What is the Proper Orientation for Gas Spring Installation?

For Compression Gas Springs rod down is the proper orientation.

Gas springs (also known as gas struts or gas shocks) contain oil inside the body of the component. The oil’s purpose is to lubricate the seal to ensure the performance and life expectancy of the springs are maintained. For this reason, the proper orientation of a Compression Gas Spring is rod down.

There is an additional benefit with the oil contained inside the spring — damping. Near the end of the stroke, the piston passes through the oil, slowing the speed.

Damping is a velocity decrease that’s proportional to the speed of actuation and is accomplished by passing oil through an orifice in the piston at the end of the stroke. When the oil passes through the piston it is subject to shear stress that is proportional to the velocity of the piston. The faster the piston is moving, the higher the stress and the higher the resistance force. This is hydraulic damping.

Traction Gas Springs do not have to be mounted rod down as they do not contain oil in the body. As a result, they do not have damping capabilities. Instead, they are vented to the atmosphere to ensure there is no vacuum behind the piston when it is actuated.

Now that we understand gas spring orientation, solve end fitting mounting issues with ASRaymond’s how-to guide. Watch the video or read the step-by-step instructions.

About ASRaymond

ASRaymond™, a business of Barnes Group Inc, is a global leader in providing manufacturers with precision-engineered force and motion control solutions from world-renowned brands such as Raymond®, Industrial Gas Springs™, SPD™, and SPEC®. Servicing a wide range of industrial markets, including Construction and Agriculture, Lift Equipment, Marine, Medical, and Heavy-Duty Trucks, ASRaymond has the breadth and depth of standard products to match any application's demands. Additionally, ASRaymond's global team of engineers are available to customize components when standard products are not suitable. For more information, visit ASRaymond.com.