Compression Gas Springs
MK Gas Springs manufactures compression gas springs for lifting assistance and support in applications such as hatches, lids, access panels and machine covers. These gas springs provide an outward pushing force, helping reduce the effort required to open a component and support it in the open position when correctly selected and installed.
Our range covers piston rod diameters from 4 to 14 mm and cylinder diameters from 12 to 28 mm. Across the range, available forces span 20–2,800 N and visible piston rod lengths (S) span 20–800 mm, depending on the selected series and configuration.
Choosing a suitable gas spring requires more than matching its diameter. The required force, stroke, extended length and end fittings must suit the available space and mounting arrangement. Compare the series below to explore the available ranges, or contact us for help selecting a configuration for your application.
Compression Gas Spring Series
Gas spring series are identified by their piston rod and cylinder diameters. For example, the 10/21 series has a 10 mm piston rod and a 21 mm cylinder. The diagram below shows these diameters, extended length (Lex) and visible piston rod length (S). In this diagram, Lex excludes end fittings and threads, while S is measured in the unloaded position, excluding the piston rod thread.
The extended length (Lex) values in this table exclude end fittings and threads. Visible piston rod length (S) is not necessarily equal to working stroke (Sw), which is the maximum available travel and may be shorter than S. Refer to the selected series and its configurator for the applicable dimensions and available combinations of length, travel and force.
| Series |
Piston rod diameter Ød (mm) |
Cylinder diameter ØD (mm) |
Force range (N) |
Visible piston rod length S (mm) |
Extended length Lex (mm) |
Configure |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/12 |
4 |
12 |
20–150 |
20–150 |
65–350 |
|
| 6 |
15 |
40–400 |
20–225 |
75–490 |
||
| 8/18 |
8 |
18 |
50–700 |
20–425 |
85–750 |
|
| 10/21 |
10 |
21 |
50–1,200 |
30–550 |
105–1,150 |
|
| 10/22 |
10 |
22 |
50–1,300 |
30–550 |
105–1,150 |
|
| 10/27 |
10 |
27 |
100–1,400 |
50–800 |
155–1,660 |
|
| 10/28 |
10 |
28 |
100–1,500 |
50–800 |
155–1,660 |
|
| 14/27 |
14 |
27 |
100–2,500 |
50–800 |
155–1,660 |
|
| 14/28 |
14 |
28 |
100–2,800 |
50–800 |
155–1,660 |
How to Select a Gas Spring
A suitable gas spring must match both the load and the way your mechanism moves. Force, stroke, length, mounting positions and end fittings should be considered together. Use the following steps to prepare your specification.
1. Define the application and desired movement
Provide details of the construction and any unevenly distributed loads, such as handles, locks, glazing or attached equipment.
A dimensioned sketch showing both positions is more useful than the weight alone.
Start with the total weight and dimensions of the lid, hatch or cover, including any attached components. Identify the hinge axis, centre of gravity, handle position and available mounting areas.
Specify the open and closed positions and the required opening angle. Explain whether the gas spring should assist manual opening or help the component open automatically after release, and how it should remain closed.
2. Determine the force and suitable series
Gas spring force increases during compression and changes with temperature. The series must suit the required force, stroke and operating conditions. Long strokes combined with high forces require particular attention to piston rod stability.
The required force depends on the load, its centre of gravity, the mounting geometry and the number of gas springs. Weight alone is not enough to determine the correct force.
Check both opening assistance and the manual effort needed to close the mechanism. A higher force can increase closing effort and loads on the mounting structure.
3. Check the stroke, length and space
The Lex values in the series table exclude end fittings and threads. Include the selected end fittings when checking installed length, using the measuring points in their drawings.
Check the distance between the mounting points throughout the movement. Confirm that the extended and compressed lengths fit the mechanism, and that the spring and end fittings remain clear of surrounding parts.
Allow an appropriate compression reserve and account for installation tolerances, so the spring does not bottom out before the mechanism closes.
4. Check end fittings and operating conditions
Confirm the mounting orientation, travel stops and whether a separate mechanical support or locking device is required to prevent unintended closing. Check opening, closing and holding behaviour throughout the movement, including at the expected minimum and maximum operating temperatures. Validate the selected configuration in the actual application.
Select compatible threads, suitable load capacity and sufficient freedom of movement. Check the brackets, pins and supporting structure. Avoid bending, side loads and binding throughout the movement.
Specify the minimum and maximum operating temperatures, exposure to water, salt, dust or chemicals, and the expected number of operating cycles per day and required service life. Mention vibration, impacts and any external loads, such as wind acting on an outdoor lid. Show the gas spring’s orientation in both the open and closed positions.
Need Help Selecting a Gas Spring?
Send us the load, dimensions and opening angle, together with a sketch or photos showing the hinges and possible mounting points. Tell us how you want the mechanism to operate.
© 2026 MK Material Oto. San. ve Tic. Ltd. Şti.
Manufacturer and supplier of gas springs and fastening components. Operating internationally since 2016, backed by over 20 years of industry experience.
CONTACT
I.O.S.B. Eskoop. San. Sit. C6 Blok No: 291
Başakşehir / Istanbul / TÜRKİYE
MK MATERIAL
Gas Springs & End Fittings