Dampers

Guden dampers are a great way to control the motion of your door, lid or cover. And they're also useful to control the movement of a lever, gear, pedal or linkage mechanism. Each unit is gas filled with some lubricating oil and through a series of chambers and orifices can slow the motion in the extension or compression of the rod with the tube.

Our dampers are available in two basic styles - Compression or Extension. We can also provide specialty dampers with dampening in both directions as a custom run.

Each compression or extension damper is supplied with a set orifice to provide the speed and strength of the damper. And with 5 standard dampening levels available; light, medium light medium, medium heavy and heavy, one is sure to fit your application requirements.

Orifice Plate Damping Identification

Series	Light	Med Light	Med	Med Heavy	Heavy
50	E	N	D	J	C
60	S	F	E	D	J

Guden supplies two styles of dampers:

Please see our Notes about Safety.

Guden dampers are supplied from stock with threaded ends and select dampers are supplied with ball joint assemblies on each end. If you require different end fittings, you may purchase them separately and we can also supply any damper with the end fittings of your choice already assembled to the unit. Please contact a Guden Customer Service Representative for more information.

Guden also has a wide selection of ball studs and mounting brackets for use with dampers using a ball socket or eyelet style end fitting.

Also see the list of connectors and our deep dive on Dampers.

3D CAD model downloads are available for this product. Look for the CAD button on the product page.

Dampers Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs

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What is a damper?

There are several products that go by the name damper. Our product is a tube, rod and orifice assembly filled with oil. As the spring is compressed and extended, the oil is forced through the orifice which limits the speed of the travel.

Are dampers and gas springs the same thing?

No. They may look the same but they are different products. Dampers are filled with oil, not pressurized gas, so they resist force instead of exerting it.

How does a damper get its dampening?

The normal extension or compression of a damper is slowed by the oil within the tube moving through an added orifice plate instead of just being allowed to move freely from one chamber of the tube to another.

How can I tell which damper to use in my application?

An engineering evaluation should be done in order to know which size damper would fit into your application and what mounting points you should use.

What strength dampening should I use?

There are many different dampening levels available on most dampers. Your own testing is the best way to see how the damper works in your application.

What do I use a damper for?

Dampers are used when you want to slow the motion down in an application.

Are there different types of dampers available?

Yes! There are several different types:

Compression Dampers - Slow the motion when the rod is forced into the tube.
Extension Dampers - Slow the motion when the rod is pulled out of the tube.
Dual Dampers - The motion is slowed in compressing and extending directions.

How many dampers should I use?

This all depends on what you're trying to achieve. Weight is also a factor, as you may one or more dampers to counter the weight and gravity.

What different dampening levels are there?

Most dampers are classified in several different strengths or dampening levels and testing is the best way to tell how a specific dampening level will act in your application.

Light
Medium
Heavy

What is the temperature range of a damper?

For the most optimum results, your damper should be used in a temperature range of 40F-100F. In temperatures outside of this range, the oil may be unusually thick or very thin and you'll see a difference in the dampening.

Does it matter which orientation I mount my damper?

Yes, the internal orifice plate should be moving through as much oil as possible to achieve the dampening affect. Compression dampers should be mounted so that the rod is higher than the tube for the majority of the travel. Extension dampers should be mounted so that the tube is higher than the rod for the majority of the travel.