YOUR MOTION. OUR SOLUTION.

GAS SPRINGSAND DAMPERS

SOLUTIONS FOR
INDUSTRIAL
APPLICATIONSTITLE | CHAPTER | SEGMENT | SERIESTABILUS | COMPANYSTABILUS – A COMPANY WITH
A TRADITION IN INNOVATIONSPIONEER PERFORMANCE
Stabilus has more than 80 years experiences in the manufacture of hydropneumatics equipment. In addition to having
produced hydraulic dampers over several decades, Stabilus
presented the world’s first standard production gas spring in
1962. To date, it has produced over 2 billion gas springs. With
its gas springs and hydraulic dampers, Stabilus is the world
market leader with an annual production of more than 140
million units.
GLOBALLY ACTIVE
With a global sales and service network and 11 production sites
in nine countries Stabilus supplies and supports more than
2,600 customers worldwide.
FOR ALL BUSINESS SECTORS
Known for more than half a century in the automotive and furniture industries, Stabilus gas springs have now also become
an indispensable element in countless applications in the mostdiverse sectors.
Gas springs and dampers for industrial applications and for
applications in automotive engineering. Compact design, highlevel of operating convenience and safety in use continue toexpand the field of applications for Stabilus products.
Industrial applications:
FurnitureMedical engineeringBuilding industry
Mechanical engineering

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
Customer service and customer satisfaction are key objectives for the company. Stabilus is known in particular for its
technical innovation, quality and competitive pricing in all its
business units.
HIGHEST QUALITYAs the leading gas spring supplier worldwide, our quality
management system fulfills without question the high quality
requirements of international standards, such as DIN EN ISO
9001-2000, as well as the new world standard ISO/TS 169492002 with the regulatory requirements of QS 9000, VDA 6.1,
EAQF, and AVSQ.
CARE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
Stabilus places utmost importance in achieving environmentally friendly production methods. Its success in this area isdocumented by the certification of its environmental management system in conformity with DIN EN ISO 14001 as well aswith EC-environmental management systems (EMAS).
SERVICE AND TECHNICAL APPLICATION SUPPORT
Stabilus of course provides extensive technical, design andinstallation support in specific applications. The extensive
know-how of our application consultants and technicians coupled with our highly efficient installation proposal programmes and practical arrangements, also on site, ensure optimal
solutions.

Applications in automotive engineering:Automotive superstructures
Construction machinesAgricultural vehicles
BusesRailwaywww.stabilus.com

3

PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS | GAS SPRINGS AND DAMPERS

Extended

Friction-force

Compressed

FR

F3

Force of compression

Force [N]Spring rate
Force of extension

X= F2 /F1

F1
5

Depending on
installation angle

F2

Damping range

Hydraulic5

Pneumatic
Stroke (mm)

PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS,
ADVANTAGES, USESOPERATING PRINCIPLE OF A GAS SPRING
The gas spring is a hydropneumatics adjusting element,
consisting of a pressure tube, a piston rod with piston andappropriate connection fittings. It is filled with compressed
nitrogen, which acts with equal pressure on differently dimensioned crosssectional areas of the piston. This produces
a force in the extension direction. This extension force can beexactly defined within physical limits through the appropriate
selection of the filling pressure.
SPRING CHARACTERISTIC CURVE AND F 1 FORCE
The spring characteristic curve describes the gas spring progression force over the stroke, i.e. from the extended to thecompressed state and vice versa. Unlike mechanical springs,
gas springs have an extremely flat, almost linear characteristic curve and therefore allow a uniform comfortable adjustment or pivoting movement.
The spring rate, X, representing the force ratio F 2 /F 1, lies between 1.2 and 1.4 with standard gas springs. Other values can be
defined on request and according to the application. Together with the dimensions, the F 1 force is the major descriptive feature for the choice of a gas spring and it is therefore
specified in all Stabilus brochures. It defines the value of thespring force and is measured 5 mm before the end of the extension movement. The difference between the force lines forthe compression and ex-tension direction, F R, is the result offriction effects.

