Differences Between Gas Struts, Shocks, and Springs
Gas springs are sometimes referred to as gas struts, gas props, or gas lifts depending on the industry and application. Gas springs or gas struts are frequently used to support or counterbalance moving masses.
Damped gas springs are also referred to as gas shocks or gas dampers depending on the industry and application. Damped gas springs are used to support moving masses while controlling the system’s motion.
In the realm of motion control and load support, the terms gas strut, shock, and spring are often used interchangeably, leading to confusion. While these components may appear similar, they serve distinct functions and are engineered for different purposes.
This technical overview clarifies the fundamental differences in their operation, construction, and ideal applications, empowering you to select the optimal solution for your specific engineering challenge.
What is a Gas Strut?
Often referred to as gas springs, gas props, or gas lifts, gas struts are sophisticated hydro-pneumatic devices designed to support and counterbalance moving masses. They are instrumental in applications where a heavy object needs to be lifted, held in a specific position, and then smoothly lowered. Common uses include heavy-duty industrial access panels, machine guards, and toolboxes.
How They Work: A gas strut consists of a sealed cylinder containing high-pressure nitrogen gas and a small amount of oil. A piston rod moves through this sealed cylinder. When an external force is applied, the rod moves into the cylinder, compressing the nitrogen gas and storing energy. This stored energy provides the lifting force. The oil in the cylinder, along with precisely engineered openings in the piston, provides a damping effect, ensuring smooth, controlled movement throughout the strut's travel.
What is a Gas Shock?
Frequently called dampers or gas springs, shocks are engineered with the primary goal of controlling the speed and dampening the oscillations of a moving component. Unlike gas struts, a "pure" shock or damper does not provide any lifting force; its sole purpose is to resist motion. This is achieved by converting the kinetic energy of the movement into heat, which is then dissipated.
How They Work: A shock absorber is typically a hydraulic or pneumatic device. As a piston moves through a cylinder filled with hydraulic fluid, the fluid is forced through small orifices. This restriction creates resistance, which slows down the movement in a controlled manner. The level of damping can be precisely tuned by altering the size of the openings and the viscosity of the fluid. Damped gas springs or shocks are critical in applications requiring the prevention of sudden impacts or the smoothing out of vibrations, including tool boxes, cargo doors and car hoods.
What is a Gas Spring?
While "gas spring" is often used synonymously with "gas strut," the term more accurately describes a broad family of components designed to store energy by compressing gas. As a specialized manufacturer, IGS offers a full line of gas springs engineered for diverse applications, far beyond simple lifting. Our engineering staff works directly with clients to design and manufacture custom solutions to meet precise specifications.
The primary types of gas springs include:
- Compression Gas Springs: As detailed above, these are the standard "push" type springs, also known as gas struts, that extend to support a load. They are used in an extensive range of industries for applications such as supporting panels and doors.
- Tension Gas Springs: These operate in the reverse of a compression spring. They are designed to provide a pulling or retracting force. Instead of extending under pressure, they retract. Tension gas springs are ideal for applications that require pulling a component closed, such as self-closing hatches, safety guards, or levers.
- Locking Gas Springs: These advanced springs offer the ability to be locked at any position along the stroke. This provides rigid support, allowing a component to be held firmly in place and then released with a simple actuation mechanism. Common applications include adjustable operator chairs, hospital beds, and ergonomic workstations.
Through our commitment to quality and continuous improvement, we can tailor any of these gas spring types with custom features, including reduced compression ratios, high-temperature seals, food-grade oil, high-speed extension, and low-friction components. We also provide a complete range of mounting hardware, such as end fittings and brackets, to ensure seamless integration into your product.