Gas springs are commonly used to absorb shock, position parts and assist with the movement of objects. They are characterized by a sealed cylinder filled with an inert gas, such as nitrogen. A piston moves in and out of this cylinder to exert a pushing or pulling force. When choosing a gas spring, however, you should pay close attention to its travel per stroke.
What Is Travel Per Stroke?
Travel per stroke represents the distance a gas spring’s piston travels from its default position. It typically ranges from about 50 millimeters to over 150 millimeters. A gas spring with a travel distance of 50 millimeters has a piston that will move 50 millimeters from its original position.
Compression- vs Extension-Style Travel Per Stroke
Gas springs are available in two primary styles — compression and extension — both of which have a travel per stroke. Whether mechanical or gas, all compression-style springs become shorter under a load. All extension-style springs, on the other hand, become longer under a load. Extension-style springs essentially extend under a load, whereas compression-style springs compress.
Both compression-style and extension-style gas springs have a travel per stroke. For compression-style gas springs, it’s the distance the piston compresses from its original position. For extension-style gas springs, it’s the distance the piston extends from its original position.
Why Travel Per Stroke Matters
Travel per stroke matters because it reveals a gas spring’s range of motion. While used in many different applications, all gas springs move. They feature a narrow rod-like piston that moves in and out of the cylinder. Travel per stroke indicates this range of motion.
If a gas spring can’t travel far enough, it may fail to reach the component or part for which it’s designed, rendering the spring useless. If the travel per stroke is too long, it may suffer from increased pressure. Over time, all of this extra pressure can cause the cylinder seals to fail and leak. To prevent problems such as these, you need to choose a gas spring with the right travel per stroke for the job.
In Conclusion
Travel per stroke isn’t the length of a gas spring. Rather, it’s the spring’s usable length. Choosing the right travel per stroke helps ensure the gas spring performs as intended without placing unnecessary strain on the system. It bridges the gap between how far a component must move and how much force the spring can deliver.