4

EXTENDING SPEED AND DAMPING
A significant advantage of gas springs over mechanicalsprings is the definable speed curve, which allows for adamped and comfortably adjusting movement. Two types of
damping can be distinguished:Hydraulic damping
The extending speed is determined both by the arrangement
and the diameter of the bores in the piston and by the viscosityof the oil used. When the gas spring is installed with the piston
rod facing down the extending piston first travels through thegas-filled and then through the oil-filled part of the pressure
tube. As soon as it is immersed in the oil the piston rod moves
at a considerably lower speed.
Dynamic damping
Here the bore in the piston is replaced with a longitudinal groove in the wall of the pressure tube which serves as a bypass. Its
geometry and the length determine the damping curve. This
technique allows position-independent damping of the gas
springs.

www.stabilus.com

CHOICE | GAS SPRINGS AND DAMPERS

CHOICE AND APPLICATION OFGAS SPRINGSDIMENSIONS ACCORDING TO CHOICE
Stabilus offers an extremely wide range of gas spring types,
which vary in respect of their external dimensions, speed
curves and extension variants, and invariably meet the moststringent requirements. A large selection is included in the
Stabilus standard product range and can be delivered at short
notice.
SERVICE LIFE AND MAINTENANCE
Gas springs are maintenance-free! They are designed to
specific requirements and operate for years and years without
failure when properly installed. Also for particularly high numbers of load alterations special sealing systems are available
which allow e.g. specific gas springs in swivel chairs to withstand up to one million load cycles without damage.
CONNECTIONS
Different connections are available depending on the application. Stabilus therefore offers a wide range of plastic or metal
hinge eyes, including the easy-to-mount angle joint that only
has to be fitted on the ball socket and allows for twist-freeinstallation.

Gas springs

Installation position
Gas springs – except those designed for position-independent
installation – are preferably installed with the piston rod facing
down so as to maximise the hydraulic damping effect and toensure optimal lubrication of the guide and seal system.
Temperature behaviour
The temperature of the gaseous nitrogen inside the gas springinfluences its extension behaviour within certain limits. The
standard temperature range lies between -30 °C und +80 °C. In
addition, gas springs with special sealing systems for extremeloads are available.
Operational safety
The operational safety of the gas spring is primarily achievedby seals designed to keep the gas pressure inside. For yourprotection, no bending loads should be exerted on the gas
springs. Damage caused by subsequent mechanical operations, including welding, performed on the gas springs, as wellas contamination or painting of the piston rod may lead to thefailure of the devices.

Dampers

Non-locking

Locking

LIFT-O-MAT

B LOC-O-LIFT
STAB-O-MAT
STAB-O-BLOC

www.stabilus.com

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONSTwist-free connection
For maximum service life, gas springs should not be exposed
to twists or lateral forces. Suitable connection fittings, e.g.
angle joints, can be used for the twist-free connection of thegas springs.

STAB-O-SHOC

electromechanicallid drivesP OWERISE
Automotive

5LIFT-O-MAT | NON-BLOCKING GAS SPRINGS

Non-blocking gas springs
LIFTING, LOWERING, MOVING AND ADJUSTING
With their accurately adjusted extension force and application specific damping LIFT-O-MAT gas springs offer optimum
weight compensation, force support, they open and close
flaps and bonnets and ensure user- friendly movement sequences thanks to their damping characteristics.
PRODUCT VARIANTS
LIFT-O-MAT FR – for infinitely variable holding in place
The LIFT-O-MAT FR is a gas spring featuring a special piston
package with an integrated friction element, which – in addition to force assist – allows infinitely variable holding over theentire adjustment range. Even weight fluctuations between
defined limits, for example due to varying loads, can be offset.
HYDRO- LIFT
The HYDRO- LIFT features a valve in its piston, which, in addition to user-optimized force assist, allows infinitely variable
positioning. Depending on the design of the HYDRO-LIFT, thehold function can be active across the entire adjustment range
or in one or more partial sectors of the application.

might perform the stopping or hold the application load in any
position, until a manual force is applied, for example by hand.
LIFT-O-MAT – with end position locking
In addition to force support, the LIFT-O-MAT gas spring withend position locking also provides a safe mechanical lock forthe application in the extended position. Generally, two variations are available: Gas springs with the lock on the outside orgas springs with the lock on the inside.
 IFT-O-MAT – with decreasing or progressive springL
characteristic curve
LIFT-O-MAT gas springs with additional coil springs will causevery high or very low spring forces in the end positions, depending on installation orientation. Depending on the application
or requirement, rubber cushions or coil springs are used toachieve a very gentle end stop, adding to the gas spring effect.
The coil spring length and force can be optimized for theapplication.

INTER-STOP with holding range
The INTER-STOP gas spring combines the properties of the
LIFT-O-MAT with dynamic damping and the holding force working in the extension direction. The stroke can be divided into
two or more function areas. For example, one function area

Characteristics and benefits:• Available in a variety of standard sizes and force variants• Linear spring curve for uniform force progression over the entire spring travel• Available with progressive or degressive spring curve for force support at stroke
start or end position• Available with dynamic or hydraulic damping according to application and fitting position• Various connection systems for practical and swift installation

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LIFT-O-MAT | NON-BLOCKING GAS SPRINGS

Tube end fitting

Pressure tube

Nitrogen

Piston package

Oil
Guide and sealing package

Piston rod

Rod end fitting

www.stabilus.com

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BLOC-O-LIFT | LOCKING GAS SPRINGS

