- The gas spring is filled with gas under very high pressure, so it must never be opened, exposed to high temperatures, mechanically damaged or used to lift a heavier load than recommended.
- Mounting: the gas spring must be mounted with the piston rod downwards. This position enables lubrication of the seals and damping at the end of the stroke. If a different mounting position is required, it must be specified in the order.
- Storage: gas springs can be stored in whatever position. However, it is not recommended to store them longer than one year because of “a slip-stick effect” which may be caused by the seals sticking on the cylinder when gas springs are used for the first time after a long period of rest. It is extremely important to avoid any mechanical damage.
- Gas springs have a particular lifespan – they wear out after a certain number of strokes, so they should not be considered as safety elements. Minor quantities of oil which may remain on the piston rod must not get in contact with food, water or similar goods.
- If gas springs are exposed to strong vibrations, the end fittings need to be strongly fastened or glued to avoid loosening. High frequency of strokes may heat the gas spring and consequently damage the seals.
- The mounting position of gas springs should be such as to prevent collision when compressed. The end fittings must be lubricated in order to avoid the effect of side forces which may bend the piston rod. Non-axial forces must be avoided.
- Mechanical damage, corrosion, paint residues or dirt may seriously damage the sealing unit of a gas spring. The cylinder must not be damaged or deformed. In case any of the above mentioned effects causes inadequate functioning of gas springs, they are no longer covered by our guarantee. If a particular application of gas springs implies danger of such damage, protective tubes for gas springs can be produced.
- The gas spring must not be exposed to any forces that exceed the extension force for more than 30%. If possible, the final positions of the load when compressed or extended should be 5 mm before the minimum or maximum length of the gas spring.
- The temperature range of the application of gas springs is between –30°C to + 80°C. If gas springs are to be used within a different temperature range, it should be specified in the order. The change in temperature affects the extension force of the gas spring – approximately 3,5% for every 10°C.
- The piston rod of a locking gas spring in made of a tube with a release pin. It is extremely important to avoid any dirt or moisture which may cause corrosion inside the tube, consequently block the release pin and prevent the activation of the gas spring. Locking gas springs should be mounted with the piston rod downwards. When the locking gas spring is activated, the release pin can only go as far as the beginning of the piston rod.
- In the order, it should be clearly indicated if gas springs are to be used in normal conditions (extension force defined at 20°C, natural environment – air) or in special circumstances. If there are no specific requirements, we normally produce standard gas springs.
- When a gas spring is out of use, it should not be disposed of without a preliminary preparation. On the cylinder, a borehole of 2 mm should be made about 20 mm from the end of the cylinder – on the side which is not connected to the piston rod. Special precautions should be taken because the remaining gas in the cylinder may expand with very high speed and throw around hard pieces of boring which may damage the eyes. The rest of oil should be disposed of like any other waste oil and the empty gas spring can be treated just like any other metal waste.
Tolerances, characteristics
- Length tolerance: +/- 2mm
- Extension force tolerance: +/- 10N or +/-5%
- Maximum extension speed: approximately 0,30 m/s
- Lifespan: 30.000 strokes