Constuction of a Gas Spring

A gas spring contains several components, each of which is integral for the safe and successful operation of the component

ROD:

A rod comes as either precision ground, polished carbon or stainless steel and the surface is treated to improve wear and increase corrosion resistance. Generally, the rod will always be longer than the stroke of the spring (see Section 2: Terminology) and shorter than the length of the tube.

Carbon Steel can be treated in several ways such as chrome-plating, salt-bath nitriding and using a Nitrotec surface layer treatment. For Camloc’s carbon steel rods, we use a layer of Nitrotec surfacing as this has a number of advantages over the former methods. These include:

• Better wear resistance
• Lower frictional characteristics
• Corrosion resistance equivalent to stainless steel
• The process is environmentally friendly, non-toxic and produces no acidic by-products

Tube

A gas spring tube comprises a high-integrity, powder coated, carbon or stainless steel seamless welded tube; which is suitable for high pressures.

The internal surface finish and tensile strength of the tube are critical for a gas springs longevity and burst pressure performance.

Guide and Seal Package

Manufactured from plastic composite, the guide and seal package provide a bearing surface for the rod and prevents the escape of gas and ingress of contamination.

As well as plastic composite, the guides used in Camloc’s gas springs can also be manufactured from zinc, brass or other materials with a suitable bearing sleeve incorporated. Rubber is used as standard for seals.

Piston Assembly

The piston assembly is manufactured from zinc, aluminium or plastic. For factors involving safety and preventing the rod being expelled from the spring, the integrity of the piston to rod attachment is critical.

The piston assembly controls the rate at which the gas spring extends and compresses.

End Plug

The end plug is used to seal the tube end of the gas spring, with this also attaching to the tube end fitting.Camloc’s Vari-Lift™ can be incorporated here where required, allowing for the release of Nitrogen gas and subsequent reduction in force of the spring.

Nitrogen Gas Charge

Nitrogen is used inside gas springs as it is inert and non-flammable, therefore not reacting with any of the internal components