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Gas Strut Ranges
METROL GAS STRUT PRODUCT RANGES
Gas Strut Models
Standard Lift Gas Struts
Working in compression, pushing the piston rod inwards increases the pressure in the strut and the force output. The increase in the force is known as the force progression or increase. The oil zone in the gas struts works to dampen the final part of the travel in extension.
Lift gas struts or compression gas struts are the most common type and are used for a variety of operations, including lifting, counterbalance and damping. Lift gas struts are available in a wide range of sizes and forces, including the following:
- 4/12 130N
- 6/15 400N
- 6/18 400N (Low force progression)
- 8/18 650N
- 8/23 650N (Low force progression)
- 10/23 1200N
- 10/28 1200N (Low force progression)
- 14/28 2500N
- 14/40 2500N (Low force progression)
- 16/40 3500N (Low force progression)
- 20/40 5000N
(Where the first number is the rod diameter and the second the body diameter.)
The rod diameter dictates the maximum force of the gas strut and low force progression versions are used where the standard force progression causes operational problems. Typical examples are where the gas struts are used in a vertical plane.
Traction Gas Struts
Traction gas struts or pull gas struts work in the opposite way to the lift gas strut. In their normal relaxed position the piston rod is retracted inside the cylinder, by extending the rod the pressure inside increases, as does the force. The natural action of the strut is to retract the piston back to its relaxed position, exactly like an extension spring.
The action of a traction gas spring is particularly useful where the lid or hatch opens downwards, or something is being extended and is required to be pulled back to its original position.
Traction gas springs can be difficult to calculate the force required, using a variable allows you to fit the strut and adjust according to the application.
Traction gas struts are available as standard in the following sizes:
- 8-23 650N
- 10-28 1500N
- 14-40 4000N
Locking Gas Struts
If the application requires a gas strut to be locked at a certain position, then the pin locking range of gas struts provides this solution. The locking mechanism is permanently applied, depressing the pin in the end of the piston rod unlocks the piston rod which is then free to move, once the pin is released then the strut locks again. The pin is activated using specialist end fittings, either directly connected to a lever or remotely through a Bowden cable or hydraulic system.
Locking gas struts are primarily used for positional adjustment, where a positive lock prevents movement. Typically used in medical equipment and furniture or chairs where specific adjustment is required.
There are 3 main types of locking gas strut:
- Elastic locking: The piston is locked but is elastic so there is a small amount of movement in either compression or extension.
- Rigid locking: The piston rod is locked rigidly, there is no movement in compression or extension.
- Rigid locking in compression: The piston rod is locked rigid in compression, when locked there is no movement, but there is elastic locking in extension.
Dampers
Gas strut dampers are used to control motion speed rather than provide a lifting force. The movement of the piston through oil, results in a controlled motion by decelerating speed and producing a smooth action.
Dampers come in two types:
- Compression dampers (Control closing speed)
- Extension dampers (Control opening speed)
In addition to controlled movement, gas strut dampers are used for noise reduction, energy absorption and shock protection.
Gas Strut Types
Fixed Force Gas Struts
Fixed force gas struts are supplied to a pre-determined force and require no adjustment when fitting. This option is recommended when the force is known, this can be on an existing strut or an approved design. The simplicity of fitting with no pressure adjustment is perfect for high volume builds, providing a quick efficient way to add lift to your application.
Metrol stock thousands of fixed force gas struts ready to be charged to customers specifications and shipped the next day or in some cases the same day depending on when it has been ordered. With the help of our manual and automatic charging machines, we have the ability to process and ship hundreds of gas struts in a single day. from very small orders to the very large.
Gas Struts are checked for force after charging to make sure they are within tolerance, guaranteeing that they are ready to fit when they are delivered.
Variable Force Gas Struts
Variable gas struts are delivered fully charged, the pressure / force can then be adjusted by opening the valve to release the gas. The side release valve allows the gas struts to be adjusted in-situ, this easy process makes setting to the correct force a simple process.
Variable gas struts are recommended if the force required is unknown, the simple adjustment lets you find the right pressure for the application.
Prototyping is made simple with variable gas struts, no need for complicated calculations that often do not factor in all the variables, by using the pressure release valve you can find the perfect operating force for your application.
Variable gas struts can also be a benefit where the application has the same geometry, however, the weight of the lid or cover may differ between variants. Standardising on a variable strut means less stock, quantity discounts, but still retaining the flexibility to utilise the same part over different application variants.
Stainless Steel
Metrol stainless steel gas struts are manufactured from grade 316 for ultimate corrosion resistance.
Gas struts available in stainless steel 316 include:
- Standard Lift Fixed Force
- Standard Lift Variable
- Traction Variable
- Pin Locking
- Dampers
- Dynamic Damped Lift
- Pro-Line
Metrol’s stainless steel gas struts are ideal for marine and offshore applications, their ability to not only be frequently exposed to salt water but to also withstand sterilisation during cleaning procedures within the food processing/packaging industries, means they will not corrode where standard gas struts often would.
Dynamic Damping
Standard lift struts have a damping zone at the end on the stroke, so upon extension or return, the travel is damped in the final section before it reaches full extension. This action decelerates the movement bringing it to a gentle stop.
In certain applications, it is more desirable to have a different damping action to control the speed of the extension. Dynamically damped gas struts have a specially formed tube, the groove in the tube is formed according to the damping profile required.
Dynamic damping gas struts are ideal if you need a controlled speed extension or damping at specific points in the stroke.
Pro-Line Gas Struts
The Pro-Line range from Metrol utilises our NitroSpring technology to offer the most durable gas struts in challenging applications. Pro-Line gas struts are manufactured according to the requirements of the application, understanding the environment they are working in allows us to select the most suitable materials and components.
Contamination, corrosion, vibration and debris can quickly damage and destroy standard struts, but Pro-Line struts are engineered specifically to deal with these conditions.
For applications where standard gas struts may fail prematurely, opt for a custom-engineered Pro-Line solution to ensure long-term reliability.