Gas struts, or gas springs, have endless applications that can be seen throughout multiple industries, including Aerospace, Medical, Industrial, Defence, domestic and commercial vehicle designs, armoured vehicles, and much more.
Albert Jagger has been a leading manufacturer and distributor of vehicle components since 1887, including gas struts from strategic partner Bansbach. We know it can be a daunting process understanding the specifications and measurements of a gas strut. Nevertheless, choosing the correct gas strut size is vital to making sure its replacement functions and fits properly.
Don’t settle for guesswork – if you are looking to replace your gas struts, or you are just curious to learn more about these versatile tools, let us help you understand the measurements and specifications of gas struts with this simple and easy-to-follow guide.
Technical Details of Gas Struts
Each type of gas strut is constructed from a few main components that enable it to function. We will refer to some of these parts when explaining how to measure a gas strut, so this important information to know. If you are interested to understand the types of gas struts, we have previously made an article on what gas struts are and how each type of gas strut functions.
Cylinder
The cylinder of a gas strut contains all of the internal components that allow the gas strut to function effectively. It is a metal tube that is the main body of the gas strut.
Piston Rod
The piston rod extends out from one end of the cylinder. Part of the piston rod is attached to the piston within the cylinder, while the other part often contains a mounting point for connection to an external item.
As force is applied to the gas strut, the piston rod transfers that force into the cylinder, which allows for the controlled motion of the connected object.
Guide and Seal
Seals and guides are installed where the piston rod enters and leaves the cylinder. Seals keep pressurised gas from seeping out of the cylinder, ensuring that the strut retains pressure and performance over time. Guides ensure that the piston rod moves smoothly and steadily, ensuring a stable performance.
Piston
The piston is housed inside the cylinder and connected to the piston rod. The piston divides the gas inside the cylinder into two chambers, resulting in distinct pressure zones. When the piston rod is pushed in or pulled out, the gas compresses or expands, creating the force required for the strut to operate.
End Fitting or Joints End Fittings
These are situated at either end of the gas strut. One is attached to the end of the piston rod, while the other is located at the opposite end of the cylinder. End fittings or thread only fittings connect the gas strut to the application, allowing for support to opening, closing, and lifting functions. They can take many shapes, such as ball joints, eyelets, or threaded ends, which will each serve a specific application.
Specifications and Measurements of Gas Struts
Several measurements and specifications must be evaluated to guarantee the best operation and fit of your gas strut. The following are the most significant specifications and measurements to consider, which can each play a role in your purchasing decisions:
Force
The force is applied when compressed gas within the cylinder of the gas spring is exerted when the piston is fully extended (measured in newtons, N). Force allows you to understand how much weight the gas strut can handle without being too weak or too strong. By utilising the force within a gas spring manual lifting is reduced, making applications easier and safer to operate.
For existing gas struts, the force can be determined on the strut label or by contacting the company you purchased your gas strut from. If you are unable to obtain the force for an existing strut, then all you need to know is the weight of the applicaiton that it is supporting, in kg's, which can be converted into Newtons.
Extended Length
Extended length refers to the length of the gas strut when the piston rod is cat full extension, from one end fitting to the other. Knowing the extended length will help you determine the maximum length your gas strut can reach.
Compressed Length
Compressed length relates to the length of the gas strut when the piston rod is fully compressed in the cylinder. Knowing the compressed length will allow you determine the size that your gas strut can fit into its designated spaced when it is fully closed.
Piston and Cylinder Diameter
Piston and cylinder diameters are measured in millimetres and can range in many different sizes to suit your application. These measurements are directly affected by the required force of the application. Larger forces will require larger cylinders to house enough gas within the cylinder.
Need Help?
If you need further assistance on how to select the right gas strut for you, Albert Jagger have extensively covered articles going over gas struts, including how to determine gas strut size and a guide to selecting the right gas strut.
Now that you know all about the measurements and specifications of a gas strut you should be able to confidently assess what replacement you need. Not only do Albert Jagger help with questions such as this, but we also offer a wide range of gas struts that you can browse. Our Bansbach gas springs are some of the best on the market, so you can be sure you are receiving a top-quality gas strut that will last for years without the need for replacing.
If you have any additional questions, or want to let us know your gas strut measurements so we can provide the perfect replacement for you, send us an enquiry form, or reach out through email: [email protected] or via telephone: +44(0) 1922 471000.