is filled with pressurised gas and liquid. It can therefore be described as a hydro-pneumatic device that provides force and controlled movement. It acts as a type of spring with a piston rod that moves up and down within the cylinder with a rod that is connected to the object that needs to be moved. The strength / force of a gas spring is measured in Newtons (N) and is related to the pressure in the piston. The heavier an object, the more pressure is needed to perform the lifting action.
Applications
Gas springs are used in a wide variety of industries such as automotive, furniture, industrial machinery and medical to name just a few. Some applications include:
- Supporting car hoods, trunks, and hatches.
- Adjustable chairs and tables.
- Lifting and lowering mechanisms in industrial machinery.
- Adjustable medical beds and operating tables.
- Supporting doors and panels in various applications
The above is just some of the more popular applications for gas springs although there are many more. It is also important to note that there are three different type of gas springs namely:
- Lockable Gas Springs: Can be fixed in a certain position which makes them useful in situations where the load needs to be held in place.
- Lift Gas Springs: These type of gas springs allow adjustment to the type of pressure or force when fine tuning is required.
- Compression Gas Springs: When the main function is to compress or pull, these gas springs are ideal.
Durability
Gas Springs are designed to be extremely reliable and durable. The lifespan of a gas spring is measured in how many cycles they can withstand before showing a noticeable loss of force. Usually, a 10% loss of force is expected at around 50 000 cycles, however there are many elements that can contribute to loss of force.
Elements Affecting Durability
Cycles
Gas Springs are designed to operate for a specific range of cycles. Different models can typically handle anywhere from 50 000 up to 200 000 cycles in ideal conditions.
Temperature
The internal pressure of Gas Springs can be affected by high or low extreme temperature conditions, shortening their lifespan.
Vibration
Wear and tear can appear on seals due to heavy vibrations, potentially reducing the lifespan.
Usage Frequency
Frequent use at high speeds can contribute to faster wear and tear.
Environmental Conditions
A harsh environment such as industrial machinery can cause accelerated corrosion and reduce reliability
Installation
Ensuring the gas springs are installed in the correct position avoiding any lateral forces can extend the lifespan.
Seals
Seals are important for maintaining pressure within the piston rod. Degradation occurs naturally over time which leads to reduced force and leakage.
In conclusion, Gas Springs are devices that provide controlled movement. They are used in almost all industries in various applications. They are very durable and their lifespan are measured in cycles. However, the actual lifespan can depend on many different elements. To ensure the longevity and reliability of the Gas Spring, proper maintenance, installation and care is needed. This will maximise the lifespan of the Gas Springs.
