Posted to News on 26th May 2014, 00:00
Weight-critical tasks solved with aluminium gas springs
There are many applications where weight is a decisive factor. Now a new range of aluminium gas springs has been designed for just such applications, delivering all the benefits of steel in terms of quality and performance but less than half the weight.
>In weight-critical applications, the ability to keep down the weight of each individual component can hold the key to a successful design. When it comes to gas springs, if you could have all the characteristics of steel and stainless steel products minus the added weight, then that could be a decisive advantage. It was exactly this that provided the inspiration for Bansbach's aluminium range of Easylift gas springs, available in the UK from Albert Jagger.
>Realising more than a 50% reduction in weight when compared to a standard steel gas spring of similar specifications, this latest addition to the Easylift range will help design engineers solve key problems with weight critical applications during the design process, particularly in military, aerospace or medical environments. Weighing in at 120g for a typical spring with a 8mm piston diameter and 20mm cylinder diameter with a 150mm stroke when compared to a heavier 250g for a standard steel gas spring of similar dimensions. This weight advantage for a single cylinder is significant on its own, but becomes even more important in applications where several gas springs are used, as is often seen in the aerospace industry.
>Manufactured from high grade aluminium alloy, the new aluminium gas springs are available in stroke ranges from 10mm to 300mm and forces between 30N and 500N. Bansbach says that the outstanding quality normally expected from is products has not been compromised in any way in order to achieve their significant weight advantage. The new lightweight aluminium gas springs shares the same key design features as the standard range of Easylift gas springs such as excellent corrosion resistance, prolonged product life cycle and extremely low break away friction forces achieved through a combination of a super smooth, anodised surface treatment to the piston and a unique sealing design with an integral grease chamber, which also allows fitment in any plane.
>Products are available with fast, normal and slow push-out speeds, and with choices of no end damping, normal end damping or increased end damping.
>With over 40 years experience supplying a diverse range of gas springs, Bansbach enjoys an envious reputation for quality. The company's experience and efficient manufacturing is recognised and appreciated by many companies, not only in Europe but through-out the World. Albert Jagger's long association with Bansbach has given it many years experience which enables the company to respond quickly and positively - giving advice and assistance to determine which gas spring is most suited to a particular application.
>Easylift gas springs represent a modular system with an infinite number of off-the-shelf component combinations allowing versatile design solutions with the shortest possible lead times in the industry. The range includes compression gas springs, traction gas springs, lockable gas springs and dampers, with numerous release options and an extensive range of connectors.
>As an alternative to gas springs, Albert Jagger also offers Bansbach's Easymotion hydraulic linear actuation system, providing precise and adjustment and reliable synchronous control of multiple adjustment cylinders. This enables accurate positioning and height/level adjustment (even on multiple legs) of equipment, machinery or surfaces to meet specific user requirements. Typical applications include work stations, monitors or screens, assembly tables, production line facilities, as well as disability, rehabilitation and medical/laboratory equipment.
>The Easymotion system consists of a hydraulic pump, adjustment cylinders and flexible tubes for connecting each individual component. This system can then be operated manually via a foldable crank handle or via an electric motor. There are also a wide range of control systems available to operate the electric motor, including push button, foot pedal and remote control options.
>The loading and speed of the system can be set subject to specification and size, and the system is very easy to install, making the siting and adjustment of vertical, horizontal and angled surfaces quick, easy and accurate. A versatile system with numerous options available at every stage of the specification, it can be tailor-made to individual requirements and as ever the build quality and reliability is unquestionable.
>New to the Easymotion range is a heavy duty system, which enables you to easily move loads of up to 900 kg. This system consists of four adjustment cylinders and is operated by an electric motor. The compact dimensions of the hose connectors between the pump and the adjustment cylinders mean that the system can be installed into even the smallest space, and the flexibility of the hose layout means that the system is unobtrusive. And despite its high weight capacity, the operation of the heavy duty system remains smooth and trouble free.
>As with all Easymotion systems, operator safety is paramount and in the unlikely case of any problem, misuse or obstruction during operation, the Bansbach patented emergency 'Break-Stop', will safely shut off the power and stop the procedure. The 'Break-Stop' system can also be specified as an optional extra on all standard Easymotion systems.
