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Gas springs

DICTATOR is the specialist for high quality and high performance gas springs / gas struts made in Germany. Decades of experience as well as our flexible and highly efficient manufacturing process enable us to produce with the highest quality standards, customized exactly to the customer’s requirements – even for small batches or single units. Eklecmatic is your local partner in Canada who will provide you with personal support and develop the perfect solution for you in cooperation with the technical experts and manufacturing in Germany.

Quality products made in Germany

Various types

different gas springs for all kinds of movements
push type, pull type (tension), locking, floating piston, variable speed

Infinite variations

of lengths, diameters, and forces
we offer gas struts from stock and custom made gas struts that exactly meet our customers requirements

High quality material

suitable even for demanding environments
lacquered steel, stainless steel AISI 304 and AISI 316 e.g. for food and medical environments

Special features

to suit all kinds of special applications
numerous additional features such as valve, oil chamber, protective tubes, or biological oil, which considerably increase application possibilities

Variety of end fittings

that allow for optimal installation
eyelets in different variations, threaded ends, rose bearings, forks, ball and socket joints – also available in stainless steel

Types of gas springs / gas struts

PUSH TYPE GAS SPRINGS

Suitable for a wide range of applications: They can be used to open, close, and control the movement of flaps, hatches, windows, machine guards, etc.

PULL TYPE GAS SPRINGS

Especially intended for applications in which it is not possible to use a normal push type gas spring, e.g. due to lack of space or difficulty in placing suitable fixing points.

FLOATING PISTON GAS SPRINGS

Particularly useful for sensitive equipment or for applications which require a slow and controlled operating speed.

LOCKABLE GAS SPRINGS

In addition to normal gas spring function, they offer the ability to be locked at any position. There are two locking types available: rigid and cushioned.

VARIABLE SPEED GAS SPRINGS

They combine the function of a gas spring with a hydraulic damper.

> For detailed product information, visit the corporate website

Solutions – gas springs tailored to your needs

STEP 1

INQUIRY: QUESTIONNAIRE & PHOTOS/DRAWINGS

Fill out our questionnaire and send us pictures/drawings of your application

STEP 2

PERSONAL ADVICE FROM OUR EXPERTS

We advise you personally – from planning through installation to after your purchase. Just contact us!

STEP 3

OUR INDIVIDUAL CALCULATION SERVICE

Taking into account all relevant factors and requirements, we determine the perfect solution for you

STEP 4

GAS SPRINGS TAILORED TO YOUR NEEDS

We supply you with the optimal springs for your application including fixing positions

Our service – individual calculation and advise

Personal support from your local contact in Canada and the technical experts in Germany

Many years of experience with gas struts are a testament that a product is only as good as the corresponding technical support, because only accurately calculated forces and fixing points guarantee optimal functionality and long service life. At DICTATOR, we always place great importance on providing personalized customer service. Thanks to our own calculation program and the extensive experience of our technical staff, we can provide the perfect solution for a very wide range of requirements.

Are you looking for a gas spring solution? Just fill out our questionnaire or contact us.

Gas spring / gas strut applications

Gas springs for floor hatches and more
floor or roof hatches, basement and attic doors, safety flaps, decking hatches

Gas springs for industrial applications
maintenance flaps, machines, robots, conveyor belts in production plants

Heavy duty gas struts
heavy/large flaps, boxes, industrial equipment

Gas springs for windows
roof windows, tilt windows, glass windows, facade elements

gas-springs-for-garden-basement-stair-cover

Gas springs in outdoor applications
decking hatches, basement access covers, cellar entrances, emergency exit hatches

Gas springs for vehicles
cars, sports cars, airplanes, trucks, tractors, fire engines

Gas struts on servery windows
snack bars, takeaway stands, food trucks, counter flaps

Gas springs for boxes
Garden boxes, tool boxes, garbage containers / enclosures for garbage cans

Gas springs / Gas struts FAQ

General FAQs

Where can I buy the gas springs?

You can purchase DICTATOR gas springs in Canada directly from Eklecmatic Inc., the exclusive DICTATOR representative for the region. For contact persons in other countries, please visit www.dictator.com.

Can you provide replacement for gas springs from another manufacturer?

Even though gas springs from different manufacturers may vary in their design, we can provide you a replacement for most of them. Just send us the reference and the data of your gas springs, preferably with pictures, and we will provide you with a replacement. Should you no longer have any information about the gas spring, simply fill out our questionnaire and we will provide you a suitable solution.

What is the difference between a gas spring and a gas strut?

There really is no difference between gas springs and gas struts. Gas springs are often also referred to as gas struts, depending on the industry or the application.

