All About Gas Struts
Gas struts, gas springs, or gas shocks are mechanical devices that support, lift, or cushion the movement of various objects. Common applications for them include automotive hoods, trunk lids, industrial machinery, furniture, and more. Gas struts use the principles of fluid dynamics and gas compression to provide a controlled force that aids in opening or closing a mechanism.
What are gas struts used for?
Gas struts are ideal to use in applications including automotive, industrial machinery, trunks, tool boxes, and furniture.
Applications
Heavy-duty doors are difficult to open manually, gas struts would be perfect for these types of applications because they can reduce the amount of effort to push heavy doors by suspending the door from closing too quickly.
Car boots are fitted with gas struts to help lift the boot door open, for the user to load equipment, and then close slowly shut. The same can be applied to cabinets, trailers and hatches.
If the weight of the application is heavy, then read this article to understand more about heavy-duty gas struts and end-fittings. WDS offer different types of end-fittings from circular end-fittings for tight spaces to clevis fork brackets for quick releases. Read further about end fittings in this blog post.
To pick the correct gas struts for your project, then try out the gas strut calculator.
The construction of gas struts
Steel or aluminium is commonly used to construct the cylindrical tube that forms the main body of the gas strut. The cylinder has one end sealed, but the other end has a rod protruding from it.
The piston rod protrudes from the end of the cylinder that is open. Attaching it to the object or part that needs to be moved or supported is usually the case.
A piston found inside the cylinder divides the gas-filled part from the oil-filled portion.
Inside the cylinder, nitrogen gas produces a high pressure to allow movement control.
The oil chamber in the lower portion of the cylinder holds lesser amounts of hydraulic oil, which helps lubricate the seal and rod.
Types of gas struts
At WDS Components, we offer diverse types of gas struts from, Adjustable Gas struts, Steel/Stainless Gas struts and Heavy-duty gas struts to suit several applications. You can read our comprehensive guide to learn more about materials and end fittings.
Adjustable Gas Struts
An adjustable gas strut is a sealed part that uses pressurised gas to exert a controlled force, and its pressure can be fine-tuned to meet specific operational requirements. These struts are crucial in a variety of applications, especially where ease of movement and secure positioning are needed. They are extensively utilised for automotive hatches, bonnets, and tailgates to allow for a smooth and controlled open-close action. Beyond vehicles, they are also integral to the functionality of hatches and access doors on boats, heavy machinery, and industrial equipment, aiding in safely holding these components in place while providing effortless access. Their versatility and durability make adjustable gas struts a popular choice in any application that demands reliable motion control and support.
Steel and Stainless-steel Gas Struts
Steel gas struts are robust and cost-effective, making them suitable for a wide range of general-purpose applications where strength is essential. Stainless steel variants offer enhanced durability and corrosion resistance, ideal for harsh conditions such as marine environments, food processing industries, or outdoor applications where exposure to the elements is a concern.
Heavy Duty Gas Struts
Heavy-duty gas struts are a specialised type of gas spring designed to supply substantial lifting or support force for applications that involve heavy loads or require robust performance. These gas struts are constructed with materials and components that can withstand greater pressures and loads compared to standard gas struts. They are used in many applications, for example, heavy construction equipment and machinery for heavy tasks like opening compartment doors.