Locking gas springs
VARIABLE POSITIONING, RIGID OR SPRING BLOCKING
BLOC-O-LIFT gas springs basically work on the same principle
as the LIFT-O-MAT gas springs. In addition, BLOC-O- LIFT gas
springs can be blocked in any position, with springing or rigid
blocking in the extension or compression direction dependingon the design. Variable blocking is made possible by integrating the valve into the piston, which separates both pressurechambers gas tight. When the valve is closed, there by interrupting the gas exchange between both pressure chambers,
the BLOC-O-LIFT gas spring is blocked. The valve closes automatically when the valve tappet is released externally. The
springing blocking variant is ideal for the smooth dampeningof e.g. shocks, impacts or pulse-type peak loads.
PRODUCT VARIANTS
BLOC-O- LIFT with Override function
A special variation of this BLOC-O-LIFT gas spring comes withan additional override function. This function, designed forspecial customer requests, is to protect the application fromoverload. The override function is available in the tension orcompression direction.

KOMBI-LIFT for special applications
The KOMBI-LIFT is a combination of a locking and non-locking
gas spring; a specified segment of the stroke can lock duringextension. The functional ranges can be arranged in any location of the stroke. It is compressed independently of the lever
position, like a standard LIFT-O-MAT.
HYDRO-BLOC
The HYDRO-BLOC is a locking element without extension
force, with rigid locking in both directions. It is designed for
applications requiring tuned damping and variable rigid locking which do not need any force support.
BLOC-O-LIFT T withe specially flat spring characteristic
The BLOC-O-LIFT T gas spring, designed specifically forheight adjustable tables, has a very flat spring characteristic
curve, providing even adjustment over the entire stroke. This
makes it easy to adjust the table top height, regardless of its
weight, without the table losing stability or strength.

BLOC-O-LIFT OBT – locking in the compression direction
BLOC-O- LIFT OBT allows for convenient upward motion of
applications, such as table tops, without the need to actuate arelease. It is variably locking in the compression direction.

Characteristics and benefits:• Numerous sizes and force variants are available as standard products• Linear spring characteristics for evenly low force increase across the entire range of movement• Progressive or decreasing spring characteristics for force supply at the beginning or end of the stroke• Up on request, available with hydraulic damping, for example, for targeted slowdown shortly before the end stop
• Rigid or spring blocking in the extension or compression direction. Optionally, a position independent
variant is available• Also available with a small actuation range of 1 mm (standard 2.5 mm) for very easy operation• Up on request, also suited for continuous actuation

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www.stabilus.com

BLOC-O-LIFT | LOCKING GAS SPRINGS

Piston rod

Guide and sealing package

Piston package

Oil

Separating piston
Pressure tube
NitrogenPressure cylinder end fitting

www.stabilus.com

9STAB-O-SHOC | OIL-HYDRAULIC DAMPERS

Oil-hydraulic dampers
HYDRAULIC DAMPENING OF VIBRATIONS AND MOTIONS
Stabilus offers dampers for a variety of applications. Whether
in automotive manufacturing, process technology manufacturing, industrial applications, or in the furniture industry –STAB-O-SHOC dampers from Stabilus are always there when it
comes to positively affecting motion and vibrations.
The vibration system transmits motion into the dampers andconverts the kinetic energy into thermal energy. Consequently, the damping forces generated will always depend on thepiston speed. Hydraulic dampers with a modular piston systemallow adapting the tensile and compression forces, which may
differ to the application.

PRODUKTVARIANTENFor position dependent or position independent installation
Vibration dampening only at specific frequencies (frequency
dependent dampening) upon request
Dampers are designed to optimally match the particularapplicationDampers with or without extension force
W ith damping forces in one direction or in the extension andcompression direction

CHARACTERISTICS
Not orientation-specific: Can be installed in any position.
Orientation-specific: Install with piston rod down or up.
Friction fit: When the load is reversed, the damping force will
be actuated immediately. The force is transmitted without ano-load stroke.
No friction fit: When the load is reversed, damping force andforce transmission will be actuated with a delay.
E xtension force: Static exten-sion force for the piston rod
can be specified.

