How To Measure Gas Springs

Accurately Measuring Gas Springs for Optimal Performance

Properly measuring gas springs is crucial to ensure they are suitable for their intended purpose. Whether you are designing a new application or replacing an existing gas spring, getting the measurements right is essential for effective, safe, and efficient operation.

To help you measure gas springs accurately and select the correct one for your needs, here are some important guidelines:

1. Stroke Length:

The stroke length refers to the total distance a gas spring can travel from its fully extended position to its fully compressed position. To measure this, fully extend the gas spring and then compress it as far as it can go. The difference between these two positions is the stroke length. Ensuring the correct stroke length is vital as it determines the reach and force capability of the gas spring.

2. Extended Length:

The extended length of a gas spring is the overall length of the assembly when it is fully extended. To measure this, extend the gas spring completely and measure the distance between the center of the ball stud at one end and the center of the socket fitting at the other. This measurement is important to ensure the gas spring fits properly within your application.

3. Compressed Length:

The compressed length refers to the length of the gas spring when it is fully compressed. To obtain this measurement, fully compress the gas spring and measure the distance between the center of the ball stud at one end and the center of the socket fitting at the other. This measurement is crucial to ensure the gas spring will fit within the space constraints of your application.

4. Force:

The force of a gas spring determines the weight it can effectively support. To measure this, attach the gas spring to a calibrated force gauge. Extend it to its fully open position and then push it down to its closed position. The force gauge will display the amount of force the gas spring can generate. This measurement is essential to ensure the gas spring is capable of supporting the load required by your application.

5. Temperature:

Consider the temperature rating of a gas spring when selecting the appropriate one for your application. Measure the maximum and minimum temperatures the gas spring is expected to encounter during use. If the temperatures exceed the recommended range, you should choose a gas spring with a higher temperature rating. This measurement is important to ensure the gas spring can withstand the environmental conditions it will be exposed to.

6. Mounting Orientation:

The mounting orientation of a gas spring greatly affects its performance. It is important to measure the angle at which the gas spring will be mounted to ensure optimal operation. If the gas spring is installed at an angle beyond the recommended limit, it may not function correctly, leading to unstable movement or increased wear and tear. This measurement is crucial to ensure the gas spring is installed correctly to provide reliable and consistent performance.

In conclusion, accurately measuring gas springs is vital for safe and efficient operation. By considering factors like stroke length, extended length, compressed length, force, temperature rating, and mounting orientation, you can select the right gas spring for your application. This ensures optimal performance and longevity for your gas spring.

Expanding on the theme of accurately measuring gas springs, it is important to consider additional factors that can affect their performance and functionality. One such factor is the damping characteristic of the gas spring.

Damping refers to the ability of the gas spring to control the speed of the moving parts in your application. This is particularly important in applications where smooth and controlled movement is required, such as in automotive or furniture manufacturing.

When measuring gas springs for their damping characteristic, it is essential to consider factors such as damping force, damping ratio, and damping coefficient. Damping force refers to the resistance that the gas spring provides when the stroke length changes, while the damping ratio and damping coefficient refer to the relationship between the damping force and the velocity of the moving parts.

To accurately measure the damping characteristic of a gas spring, specialized equipment such as a damping tester can be used. This equipment measures the force exerted by the gas spring at different velocities to determine its damping properties.

In addition to accurately measuring the damping characteristic, it is also important to consider the specific requirements of your application. Factors such as the desired speed of movement, load capacity, and environmental conditions should be taken into account when selecting a gas spring with the appropriate damping properties.

By accurately measuring gas springs for their stroke length, extended length, compressed length, force, temperature rating, mounting orientation, and damping characteristic, you can ensure optimal performance and longevity for your application. Taking the time to make accurate measurements and select the right gas spring will result in improved functionality, increased safety, and enhanced overall efficiency.