Do you offer custom gas springs for special applications?

Of course! We offer custom gas springs for the widest array of applications, thanks to our infinitely variable range, including gas springs in stainless steel, and our numerous additional features, such as valves, oil chambers, protective tubes or filling with food-grade biological oil for use in the food industry and other special environments.

Gas spring calculation: Determining the correct gas spring / gas strut

How to calculate a gas spring?

Unfortunately, there is no general formula for calculating gas springs that is valid for all applications. Even standard calculation programs on the Internet are often not enough to determine the right gas spring, because one has to take into account a wide variety of factors related to the particular installation situation to ensure proper function.

Choosing the fixing points: In most cases, there are only limited mounting options on site. The fixing points must be carefully considered, since even a slight change in position (in the millimeter range) can have a considerable effect on the function of the gas spring. Determining the movement sequence: In addition, the desired motion sequence, e.g. of the flap, must be defined in advance for each application in order to obtain a safe solution. This is not only a matter of opening and closing speed. It is also necessary to consider the manual force required for opening and closing, whether the gas spring should be force-free when the flap is closed or not, and many different aspects that vary from one application to another. All of them need consideration for the calculation.

However, you do not have to do the calculation on your own. We don’t just sell you the gas springs, we also provide you free calculation service to make sure that you’ll get a high-quality, long lasting solution that fulfills all your requirements. This service is always included with your gas spring purchase, even if you just need one unit. Just fill out our questionnaire and we’ll find a suitable gas spring solution for you.

I don’t know which gas spring I need. Can you help me choose?

Most certainly! Just fill out our questionnaire and send us a photo of the application. We will then calculate the appropriate gas spring(s) and mounting brackets as well as the exact mounting points.

What specifications do I need in order to calculate the suitable gas spring for my application?

For the calculation of your gas spring(s) all you have to do is fill out our questionnaire and send us a photo of your application. We will then calculate the appropriate gas spring(s) and mounting brackets as well as the exact fixing points.

Which material do I need for my gas spring(s)?

Painted gas springs are enough for “normal” use, even if the gas springs are installed outdoors – as long as they are in a dry environment (e.g. in a garden box/crate). If the gas springs are installed in place with higher humidity (e.g. a maintenance cover next to a pool), or in a sewerage system, we recommend using stainless steel 304 or 316 gas springs, depending on the environment. For more aggressive environments, such as whirlpool covers, we recommend stainless steel 316, because it is not only moisture that attacks the material, but also the chlorine.
However, you don’t need to make the choice on your own. We will be happy to help you choose which material is the perfect fit for your application.

Do I need one or two gas springs for my flap?

In most cases, one gas spring is enough. However, depending on the size and the way the flap is installed, it may warp with only one gas spring. In such cases, we recommend using two.

I have already received the gas spring. However, the weight of the moving element is lower than originally planned, so that the gas spring is too strong. What can I do?

If the gas spring is equipped with a release valve, the force that the gas spring generates can be reduced. This is particularly useful for prototype and developmental work.

Gas spring characteristics

Which gas spring fittigns do I need?

The easiest way is to use eyelets, because there is a wide range of brackets for this purpose, which fit a variety of different mounting situations. Sometimes, however, forks or angle joints may be the best solution. For this purpose, the mounting brackets must be provided by the customer.
Where there is a risk of lateral forces acting upon the gas spring, then a rod end or angle joint should always be used, as this will compensate for any small deviations.
In our gas spring calculation for your individual application, we always provide you with the complete gas spring including fittings and mounting brackets.

Which mounting brackets do I need for my application?

There is a wide range of mounting brackets for gas springs with eyelets. Which brackets are used depends on the space, the force of the gas spring and the diameter series. When we calculate the gas spring, we always propose the most suitable mounting accessories as well.

What should I take into account in terms of care and maintenance for my gas springs?

DICTATOR gas springs are sealed for life and require no lubrication Never grip the piston rod with pliers or similar tools. Damage caused to the piston rod may result in premature failure of the gas spring To achieve a long life gas springs should be operated no more than 6 times per minute and as a minimum once a month DICTATOR gas springs with standard oils and seals will operate between -20° and +80° C (-4° and 176° F). Always avoid extreme heat or fire Sudden impacts and unseen forces can damage gas springs. This must always be avoided Always follow safe disposal instructions

More information

Product details
Find all product details and more information on the corporate website

Corporate website

Service
We advise you personally – from planning through installation to after your purchase.

Contact us

Questionnaire
Fill out our questionnaire and send us pictures/drawings of your application to receive an individual offer

Questionnaire

Catalog
You can also find detailed information on all of our gas spring types in our PDF catalog

Catalog