What is the Difference Between a Gas Strut and a Damper?

Gas Struts (sometimes called Gas Struts or Gas Shocks) and Dampers look similar but perform different tasks. ASRaymond, an expert in spring design for more than 135 years, has the answer for what each product is and how they are different.  

Gas Struts provide a force, while Dampers only provide a reactionary force to slow motion. For example, a Damper would prevent a lid from lowering quickly, whereas a Gas Strut is used to push a lid up.  

What is a Damper?  

SPD™ Dampers are devices that control the speed of a moving object. They provide a resistance force that is proportional to an object's velocity and always stays in contact with the moving object. They provide no force or lift assistance.   

What is a Gas Strut?  

SPD™ and IGS™ Gas Struts provide lift assistance. They provide some damping effects but are not true Dampers. Gas Struts help the user lift or open heavy hatches, lids or doors.   

More information about each product and other spring-related information is available on our blog. Check them out!

About ASRaymond   

ASRaymond™, a business of Barnes Group Inc, is a global leader in providing manufacturers with precision-engineered force and motion control solutions from world-renowned brands such as Raymond®, Industrial Gas Struts™, SPD™ and SPEC®. Servicing a wide range of industrial markets, including Construction and Agriculture, Lift Equipment, Marine, Medical and Heavy-Duty Trucks, ASRaymond has the breadth and depth of standard products to match any application's demands. Additionally, ASRaymond's global team of engineers is available to customise components when standard products are unsuitable. For more information, visit ASRaymond.com.