Locking Gas Springs & Struts , Usage Fields, Control Units
Introduction Inoxlift Series
Inoxlift Series are stainless steel version of Liftstrut Series provided for high corrosion resistance required applications. Main function of this type is lifting or counterbalancing lids, hatches or similar applications. MS Inoxlift Series gas springs are being manufactured in 316L stainles steel material in order to endure 1000 hours of salt spray testing. They are made with a specially-prepared chrome-plated rod surface finish for additional hardness and protection against high levels of corrosion – ideally suited for use in harsh environment applications such as marine engine covers, doors, hatches, plus applications requiring high levels of cleanliness like the food, pharmaceutical and medical industries.
How Does Gas Spring Work?
Gas Springs work based on the principle of compressed gas exerting force to generate a lifting or supporting motion. They consist of a cylinder filled with pressurized gas, typically nitrogen, and a piston rod that moves within the cylinder.
Here’s how lift-type gas springs work:
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Compressed Gas: The cylinder of the gas spring is filled with pressurized gas, which is typically nitrogen. The pressure of the gas inside the cylinder determines the force that the gas spring can exert.
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Piston and Piston Rod: Inside the cylinder, there is a piston connected to a piston rod. The piston is designed to move freely within the cylinder, and the piston rod extends outward from the cylinder.
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Extension: When force is applied to the piston rod, such as by pushing or pulling, the gas inside the cylinder compresses. This compression generates force, causing the piston rod to extend outward from the cylinder.
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Compression and Energy Storage: As the piston rod extends, the gas inside the cylinder is compressed, storing potential energy within the gas spring.
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Locking Mechanism (in some cases): Some gas springs come with a locking mechanism that can be engaged to fix the piston rod at a specific length or position. This feature allows the gas spring to hold a load in place securely.
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Controlled Motion: Lift-type gas springs provide a controlled and damped extension and compression motion. The resistance to movement comes from the gas compression and, in some cases, additional damping features.
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Support and Lifting: Lift-type gas springs are commonly used to support, lift, or assist in the movement of various objects, such as lids, hatches, doors, and adjustable components in furniture and machinery.
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Release of Energy: When the force is released or the load on the piston rod is reduced, the gas spring will extend or compress to release the stored energy and return to its original position.
Hard Chrome Plated Stainless Rod
Rod Connector Thread
Sealing Package
Piston Package
Stainless Steel Tube
Tube Connector Thread
End Block
How to Measure Gas Spring
In case of custom design or ordering replacement gas springs there are some important parameters that needed to be provided. These parameters are;
– Extended Length (L) ; it needs to be measure as gas spring fully extended or opened. If there is not end fitting on gas spring please measure excluding threads. If there are end fitting ong gas spring please measure from center to center.
– Stroke Length (s) ; it is actually difference between fully extended and fully compressed length.
– Pressure Rate (F1) ; which can be considered as lifting power of gas spring. Each diameter range provides certain power capacity. F1 value can be stated as Newton (N) or Pound (Ibs).
Dimension Parameters of Inoxlift gas springs are being measured by universal tools which calibrated periodically according to DIN 865/866 considering item drawing. Tolerance rate is ± 2 mm in accordance with TS 1980-2 EN 22768-2.
Endurance, Lifetime
Inoxlift Series Gas springs are designed in such a way that they can reach some 30,000 cycles via the whole stroke without problem. Which means without force loss, oil leakage. Besides, corrosion resistance is main expectation from stainless steel gas springs. We provide our Inoxlift Series gas springs with above 1000 hours salt duration.
Salt Spray Tests being occured by officially registred laboratories according to TS EN ISO 9227 Corrosion tests in artificial atmospheres – Salt spray tests. 1000 hours is acceptance criteria.
This standard describes the spraying of a salt solution in the chamber at 35°C or 50°C. Acetic acid or copper chloride can be added to the NaCl solution to accelerate the reaction. The fine salt fog condenses on the test samples and initiates corrosion. A salt spray chamber according to DIN EN ISO 9227 is supplied with a minimum volume of 400 litres.
Pressure Parameters and Tolerances
Inoxlift Series gas spring is a closed system consisting of a pressure tube and piston rod with piston, as well as compressed Nitrogen (N2) as an energy source and a lubrication oil. Pressure rate of gas spring generally defined as F1 with unit of N (Newton).
In order to get most certain results, test environment should be 20 C° (±3°). Positioning in test equipment as rod side down. There are 2 main measurement methods for measuring pressure rates of gas springs.
- Dynamic Measurement
From the fully extended position,the gas spring is compressed at a con-stant test velocity until fully compressed. The subsequent, automatic extension is controlled at the same constant velocity. During com-pression/extension, the force reaction is recorded, resulting in the cha-racteristic curve. F3 measured in after 5mm compressed of rod. F4 measured 5mm before fully compressed position.F2 measured 5mm extension after fully compressed. F1 measured 5mm before fully extended position.
- Static Measurement
Similar to the dynamic measurement, the static measurement is performed with a constant speed. However, the motion is interrupted at the measuring points and the spring force is measured in a static condition. F3 measured in after 5mm compressed of rod. F4 measured 5mm before fully compressed position.F2 measured 5mm extension after fully compressed. F1 measured 5mm before fully extended position. Dynamic measurement is being applied to force measure, unless otherwise specified. F1 rate is being compared to referance drawing.
Inoxlift Series Usage Fields - Applications
Inoxlift gas springs are popular in various industries and applications due to the following advantages of stainless steel:
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Corrosion resistance: Stainless steel is highly resistant to rust and corrosion, making Inox gas springs suitable for use in harsh environments or outdoor applications.
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High strength: Stainless steel provides excellent mechanical properties, offering strength and durability to withstand heavy loads and prolonged use.
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Aesthetic appeal: The polished surface of stainless steel provides an attractive finish, making Inox gas springs suitable for applications where appearance matters.
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Hygienic properties: Stainless steel is easy to clean and maintain, making it ideal for industries like healthcare or food processing.
Marine Applications
Exceptional corrosion resistance of Inoxlift Series makes them well-suited for the harsh and corrosive marine environment, where saltwater and humidity can cause rapid degradation of materials. In marine vessels, stainless steel gas springs are commonly used for hatch door opening, cabinetry, and engine covers and ensuring smooth and controlled movements even in challenging conditions at sea.
Food Machinery
The use of stainless steel ensures compliance with strict food safety standards and regulations, making it an ideal choice for equipment that comes into contact with food or operates in food processing environments. We use FDA Approved food grade oil in Inoxlift series. In food machinery, stainless steel gas springs are commonly utilized for lifting and adjusting components like conveyor belts, machine guards, and product handling systems. Gas Spring for oil centrifuge machine, crashers and feeders for grain processing
Combat Vehicles
In the military vehicles, stainless steel gas springs play a vital role in enhancing performance and safety. These specialized gas springs are designed to withstand harsh environments, extreme temperatures, and heavy-duty applications. The integration of stainless steel gas springs in defense equipment enhances operational efficiency, facilitates quick access to critical compartments, and contributes to the overall ruggedness and durability of military vehicles, making them essential components in modern defense systems
Accessories
End Fittings
Mounting Brackets
Stainless Gas Struts
