About Us & FAQs

Our history, future and common questions answered

Gas Spring Development

Since the 1960's

257 Different Gas Spring Models

9 More in Development

39 Years

of manufacturing

Why Choose Alrose Gas Springs?

The main design and manufacturing facility for Alrose Products is in the United
Kingdom, there is also a main distribution hub in Central Europe and several
distributors and stockists globally (please see below).

Having been operating since the 1960s when gas springs were first developed,
Alrose Group has been at the forefront of designing, perfecting, and manufacturing
high quality Gas Springs and Gas Dampers.

Since being incorporated as a Limited company in 1985, the business has continued
to grow and innovate, developing new products and services by reinvesting in new
processes, machinery, and people to improve and complement our existing
strengths.

Motion control is what Alrose is now known for and the business designs and
manufactures Electric Actuators, Pneumatics, Gas Springs, Dampers, and Struts for
the most demanding industrial applications from the harshest marine environments
and global food services to aerospace, medical, architectural, and automotive
applications.

The company's focus is on providing you with high-quality motion control solutions
that are ideal for your purpose, are reliable, and ensure that whatever else you need
to be concerned with, gas springs isn't one of them.

The investment programme in the business is to give you all the advantages you
need to be able to deliver on your promises to your customers if you are an OEM or
to have full confidence in our products if you're the end user.

So, if you'd like to know more about how we can help you please get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.

FAQs

Why should I buy from Alrose and not a competitor?

The MarineLine™ products are engineered in the UK, elegant, and look great – perfect for high end applications .

316 Stainless Steel external components – highly corrosion resistant ensuring a long material life and low chance of staining from rust.

OEM’s often prefer the MarineLine™ range, however, where volume and budget are critical, the Economax range currently in development is causing much interest.

Free specification service  – helping you specify the right product for your job, the first time.

Friendly and helpful customer service – making your purchase simple and seamless by fully understanding your requirements.

Design and manufacture of bespoke products – Your design shouldn’t be constrained; we can help you develop a design that works best with your products to fit your application.

Springs in stock ready to despatch – 97.9% of stock springs in 7 days.

Decades of experience – Helping you to avoid the common pitfalls and find the ideal working solution.

High quality seals and bearings, exceptionally smooth rod, and factory adjustable damping – enhancing longevity and ensuring ease of operation.

Large range of end fittings and brackets in stock – Which means you can purchase a full package and fit it as soon as you receive the order.

Range or features and customisations – Allow you to quickly specify the product that fits your requirements; we have a feature to cover nearly all situations.

In house testing – Allows our continuous drive for improvement the means to develop products that suit your needs.

Re-gassing service and pressure reducing kits – Allow you to increase or decrease the pressure on your site or send them back to us to adjust.  Either way it means you generally don’t have to buy a new spring if the pressure is incorrect.  You can even hire a portable filling kit from us.

Emergency Manufacture – We know that sometimes you just need your part now, with this in mind we offer an option to fast track your order through our factory.  Component dependant.

Call off stock – Place an order and we will hold it for you ready for despatch, allowing you the “Just in Time” stock control you demand.

We understand how to pack and ship your goods all around the world, so you can rest assured of prompt and secure delivery.

ALL OF THESE ADVANTAGES MEAN THAT YOUR TOTAL COST OF OWNERSHIP OF AN ALROSE PRODUCT IS LOWER THAN A CHEAP COMPETITOR.

1. What is a gas spring, and how does it work?

A gas spring, also known as a gas strut or gas shock, is a mechanical device that uses compressed gas (usually nitrogen) sealed within a cylinder to provide force and motion control. Inside the cylinder, the gas pressure works against a piston rod, creating a pushing or lifting force. This force can be controlled by adjusting the size of the cylinder, the gas pressure, or by integrating dampening mechanisms.

2. What factors should I consider when selecting a gas spring?

When choosing a gas spring, consider:

Load Requirements: Determine the force needed to support or lift the load.

Stroke Length: The distance the gas spring needs to extend or compress.

Mounting Style: The position and angle at which the spring will be installed.

End Fittings: Compatibility with mounting points (e.g., ball joints, brackets).

Environmental Conditions: Temperature, moisture, and exposure to corrosive elements can affect performance and lifespan.

3. Can a gas spring's force or damping be adjusted after installation?

Some gas springs are adjustable, allowing you to fine-tune the force by releasing or adding gas. However, not all models have this feature. If the force needs to be reduced for non-adjustable gas springs, it may require replacing the spring with one of lower pressure. Always consult the manufacturer or follow safety guidelines when making adjustments.

4. How long do gas springs typically last?

The lifespan of a gas spring depends on factors such as usage frequency, operating conditions, and quality of materials. High-quality gas springs can last anywhere from 40,000 to 100,000 cycles under normal conditions. Regular maintenance and ensuring the gas spring operates within its specified limits can help extend its lifespan.

5. Can gas springs be installed in any orientation?

While some gas springs are designed to operate in any orientation, most work best when installed with the piston rod pointing downward in the resting position. This orientation ensures proper lubrication of internal seals and extends the life of the spring. Always consult the product specifications for the recommended installation guidelines.

6. What should I do if my gas spring stops working or loses pressure?

If a gas spring loses pressure or fails to operate:

Inspect for Damage: Check for visible wear, leaks, or corrosion.

Contact Alrose: Many of the gas springs we manufacture are gas adjustable and that me a possible solution.

Replace if Necessary: Gas springs are generally not repairable; a replacement is typically required.

Preventive Measures: Protect the spring from extreme temperatures, overloading, or physical damage to avoid premature failure.

Always use a gas spring with the correct specifications for your application to prevent malfunctions.

7. Can food-safe oil be used in gas springs? 

Yes, we use food-safe oil when our gas springs are needed for such applications as food processing machinery, hoods, and guards. If you need gas springs or gas struts with food-safe oil just let us know, and we’ll be happy to help.

 

8. How do I ensure the force is setcorrectly for the application?

If more than one gas spring is being then they need need to be set equally, if they are adjustable springs you should alternate between the springs to ensure they’re set to the same pressure. To help you set them, it’s recommended you add a percentage in weight to the load your gas springs must lift or support, around 10% - 15%. You can then begin your adjustment. When the total load is supported, but only just, you can remove the extra weight and your load will be ideally supported. When fitting, remember to check the direction arrow on the rod/cylinder/sticker to ensure the correct orientation.

 

9. How do I choose the correct gas spring or strut to suit my application?

Choosing the right gas strut should be simple with these steps:

·      Know the weight: Start by figuring out how much weight or force the strut needs to support, including any extra load it might carry.

·      Measure the size: Check the space where the strut will fit and measure the required lengths when it’s fully extended and fully compressed.

·      Think about the environment: Consider factors like temperature, outdoor exposure, or chemicals that could affect the strut's durability.

If you have any issues or aren’t sure,  one of the Alrose Team will be happy to help guide you in selecting the best gas strut for your needs.

Contact us to learn more

Request Help Now


Contact Us if in doubt

+44 (0)1733 57 0008sales@gas-springs.com
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