Mechanical springs work on the principle of applying pressure onto the spring material. Gas springs, however, depend on the pressurization of the nitrogen gas within the spring. Although commonly used for the regulated opening of doors and hoods, you'll find them in a wide range of equipment, such as vehicle door supports, lifting and unloading machines, tools, beds and windows. Having the right spring mechanism can make a big difference in how well your equipment works.

Instructions
1.Consider the role of the gas spring in the equipment. Springs may be required as a support for doors or for lifting and unloading operations. Sometimes, they may be required to function as a shock absorber. The function of the spring will decide the frequency of its action within the equipment. For continuous operation applications, you'll need to use a high-frequency gas spring that's equipped to withstand the greater wear and tear. If the spring is not going to be operated as frequently, a low-frequency model will do.

2.Decide the material of construction. Study the design of your project. Understand the exact role of the gas spring in the equipment. Analyze the conditions the spring has to endure during the course of operation. Use this information to decide upon the best type of material for your application. If the spring has to operate under conditions that involve some degree of corrosion, choose a gas spring made of 316 grade stainless steel. For milder conditions, carbon steel gas springs may suffice.

3.Decide the spring dimensions. If you're going to use the gas spring in association with a hatch, you'll need to study the hatch details. The weight of the hatch that needs lifting, the length and thickness of the hatch are important. Another significant detail is the angle to which the hatch has to open. Once you have these technical details, you can calculate the size of the spring you need. Hatches that are small but thick, for instance, will need longer springs.

4.Review suitability. Gas springs are available in many standard sizes. Browse the Internet to find details of models provided by manufacturers. See which models best suit your particular dimensional and operational requirements. If you can't find a suitable one, contact a manufacturer that builds custom springs.