How to Extend the Lifespan of Adjustable Force Gas Springs
Adjustable force gas springs (also known as gas struts or dampers) are essential parts of many industries including automotive and aerospace, as well as medical equipment and industrial machinery. It’s an indispensable tool, providing controlled motion and adjustable force — but if it’s improperly used or not maintained correctly, the lifespan will suffer significantly. Here’s how to work the system to get the most durability and performance out of Adjustable Force Gas Springs
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How Adjustable Force Gas Springs Work
Carefully adjusting a valve on a gas spring allows it to compress nitric gas in a sealed cylinder. Key components include:
Cylinder: Normally stainless steel or chrome-plated steel for corrosion-resistance
Piston Rod: Reduces friction through precision machining.
Gaskets: Important for leakage (expected failure point)
Why lifespan matters: Premature failure creates safety risks, downtime, and replacement costs.
Now the best practices that prolong adjustable force gas springs longevity
Proper Installation
Do not misalign: Mount the adjustable force gas springs parallel on the moving axis. Seals and rods will wear unevenly as a result of misalignment.
Use proper mounting hardware correctly: If necessary use manufacturer torque specs to avoid thread damage.
Preload adjustment: The valve for force adjustment should be within the recommended adjustment range (over-tightening will strain the internal components).
Regular Maintenance
Lubrication: Every 3–6 months, apply silicone-based grease to the piston rod to lower friction; and seal wear.
Check seals: Look for cracks, leaks, or oil residue (indicators of seal deterioration). To be used no later than 30 days after receipt and must be replaced immediately if damaged.
Clean exposed rods: Wipe rods with a lint-free cloth to catch dust, salt or debris that could scratch surfaces.
Avoid Overloading
When there's a load limit, respect it: Exceeding the stated force limits only causes wear. For variable loads, select springs with a capacity 20 percent greater than the max load.
Narrow compression cycles: Gas springs have finite cycles (e.g. 50,000–200,000). Save actuation on high-frequency applications.
Environmental Protection
Protect from extreme temperatures: Typical gas springs work between -30°C and +80°C. In adverse environmental conditions, high-temperature seals or thermal sleeves can be used.
Corrosive environment: Use 316 stainless steel cylinders and rods in marine or chemical environments.
Prevent contaminants: Add protective bellows or covers in dusty or wet environments.
Adjust Force Correctly
Adhere to the calibration guidelines: Only incrementally adjust force valves; immediate force changes can harm the internal frameworks.
Use tools: Don’t make manual adjustments — use manufacturer-recommended wrenches to prevent stripping valves.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Yield to “stick-slip”: Jerky motion shows low lubrication or seals are failing — fix it now.
Storage of adjustable force gas springs in a compressed state: Gas springs should consistently be stored in a neutral, released position to avoid any deformation of the seal.
Orientation: Horizontal and vertical installations wear differently—choose springs made for the desired orientation.
When to Replace adjustable force gas springs
Monitor these warning signs:
The smell of gas (hissing sound or oily material residue)
Decreased force output (unable to lift rated loads).
Obvious damage to the rod (scratches, pitting or rust).
In critical systems such as aircraft seating or the mechanism of hospital beds, proactive replacement can prevent catastrophic failures.
Conclusion
The longevity of adjustable force gas springs depends on their installation, regular maintenance, and environmental protection. Following manufacturer directives along with making proactive fixes, allows businesses to work safer, work a lot less spend as well as brings cost savings overall.
