Nitrogen Gas Springs

Nitrogen gas springs are a cost- and space-efficient alternative to traditional metal coil springs in many industrial applications. They are also safe and durable, offering immediate and fairly consistent pressure over the entire stroke length and without gradual loss of force due to metal fatigue over time.

Nitrogen gas springs operate with pressurized nitrogen gas. When the gas is pressurized, the spring stores energy and when pressure is removed the stem is pushed up by the expanding gas. A small amount of lubricating oil is also sealed inside the spring housing to keep the piston moving smoothly in both directions.

In this article we’ll look at different types of nitrogen gas springs, applications for them, and benefits of choosing them over metal coil springs, especially in metal stamping applications.

Types of Nitrogen Gas Springs

Nitrogen gas springs are one of many types of compression spring. They can be used for many applications in different industries. Here we’ll focus on Ready’s Design-Tite nitrogen gas die springs, designed specifically for use in metal stamping die sets. They are available in a range of stroke lengths, diameters, and force capacities.

All Ready nitrogen gas die springs offer high force in a one- or two-piece bore sealed, cylindrical housing. Options include:

• BE Series. Extra compact for use in space-limited die set applications.
• CE Series. Sub-compact for high force stroke lengths in a small space.
• LE Series International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Line. This line meets all ISO and VDI piston rod, body, and height standards, as well as mounting and charge port specifications.
• SE Series Renault Line. This series conforms to Renault’s mounting, charge port, and body height requirements. All springs in this series provide the same force as the LE-ISO Series in a shorter height.
• PE Series Performance Line. This series offers similar forces, body lengths, and stroke lengths to both the LE and SE series die springs in a more narrow body diameter.
• M Series. A versatile line of semi-compact springs in a range of forces, stroke lengths, and body lengths.
• T Series. A super-compact series that features one third more force than the BE Series in similar-sized, bore-seal housings.
• H Series. Die springs with maximum force capacity that also retain the compact size of a gas spring.
• R Series. Featuring a threaded exterior body for secure installation and convenience.

Many of these nitrogen gas die springs are compatible with shield scrapers and can be interconnected with flexible hose and manifold systems for greater flexibility.

Ready springs feature a floating guide stem design which allows a small amount of movement where the stem exits the cylinder during operation along with a uniquely shaped stem. These features limit spring damage due to lateral forces that can occur with deviations in vertical movement during operation.

Learn more about Ready nitrogen gas die springs in our FlipBook catalog

Applications for Nitrogen Gas Springs

Generally speaking, gas springs are used in many applications calling for compression springs, such as:

• Metalworking and metal forming
• Injection molding
• Industrial manufacturing
• Automotive and aerospace manufacturing
• Assembly operations

Another major application for nitrogen gas springs is in metal stamping. Specialized nitrogen gas die springs are located inside die sets between the die plates. They allow the die to open and close with desired force from the stamping press and over desired stroke length for the application.

Nitrogen gas springs are a smart choice for metal stamping because they provide consistent, immediate, and controlled pressure over the entire stroke length. They help maintain proper die clearance and prevent distortion or damage to the stamping material.

Benefits of Nitrogen Gas Springs

Nitrogen gas die springs offer many benefits. In general as compression springs they offer:

• Immediate, consistent force over the entire stroke length due to the expansion and contraction of the nitrogen gas
• Durability because they are less prone to wear than metal coils and do not lose their ability to hold and exert force over time
• Longevity with a potential useful life of hundreds of thousands to millions of cycles
• Rechargeability for extended use
• Extreme safety when properly installed and operated
• Cost-efficiency because they require no maintenance and are replaced less frequently than metal coil springs

Beyond the benefits noted above, gas springs offer additional advantages specifically for metal stamping applications, such as:

• Compact size for use with short stroke lengths or shut heights
• Flexibility to be used autonomously or in multiples connected by a hose or with a manifold
• Adjustable pressure for precise operation and control over the stamping process
• Greater force output capability than metal coil springs, resulting in fewer springs needed per die set

More information is available here

Gas Die Springs From Ready Technology

When selecting the right nitrogen gas spring for your metal stamping application, these factors are critical:

• Stroke length
• Open and closed lengths
• Cylinder and stem diameters
• Required force in decaNewtons
• If threading is desired
• Mounting pattern on cylinder base

The Ready team is available to discuss your requirements and help you choose the best springs for your needs. Please check out our Website catalog for product selection and more details about nitrogen gas springs or contact us today!