Choosing between springs and gas springs

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

In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about springs and gas springs, their different properties and applications. We will introduce you to the most important spring types and give you tips on how to find 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 that need to store and subsequently release energy. These properties make them a good choice for a variety of industrial applications. They also help to reduce friction and facilitate smooth motion. They can also carry loads and exert constant force on loads. It is important to select the correct type of spring for the application to ensure optimal performance and safety. Springs and gas springs differ in terms of their properties, such as their force, length and damping. In addition to springs, damping materials are also suitable for damping mechanical forces. You will learn more about this in this article.

Springs and gas springs are very popular because they are robust and durable. They can be used for many years under various environmental conditions. They are also very cost-effective, which makes them very attractive for many applications.

What are springs?

Springs are mechanical components that store and release forces as necessary. They generally consist of an elastic material, such as steel or plastic, and can be produced in various shapes and sizes. Springs are an important component used in mechanical engineering and are found in a wide range of applications.

What properties do springs have?

Springs have various technical properties. The most important property is the spring constant, which describes the ratio between the exerted force (load) and the resulting deflection. The graph of the spring constant when a force is exerted on the spring is graphically represented using the spring characteristic.

Another important factor is the shape of the spring, since it directly influences the spring constant and the possible application ranges 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 springs shapes are there?

Leaf springs and wire springs can be used in various shapes with their unique characteristics, depending on the operating conditions. The most important types of springs used in mechanical engineering are:

• Tension springs: This type of spring counteracts tensile forces. Tension springs consist of a helical spring wire and have various types of eyelets or other mounting options at their two ends. Tension springs typically have a cylindrical shape. In addition to the wire diameter, the preload and maximum permissible deflection are crucial for the intended application and the spring constant. Buy tension springs in the MISUMI webshop.
• Compression springs: This type of spring counteracts forces that compress the spring. Like tension springs, compression springs consist of a helical spring wire and usually have ends wound onto blocks. Wave springs are a special shape of the compression spring shaft springs. These use wavy spring elements, which significantly reduce the space requirement. Different spring characteristics are usually implemented in compression springs over the distances of the individual active windings. Discover a wide selection of compression springs in the MISUMI web shop.
• Leaf springs: Leaf springs are made from flat spring strip steel. Leaf springs can counteract tensile or compressive forces depending on the application. In addition to the number of angled surfaces, the thickness of the spring strip steel significantly influences the spring constant.
• Torsion springs: Torsion springs consist of a coiled spring wire and have a clamping arm at both ends. They absorb a torsional moment that acts on the windings by changing the angle of the clamping arms. The spring constant is substantially determined by the number of windings and the angles between the two clamping arms. Buy torsion springs in the MISUMI webshop now
• Spiral springs: Spiral springs consist of a rolled-up spring plate, wherein one end is securely mounted to a roller. They absorb tensile and torsional forces that act on the spiral windings of the spring over the free end. The resistance is constant after the maximum load is reached, 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 with threaded connections and can counteract high forces that compress the spring.

What are gas springs?

Gas compression springs or gas springs are pressurized cylinders that store and release forces as needed. They consist of a cylinder filled with a gas (nitrogen) under high pressure and of a piston that moves inside the cylinder and compresses the gas under force. Gas springs can be manufactured in different sizes and with different compression ranges and have continuously adjustable spring forces. Visit the MISUMI web shop and buy high-quality gas compression springs or gas springs..

What properties do gas springs have?

Gas springs are very powerful and can absorb large loads. Compared to normal springs, gas springs have flatter spring characteristics and can generate high spring forces (push-out forces) despite their compact design. The push-out force remains constant over almost the entire stroke. Gas springs are particularly useful in applications requiring controlled motion. They can also be used in combination with other components, such as hydraulic systems, to enable even more precise control.

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

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 deforming the material, while gas springs have a cylinder and piston construction and generate force by compressing the compression gas.

The greatest advantage of gas compression springs is the ability to continuously adjust the spring force based on the exerted gas pressure. While the force on conventional springs is determined by the shape, the number of coils and many other features, the force on gas springs can be individually adapted to the requirements of the application. Gas springs thus offer greater flexibility and precision in the application. Due to their technical properties, gas springs also require significantly less space with the same force, which is why they are particularly suitable for use in confined environments. They can also absorb higher loads and are therefore the preferred choice in many applications, especially when controlled motion is required.

Conventional springs are a cost-effective and versatile alternative to gas springs, but are suited wherever the precision requirements for the spring force are slightly lower. Conventional springs are also more resistant to temperature fluctuations and do not require service to maintain their performance.

What type of spring is better suited for your application?

The choice between springs and gas springs depends on the specific application. Springs are generally a good choice for applications that require high load capacity and a simple design. Gas springs, on the other hand, are a good choice for applications that require precise control and continuously adjustable force and speed.

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