Introduction

As a professional manufacturer of nitrogen gas springs for sheet metal and plastic molds, BBK-JINGBA prioritizes product safety and longevity. Improper operation not only damages the spring but also poses serious risks to personnel and equipment. This technical bulletin compiles essential rules for installation, usage, storage, and gas charging/discharging. Always follow these guidelines to ensure optimal performance and workplace safety.

1. General Prohibitions & Environmental Limits

• No Disassembly or Modification: Never disassemble or modify the joints of gas springs or hoses. The internal high pressure can eject parts forcefully, causing severe injury.

• No Additional Machining or Welding: Do not perform secondary machining (drilling, tapping, grinding) or welding on the gas spring body. Do not expose to open flames.

• Temperature Control: Maximum operating ambient temperature is 70°C. When working at temperatures above 20°C, adjust the filling pressure to match the maximum pressure specified at 20°C. Use the correction formula from the user manual.

2. Stroke (Sa) & Load Application Rules

• Strict Stroke Compliance: Always operate within the designated stroke S (Actual stroke Sa ≤ S). Exceeding this causes the piston rod to contact the cylinder bottom, leading to deformation and gas leakage.

• For stroke ≥ 32mm: To maintain proper internal lubrication, select the actual stroke Sa within the range of S - 25 ≤ Sa ≤ S.

• Avoid Eccentric Load: Permissible eccentric angle is ≤ 0.5°. Eccentric loads drastically reduce service life. For horizontal installations, account for rod sagging due to gravity.

• Uniform Load Distribution: Adjust the buffer and stopper positions so the piston rod receives balanced, even force.

3. Preload & Rod Protection

• Always Preload: Never allow the piston rod to return abruptly (snap-back). This can destroy the gas spring and is extremely dangerous. Impact-type power tools are strictly prohibited.

• Threaded Hole Usage: The threaded hole at the rod tip is only for lifting the single gas spring unit during installation/removal. DO NOT use it to fix the spring in operation or to lift the entire mold assembly.

4. Installation & Fixing Methods

• Secure Mounting: Always fix the gas spring firmly using the bottom mounting holes or flange bolts. Never rely on the rod-end thread for structural fixation.

5. Oil, Chemical & Environmental Contamination

• Avoid Oil/Coolant Splash: Oil and soluble coolants (especially chlorinated or water-soluble types) can degrade the seals and invade the cylinder, causing abnormal internal pressure and failure.

• Keep Clean: Do not perform grinding or welding near the gas spring. If unavoidable, cover the spring completely. Any foreign particles or scratches on the piston rod will cause immediate gas leakage.

6. Storage & Handling

• Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, high humidity, and dust.

• Handling Care: Prevent gas springs from hitting each other. Scratches on the piston rod are the number one cause of premature failure – handle with extreme care.

7. Gas Charging & Discharging – Critical Safety Steps

• Never Charge Under Load: Do not charge or discharge gas while the gas spring is under external load.

• Use ONLY Nitrogen (N₂): NEVER use flammable, explosive gases or volatile liquids. Risk of explosion.

• Pressure Limit: Charge only to the pressure marked on the cylinder body. The standard range is 3.4 MPa – 15 MPa (at 20°C). Always pressurize slowly.

• Rod Extension Requirement: Charge with the piston rod fully extended. If charging while retracted, start at 0.5 MPa until the rod fully extends, then gradually increase. Never pressurize rapidly with high-pressure gas – this may cause catastrophic failure.

• Disposal: Before scrapping, completely discharge all internal nitrogen gas.

8. Summary Checklist for Daily Operations

⚠️ Warning: Failure to comply with these guidelines voids the warranty and may result in equipment damage or personal injury. For detailed pressure correction charts or custom applications, please contact our technical team.