Gas Struts

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.

How does a Gas Strut work?

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.

Types of Gas Struts

Standard Gas Struts

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

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

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

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

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.

Gas Strut Specifications

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.

Dimensions

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:

• 6 mm rod diameter & 15 mm tube diameter
• 8 mm rod diameter & 18 mm tube diameter
• 10 mm rod diameter & 23 mm tube diameter
• 14 mm rod diameter & 28 mm tube diameter

Force Ratings

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.

• For 6 mm rod & 15 mm tube diameter: Range 50 to 400 N (11-90 lbs).
• For 8 mm rod & 18 mm tube diameter: Range 100 to 650 N (22-146 lbs).
• For 10 mm rod & 23 mm tube diameter: Range 150 to 1200 N (34-269 lbs).
• For 14 mm rod & 28 mm tube diameter: Range 200 to 2500 N (45-562 lbs).

Stroke and Extended Lengths

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.

Key Considerations When Selecting Gas Struts

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:

• Material: The material of the gas strut body and rod should be selected based on the operating environment. Options include steel for general applications and stainless steel for enhanced corrosion resistance in damp, chemical, or hygienic environments.
• Load Capacity (Force Rating): Determine the precise weight or force that the gas strut will need to support and control. Selecting the correct force rating, measured in Newtons (N), is essential for proper lifting and counterbalancing, especially when considering heavy duty gas struts for heavier loads.
• Dimensions (Rod Diameter, Tube Diameter, Stroke Length, Extended Length): Ensure that the physical dimensions of the gas strut, including the rod and tube diameters, stroke length (travel distance), and extended length (total length when open), are compatible with the installation space and the required range of motion of the application.
• Environmental Factors: Consider the environmental conditions in which the gas strut will operate. This includes temperature extremes, exposure to moisture, dust, chemicals, or UV radiation. Selecting a gas strut with appropriate resistance to these factors will maximise its lifespan and performance.
• Compliance with Standards: Depending on the industry and application, there may be specific safety or performance standards that the gas struts must meet. Ensure that the selected gas struts comply with all relevant regulations and certifications.
• End Fittings: Verify that the end fittings of the gas strut are compatible with the mounting hardware on your application. Various types of end fittings are available, such as ball sockets, clevis ends, and threaded connections.
• Type of Gas Strut: Consider the specific functionality required. Standard gas struts offer a fixed force, while adjustable or hydraulic struts allow for force adjustment. Stop and stay gas struts can hold a position, and custom options are available for unique needs.
• Cycle Life Expectancy: For applications involving frequent opening and closing, consider the expected cycle life of the gas strut to ensure it will meet the durability requirements over time.

Applications of Gas Struts

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:

• Automotive: Gas struts are widely used in the automotive industry for providing smooth and controlled operation of car boots, bonnets, glove compartments, and tailgates. Their durability ensures reliable performance for the lifespan of the vehicle. You'll often find a door gas strut ensuring ease of access.
• Aerospace: In the aerospace sector, gas struts play a crucial role in various applications, including supporting cargo area access hatches on aeroplanes, aircraft interior panels, and overhead storage compartments.
• Furniture: Gas struts are commonly found in office furniture and chairs, providing adjustable height and reclining mechanisms. They are also used in skylights for easy and safe opening and closing, as well as in cabinet doors and adjustable desks for controlled movement.
• Industrial Equipment: Heavy duty gas struts are essential components in a wide range of industrial machinery and equipment. They are used for supporting machine guards, conveyor gates, access panels, and covers, ensuring operator safety and ease of maintenance. Hydraulic struts are often employed in heavier applications requiring precise control.
• Marine: In marine environments, gas struts are used for various purposes, including supporting boat access hatches, engine hatches, and marine storage compartments. Stainless steel options are particularly popular due to their resistance to corrosion in saltwater conditions.

Find the Perfect Gas Struts for Your Application Today!

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 & Delivery Information for NZ

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.

We offer next working day delivery for locally stocked items when you order before 5:00pm NZT. Standard delivery across New Zealand typically takes 2–5 business days, with regional areas subject to longer lead times. For more details on our delivery services and fees, please visit our Delivery Information page.