Gas springs consist of a rod, tube, end fittings, and internal components. The rod is attached to a piston package which seals the tube and allows the rod to move or extend and compress within the tube. A combination of nitrogen gas and oil are used to create pressure within the sealed tube. The amount of gas determines the pressure or output force and the oil helps with damping or slowing down the motion. The pressure of the gas is always pushes against the piston rod, creating the extension force and providing resistance.

The force on only certain gas springs can be adjusted. A reducing valve must be installed at the time of manufacture. The end user can only adjust the force down and would need to return the part for rework to a higher pressure (if possible).

Gas springs can be either - push or pull. Push out (compression) are the most common, but pull in (tension/traction) are also available.

Yes, over time the gas spring seal starts to degrade and the gas and oil leak out. The consumer must not scratch or paint the rod. This could cause the rod surface to become damaged and lead to premature failure.

The gas spring force and mounting points vary per application. Critical factors are needed to help with design assistance, including weight, physical dimensions, environment, etc. The Gas Spring Application Worksheet found on OneMonroe to obtain the required information. Simple designs can be completed in a few days. More complex designs will require additional information, minimum order quantities, and longer lead time for the simulation to be completed.

The majority of gas springs should be installed rod down, tube up to prevent the seals from drying out.

Extension locking gas springs have an outer tube that becomes displaced at full extension, locking the gas spring from compressing. Infinitely locking gas springs have an activation pin at the end of the rod which, when pushed, opens a valve within the tube and allows the gas spring to extend or compress depending on the load. A secondary cable assembly or handle mechanism is required when using infinitely locking gas springs.

Tension gas springs pull in, instead of push out. The gas spring is constructed in such a way that the gas pressure in the cylinder pulls the piston rod inside the gas spring. Without an external load, tension gas springs are in the compressed state.

In general, gas springs can not be repaired.