Selection Criteria
THE PRINCIPLE
AL-KO gas struts “store” the power expended when pressing them together. It is available for use when it is extended. A pressure cylinder filled with nitrogen serves as a store. The compression and extension forces are transmitted from a movable sealed piston rod at the end of the cylinder conducted through a piston in the pressure cylinder. The extension force depends on the gas fill pressure and the cross-sectional area of the piston rod.
THE ADVANTAGES
Gas struts manifest distinct advantages over conventional coil springs:
- Up to 75% smaller
- Very flat spring deflection curve
- Particularly suitable for moving or adjusting flaps, doors, windows, platforms or other operational elements.
In the furniture industry, vehicle construction, medical laboratories and mechanical engineering they have already become a symbol for technical maturity and operational ease.
HOW DO YOU SELECT THE CORRECT GAS STRUT?
- Determine what load you want to lift (see diagram and calculation below)
- Based on the load you want to carry select the appropriate Newton capacity and cylinder diameter
- Determine the stroke length required, i.e. open length minus closed length
- Determine the open and closed lengths to fit in the gas strut
- Select the appropriate end fitting (ball type is most commonly used)
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