A gas strut, or gas spring, is a mechanical component that utilizes compressed nitrogen gas to move a precision rod attached to a piston within a sealed metal cylinder. These struts are primarily designed to provide direct support for safely lifting, positioning, lowering, and counterbalancing various weights. For more information on how they work, you can consult our gas springs guide.
A gas strut, or gas spring, features a straightforward construction that includes a precision rod connected to a piston, housed within a central tubular body filled with compressed nitrogen gas and lubricating oil. When force is applied to the rod's protruding end, it compresses the piston head—similar to a syringe plunger—compressing the nitrogen gas. This creates internal pressure that exceeds the external pressure, closing the gas strut. Once the external force is released, the gas decompresses, allowing the pressure to push the piston back out, thereby reopening the gas strut. Gas struts are crucial for safely lifting, positioning, and counterbalancing various weights in diverse applications.
Standard gas struts are a common and reliable solution for providing support and controlled movement for lids, hatches, and panels. These gas struts offer a fixed force and are widely used in automotive applications like car boots, as well as in furniture and various industrial equipment. Their straightforward design ensures consistent performance.
Stainless steel gas struts are designed for environments requiring high resistance to corrosion and wear. These gas struts are ideal for applications in marine environments, the food and beverage industry, and medical equipment where hygiene and durability are paramount. They offer reliable performance even in harsh conditions.
Adjustable gas struts, sometimes referred to as hydraulic struts, offer versatility by allowing the user to adjust the force as needed. This makes them suitable for applications where the weight being supported may vary, such as adjustable lids, machinery, and certain types of furniture. Their adaptability provides enhanced functionality.
Heavy duty gas struts are engineered to provide significant lifting and supporting force for heavier loads. These robust gas struts are commonly used for large doors, gas struts for heavy lids, and industrial machinery where reliable and powerful support is required. They are built to withstand demanding conditions.
Custom gas struts are manufactured to specific requirements, offering tailored solutions for unique applications. These gas struts can be designed with specific force ratings, stroke lengths, and end fittings to meet precise needs in specialised machinery, equipment, or bespoke designs. This ensures optimal performance for niche applications.
When selecting the appropriate gas strut for your application, several key specifications must be considered to ensure proper functionality and fit. These include dimensions, force ratings, and stroke and extended lengths.
The physical dimensions of a gas strut, particularly the rod and tube diameters, are critical for ensuring compatibility with the mounting points and the space available in the application. Different diameter combinations offer varying levels of robustness and force capabilities.
Common sizes include:
The force rating of a gas strut indicates its lifting or supporting capacity and is typically measured in Newtons (N) and pounds (lbs). Choosing the correct force rating is essential for ensuring the controlled movement and support of the load.
The stroke length refers to the distance the piston travels within the cylinder, while the extended length is the total length of the gas strut when fully extended. These specifications are crucial for ensuring the supported component moves to the desired position and remains securely in place. The appropriate stroke and extended length will depend on the specific application and are related to the dimensions and force ratings of the gas strut.
Choosing the correct gas strut for your application is crucial for ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient operation. Several key factors should be carefully considered to match the requirements of your specific needs:
Gas struts are versatile mechanical components utilised across a broad spectrum of industries and applications, providing controlled lifting, lowering, and positioning. Their reliability and ease of use make them an essential element in numerous designs. Here are some common examples of applications where gas struts are employed:
RS is a trusted supplier and distributor of quality gas struts in NZ, offering a wide selection from leading brands like RS PRO and Camloc Gas Springs. Whether you need heavy duty gas struts for industrial applications, reliable gas struts for automotive use, or specific gas struts for heavy lids, find the right solution to meet your requirements and ensure controlled movement and support. Explore our range of gas struts for sale in Auckland and across New Zealand.
Ordering your gas struts from RS NZ is quick and easy. Simply browse our extensive online catalogue, add your chosen gas strut to your cart, and complete your purchase securely.
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