Choose between springs and gas springs

Springs and gas springs are two of the most commonly used types of suspension. They are used to store forces and release them again as required. But which type of spring is suitable for which application?

In this article, you will learn all you need to know about springs and gas springs, their different properties and application areas. We will introduce you to the most important spring types and give you tips for finding the right spring for your application.

Why should you consider springs and gas springs for your application?

Springs and gas springs are often used in applications where energy needs to be stored and then subsequently released. These properties make them a good choice for a wide range of industrial applications. They also help to reduce friction and enable smooth movement. They can bear loads and apply constant force to loads. To ensure optimal performance and safety, it is important to select the right spring type for the application. Springs and gas springs differ in their properties, e.g. their force, length and damping.

Springs and gas springs are very popular for their robustness and durability. They can be used for many years under different environmental conditions. They are also very inexpensive, which makes them very attractive for a wide range of applications.

What are springs?

Springs are mechanical components used to store forces and release them again when required. They are usually made of an elastic material, such as steel or plastic, and can be produced in different shapes and sizes. Springs are an important component in the field of mechanics and are used in a wide range of applications.

What are the properties of springs?

Springs have different technical properties. The most important property here is the spring constant, which describes the relationship between the force applied (load) and the resulting deflection. The course of the spring constant when a force is applied on the spring is shown in graph form using the spring characteristic curve.

Another important factor is the shape of the spring, as it has a direct impact on the spring constant and the possible application areas of the spring. In addition to the technical properties, factors such as ambient temperature, humidity and corrosion resistance also play an important role in selecting the right spring for a specific application.

What types of springs are available?

Leaf springs and wire springs come in different shapes, each with their own characteristics, depending on the operating conditions. The most important types of springs for mechanical applications are:

• Tension springs: This type of spring counteracts tensile forces. Tension springs consist of a helically wound spring wire and have different types of eyelet or other attachment options at both ends. Tension springs typically have a cylindrical shape. In addition to the wire diameter, the preload and maximum permissible deflection are key factors for the planned use and the spring constant. Here you will find an overview.
• Compression springs: This type of spring counteracts forces compressing the spring. Like tension springs, compression springs consist of a helically wound spring wire, with ends usually wound onto blocks. Wave springs are a special form of compression spring using wave-shaped spring elements, which significantly reduces the space required. With compression springs, different spring characteristic curves are usually achieved via the distances of the individual active coils. Here you will find an overview.
• Leaf springs: Leaf springs are made of flat spring steel strip. Leaf springs can counteract tensile or compressive forces depending on the area of application. In addition to the number of angled surfaces, the thickness of the spring steel strip has a significant impact on the spring constant.
• Torsion springs: Torsion springs consist of a wound spring wire and have a tensioning arm at both ends. They absorb a torsional moment acting on the coils by changing the angle of the clamping arms. The key factor for the spring constant is the number of coils and the angles between the two clamping arms. Here you will find an overview.
• Spiral springs: Spiral springs consist of a rolled-up spring plate, with one end firmly connected to a roller. They absorb tensile and rotational forces acting on the spiral coils of the spring via the free end. Once the maximum load is reached, the resistance remains constant regardless of the deflection.
• Disc springs: Disc springs are disc-shaped flat springs with an angled outer diameter. Disc springs are particularly suited for use in bolted connections and can counteract high forces compressing the spring.

What are gas springs?

Gas pressure springs or gas springs are pressurised cylinders that store forces and release them again as required. They consist of a cylinder filled with a highly pressurised gas (nitrogen) and a piston that moves inside the cylinder and compresses the gas when force is applied. Gas springs can be produced in different sizes and with different compression levels and offer infinitely variable spring force adjustment.

What are the properties of gas springs?

Gas springs are extremely powerful and can carry a large load. Gas springs have a flatter spring characteristic curve compared to normal springs and can develop high spring forces (extension forces) despite their compact design. The extension force remains constant over almost the entire stroke. Gas springs are particularly useful in applications that require controlled movement. They can also be used in combination with other components, such as hydraulic systems, for even more precision in control.

Gas springs exert a constant force on an object, are usually low-maintenance and are also very durable and robust when used correctly.

How do springs and gas springs differ from each other?

Springs and gas springs differ in several aspects. The most obvious difference is that springs are usually made of metal and generate their force by deformation of the material, while gas springs have a cylinder and piston design and generate force by compressing the gas.

The greatest advantage of gas pressure springs is the ability to adjust the spring force continuously using the applied gas pressure. While, in conventional springs, the force is determined by the shape, the number of coils and many other factors, in gas springs, the force can be adapted individually to the requirements of the application. Gas springs therefore offer greater flexibility and precision in the application. Due to their technical properties, gas pressure springs also require significantly less space to provide the same force, which is why they are particularly well suited for use in tight spaces. They can also carry higher loads, making them the preferred choice in a wide range of applications, especially where controlled movement is required.

Conventional springs are a cost-effective and versatile alternative to gas springs and are suitable wherever slightly lower requirements apply for the spring force precision. Conventional springs are also more resistant to temperature fluctuations and require no maintenance to maintain their performance.

Which type of spring is best suited for your application?

The choice between springs and gas springs depends on the specific application. Springs are usually a good choice for applications requiring a high load capacity and simple construction. Gas springs, on the other hand, are a good choice for applications where precise control and continuous adjustment of the force and speed are required.

It is also important to take environmental factors into account, such as temperature, humidity and corrosion resistance. Gas springs can be a better choice in environments with high temperatures or moisture content, as they are less prone to corrosion and wear. In any case, it is important to consider the specific requirements of the application and carry out a thorough analysis to make the right choice between springs and gas springs.

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