How can a designer ensure the longest life for a Gas Spring in an application?

A rod on a white background.

What is a gas spring?

Gas springs, sometimes known as gas struts or gas shocks are essentially rod assembled with a tube with some seals and mechanics inside. When the rod is inserted into the tube, it is pressured with some form of gas, commonly nitrogen, and the compressed gas forces it back out to full extension.

What is the life span of a gas spring?

The number of strokes a gas spring can make varies depending on the application. As a result, the exact lifespan is determined by a variety of circumstances. For example, dirt between the piston rod and the cylinder, the way the gas spring is mounted, or simply the amount of use. Hundreds of thousands of strokes are feasible if the gas spring is fitted appropriately and functions in optimal conditions.

How can a designer ensure the longest life for a gas spring in an application?

Many factors help in prolonging the gas spring life. We have discussed them below.

Temperature

The gas becomes more compressed as the temperature rises, considerably increasing your regular leak rate. The working of a gas spring application is heavily influenced by temperature. The optimum application effects are usually achieved at temperatures ranging from 40 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. It is recommended to keep the temperature check and maintain it.

Cycle speed

 A gas spring should normally be allowed to extend and compress on its own as much as possible.

Use of stroke

 The life of the gas spring can be extended by reducing the amount of stroke used in your application.

Caustic Environment

 Any chemical or physical condition that damages a gas spring, particularly the weld seals on each end and the rod, can result in gas leakage and, in the worst-case scenario, catastrophic failure.

Follow Recommended Maintenance and Safety Guidelines: – Spring life, like that of any tool, is determined by proper maintenance, operation, and safety procedures. The maximum charge pressure, speed, and temperature at which your springs should be used, as well as a suggested load capacity, will all be specified by your spring manufacturer. It’s also vital to distinguish between maximum speed and the maximum number of suggested strokes per minute. You cannot expect your springs to last as long if you exceed these restrictions; worse, you risk damaging them and posing a safety issue.

What does the price of a gas spring depend on?

Several factors determine the pricing of a gas spring. A stroke is one of the most essential things. The longer the desired stroke, the longer the cylinder. The price is also determined by the type of cylinder and the material used. Steel is the least expensive to produce, while stainless steel is the most expensive. Other considerations include corrosion resistance, piston rod surface quality, and sealing.

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