Characteristics and benefits:• Compact dimensions with maximum reliability and durability• Electrically adjustable dampers Suited for operating temperatures between -40 °C and +130 °C• Defined linear, progressive or degressive damping force characteristic for optimal results• Variable damping rate e.g. for steering dampers and driver seat dampers• Frequency dependent dampening• Several connection variants for easy installation

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www.stabilus.com

STAB-O-SHOC | OIL-HYDRAULIC DAMPERS

Pressure cylinder
end fitting

Equalisation chamber

Oil

Damper piston

Pressure tube

Guide and sealing package

Piston rod

Rod end fitting

www.stabilus.com

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STAB-O-MAT | ELASTIC LOCKING GAS SPRINGSElastic locking gas springs
FOR VARIABLE SEAT HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
STAB-O-MAT and STAB-O-BLOC gas springs are lock able gas
spring specifically for variable and comfortable adjustment of
the seat height in office swivel chairs, task chairs, executive
chairs, stools, etc.
PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS
The difference between the two locking gas springs STAB-OMAT and STAB-O-BLOC lies in their structure. While the STABO-MAT absorbs the weight on the seat and bending moments(caused by uneven weight distribution on the seat) with theproperly designed pressure cylinder, these tasks are performed by the internal gas spring and the additional support tube
in the STAB-O-BLOC. Of course, both types of gas springs
comply with the respective standards. They are both available
with the same forces and in the same dimensions, which makes them interchangeable. Interna rubber cushions form thebottom end stop. Where necessary, special deep cushioning
systems offer additional comfort. Depending on the individual
requirements, STAB-O-MAT and STAB-O-BLOC gas springs areavailable as complete columns or individual gas springs.
Special Product Versions for Demanding Swivel Chairs
Special Seating Comfort due to deep cushioning systems
Multi-functional column
Better Height Adjustment with the Telescopic Stand
Tube Column
S wivel resistant column
Column with Stop Function

Characteristics and benefits:• Available in various lengths and with strokes of 50 to 300 mm• As complete columns with various diameters of upright tube and taper dimensions for
mounting into the seat carrier or in the swivel chair base• As telescopic column with over-proportional adjustment range• W ith anti-torsion device, e.g. for added operational safety• W ith various surface finishes of upright tube, e.g. enamelled or chromium-plated• W ith additional mechanical deep springing systems for added comfort, also in lowest
seat position• W ith adjustable release pins and short release travels and also with reduced release force

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STAB-O-MAT | ELASTIC LOCKING GAS SPRINGS

Release Pin

Valve system

Guide tube

Precision guide bushing

Support tube

Pressure tube

Axial Bearingwww.stabilus.com

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NOTES ON GAS SPRING DESIGNNOTES ON GAS SPRING DESIGN AND
INSTALLATION CALCULATIONThe Stabilus installation program allows us to design your optimized gas spring and its
connection for each special application case.
This data will yield:

For this, we will need the following data for theapplication, e.g., a flap:
 imensions, location of the center of gravity and weightDOpening angle to be accomplishedInstallation space available for the gas spring
Point at which manual force is applied (handle)
Temperature range
Connection technology

 troke A [mm]SE xtended length B [mm]E xtension force F 1 [N]Manual force curve FH [N] / � [degrees]

STROKE AND EXTENSION FORCE OF AGAS SPRING TO OPEN A FLAP

min. stroke

A=B-E

Extension force

F1=

FG x LGxR
n x L1

A: Stroke of the gas spring [mm]
B: Extended length of the gas spring [mm]E: Compressed length of the gas spring [mm]F 1: Extension force of the gas spring [N]F G: Weight force of the application in the centre of gravity [N]g: Acceleration due to gravity 9,81 [m/s 2]
L1: Vertical distance bearing/deformation axis F 1 [mm]
LG: Vertical distance bearing/deformation axis F G [mm]
RG: Radius bearing/centre of gravity [mm]m: Mass (weight) of the application [kg]n: Number of gas springs [ / ]R: Reserve force factor 1,2 ... 1,3 [ / ]14www.stabilus.com

YOUR MOTION. OUR SOLUTION.
THE GLOBAL MOTION CONTROL SOLUTIONPROVIDER TO THE INDUSTRY• Specialized industrial brands with unique solutions andexpertise for each market.
• Wide product range – from simple to complex requirements
across all industries.
• Broad global presence that closely connects us with all markets.

Stabilus group of industrial brands

Globally leading series gas spring manufacturer meeting
highest automotive
quality standards
for industrial
products inall plants.

Leading supplier forindividual vibration
isolation and shock
control solutions.

Expert in industrial
damping and deceleration with excellent
customer support
satisfying mostdemandingapplication
requirements.

Experienced providerof customized andspecial gas springs
with very fast time tomarket.

Innovative supplierof distinctive airline
motion control
solutions.

Experienced manufacturer of elastomeric vibration
isolators and shock
mounts.

YOUR MOTION. OUR SOLUTION.

Stabilus GmbH
Wallersheimer Weg 100
56070 Koblenz
Germany
T +49 261 - 8900-0
info@stabilus.com
www.stabilus.com@Stabilus@stabilusgroup

Stabilus GmbH 2022. All rights reserved.
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