A gas strut, also known as a gas spring is a mechanical component that uses compressed nitrogen gas to force a precision rod attached to a piston back and forth within an enclosed metal cylinder. Gas struts are primarily designed as a direct support mechanism for safely lifting, positioning, lowering and counterbalancing different weights. For more information on how they work, you can consult our Gas Springs Guide.
How does a Gas Strut work?
A gas strut construction is very simple, it comprises of a precision rod attached to a piston and a central tubular body containing compressed nitrogen gas and lubricating oil. When force is applied to the protruding portion of the rod it presses onto the piston head a bit like a plunger on a syringe, compressing the nitrogen gas. This creates an internal pressure that exceeds the pressure outside of the cylinder closing the gas strut. When the force is removed from the external rod the gas is de-compressed and the pressure pushes the piston back out again, opening the gas strut.
Types of Gas Strut
Gas struts or gas springs are available as stop and stay or variable pressure with a steel or stainless steel body. Depending on application stroke length, extended length, minimum and maximum force ranges and end fittings must be taken into account.
Gas Strut sizes
Gas struts are usually referred to by their size, the most common are:
- 6 mm rod diameter – 15 mm tube diameter. Range 50 - 400 N (11-90 lbs)
- 8 mm rod diameter – 18 mm tube diameter. Range 100 - 650 N (22-146 lbs)
- 10 mm rod diameter - 23 mm tube diameter. Range 150 – 1200 N (34-269 lbs)
- 14 mm rod diameter – 28 mm tube diameter. Range 200 – 2500 N (45-562 lbs)
Gas struts are utilised in a wide range of applications. The most common use is for the gas spring is lifting and lowering of a car boot. Other areas include:
- Boat access hatches
- Cargo area on aeroplanes
- boats
- coaches
- Office furniture and chairs
- Skylights
- Office chairs and furniture
- Machine guards and Conveyor gates.
Larger gas struts are also used in industrial manufacturing such as tool pressing. The gas struts used in these areas have a force range capable of exerting up to forty tonnes.
