The GUDEN Gas Spring Deep Dive
1. What is a Gas Spring?
A gas spring is basically a rod, a tube and a seal pack assembly filled with pressurized gas, usually nitrogen and a small amount of lubrication oil. When the rod is compressed into the tube, the gas pressure increases, and when let go, will force the rod back out to the extended position. Our gas springs are available in a wide range of sizes, from our Mini-Size (4mm x 12mm) to our Compact-Size (6mm x 15mm) and Standard-Size (8mm x 18mm) and our Heavy-Duty-Size (10mm x 22mm) gas springs. So no matter your needs, we have the right size for your project. They’re typically supplied with threaded ends and end fittings or connectors. Which type of end fitting will depend on the application mounting requirements. Plastic or metal ball socket type connections are the most common, with clevis ends and other blade fittings also available.
What are typical applications for Gas Springs?
More commonly seen on the hatch backs of vehicles, gas springs can be used for lifting and holding open lids, covers, doors, or other panels. Because they can be supplied in numerous pressures and lengths, the varieties of applications are almost endless.
How do I design a Gas Spring into my application?
Because almost every application is different in some way, the best process is through engineering. The weight and size of the door, its orientation as well as speed and range of motion all need to be taken into consideration. The temperature and environment will also need to be looked at. The process of determining which length and pressure gas spring you need, as well as where it is mounted is important and can be done by an engineering firm, your own engineering department or through services provided by most manufacturers and some distributors.
What action will a Gas Spring provide in my application?
That depends on the location it’s mounted and the gas spring size and pressure used. Conveying what you’d like to see your lid or cover do is key for the engineering process as a gas spring can do more than just hold a door or cover open. It can also assist in keeping it in the closed position. The gas spring can also be designed to start lifting from a certain open angle, or even from the start when the door is unlatched from the closed position. Due to the internal lubrication oil. It can also be used to help dampen the closing cycle of your door.
Guden Gas Springs are available in several styles: Black epoxy painted tubes with black nitrided rods, 316 stainless rods and tubes and miniature gas springs for smaller applications. We also supply locking springs which keep the gas spring from compressing until you want it to, as well as adjustable pressure gas springs for testing and engineering purposes.
How is a Gas Spring installed?
Gas springs are supplied with threaded ends and for most Guden gas springs, with an end fitting already installed on each end. Our most popular end fitting style is a plastic ball socket. We also carry a metal ball socket for even more strength. These both join with either a threaded ball stud or a ball stud mounted onto a flat or angled bracket. Other end fittings such as metal blades, fat blades or clevis style are also available.
What factors affect the life of a Gas Spring?
Gas springs have a lifespan. At rest, they typically will lose 2-5 pounds of pressure every year. And installed, with high cycling, high temperature, caustic environments and long periods staying in the compressed position all can reduce the lifespan.
Custom sizes and pressures are also available.
2. Here are some Blog posts we have published on Gas Springs:
- Hinges and Hardware 101 - Which Guden Gas Spring Size and Pressure Will Work Best For Me?
- “Help! How Can I Mount My Gas Spring, I Can't Compress It?”
- Hinges and Hardware 101 - Mounting or Removing a Gas Spring
- Does Temperature Affect Gas Spring Pressure?
- Hardware Around Town - Correct Orientation of a Gas Spring
- Why choose Black Nitrided Rods over Chrome plated Rods
- Hinges and Hardware 101 - How to Compress a Gas Spring
- HSI: Hardware Investigation Scene - Case of the Not so Invisible Gas Spring
- Gas Spring vs. Spring Hinge - Choose the one that's right for you!
- Why is paint clearance important?
- Gas Springs - What is a Gas Spring
3. Here are some Guden YouTube Videos about Gas Springs:
- Gas Spring Installation How to Mount & Unmount Gas Springs
- Dos and Don’ts of Industrial Gas Springs
- How to Mount an EF310 Clevis End Fitting
- The Easy Removal of a Guden Gas Spring
- Guden Quality Hardware
- Guden Selection
- Guden Customer Service
- 7 Industrial Hardware Reasons OEMs LOVE Guden
- Different Types of Hinges – Choosing the right one for your application
- Guden 100 Years Documentary
4. Here is a link to the Category Page for Gas Springs.
Here you will find all of the standard products we offer.