How to choose the appropriate gas spring, regarding material size

Choosing the appropriate gas spring involves several factors to ensure that it suits the application's requirements. Below are considerations for selecting the size and material of your gas spring:

Material

The choice of material depends on the environment where the gas spring is to be used as well as the expected longevity and performance requirements:

• Stainless Steel: Ideal for environments that are corrosive or have strict hygiene requirements. Typically used in food processing, marine, medical equipment, and pharmaceutical industries.

• Carbon Steel: Suitable for most common applications, including automotive, industrial machinery, and various consumer products where there is no significant risk of corrosion.

• Aluminum: Sometimes used for applications where weight is a critical factor, such as in aerospace or high-performance vehicles.

Size

Selecting the correct size of the gas spring involves accounting for several parameters:

1. Force Requirements:

   • Determine the weight of the lid, door, or panel that the gas spring needs to support.
   • Calculate the pivot point and the distance from the pivot to the point of application of the gas spring.
   • The placement of the gas spring and the angle it makes with the lid in the closed and open positions may affect force requirements as well.

2. Stroke Length:

   • The stroke length should be long enough to allow the lid or door to open to the required angle.
   • The stroke length is the difference between the extended length and the compressed length of the gas spring.

3. Extended Length and Compressed Length:

   • These parameters define the total length of the gas spring when fully extended and when fully compressed.
   • Ensure that when compressed, it fits into the designated space and that the extended length provides the desired range of motion.

4. Diameter of Rod and Cylinder:

   • The output force of a gas spring is related to the cross-sectional area of the cylinder and rod.
   • A larger diameter can handle more load but may also take up more space and could affect the aesthetics of the application.

5. End Fittings and Mounting:

   • Select appropriate end fittings to ensure the gas spring will be securely and safely attached.
   • Common fitting types include ball joints, clevises, eyelets, and brackets.
   • It is important to align the gas spring correctly to prevent side loading, which can reduce its lifespan.

6. Safety Features:

   • Consider safety features such as safety locks or internal dampers to control the rate of movement if required by the application.

7. Environmental Operating Conditions:

   • Temperature ranges, as well as potential exposure to chemicals or weather, should be considered since they can affect the operation of gas springs.

Once you've taken these factors into account, it's advisable to consult with the gas spring manufacturer's sizing and selection tools or speak directly with their engineers to verify that the product you select will be suitable for your application. Many manufacturers provide online calculators to assist in selecting the right gas spring based on weight, geometry, and mounting positions.

The exact specifications and detailed calculations will be determined according to the unique needs and constraints of your application. Ensure that all relevant safety standards and guidelines for the installation of gas springs are followed carefully.