How Are Gas Springs Made? Production Steps and the Machines for Each Step
A gas spring (gas strut, tailgate strut, gas lift) goes from a steel tube to a finished part in four stages: tube assembly, main assembly, surface coating and final assembly. Below is what happens at each step and which TONG DA machine does it.
1. Tube assembly
- Cutting: precision steel tube cut to cylinder length.
- Roll grooving: locating grooves rolled on the tube OD.
- Closing: one end cold roll-spun closed – no weld, no plug.
- Side welding: an eye or fitting welded to the closed end.
- Dinking: locating dimples punched into the tube.
Dynamic-damping gas springs also get longitudinal oil grooves inside the cylinder to control extension speed.
2. Main assembly
- Piston rod riveting
- Flaring and oil filling
- Crimping: rolled groove that locates the seal and guide
- Flanging: the open end folded closed
- Gas filling with nitrogen
- Force and speed testing
3. Surface coating
Painting, printing, oiling and protective caps, usually on a coating line.
4. Final assembly
Ball sockets or end fittings, rod-end welding, packing.
TONG DA machine for each step
| Step | TONG DA machine |
|---|---|
| Cutting | TD-41860 tube cutting & roll grooving machine |
| Roll grooving / crimping | TD-42815 gas spring tube roll grooving machine, TD-41335 axial roll grooving machine |
| Cylinder end closing | TD-31040 three-station, TD-351 two-station, TD-311 auto-feeding closing machines |
| Inner oil grooves (damping) | TD-627 CNC servo grooving machine, TD-61530 hydraulic grooving machine |
| Component press-fit, flanging | TD-AT155 gas spring assembly machine |
| End folding, punching | TD-738 edge folding & punching machine |
| End fitting tightening | TD-91528 lock nut machine |
Why gas spring makers work with TONG DA
- We design and build these machines and run gas spring cylinder OEM production on them, so every model is proven in production.
- Buy one machine for a single step, or plan a complete cylinder line around your part.
- CE certified; machines running in the USA, Germany, Turkey, the UK, India and China.
FAQ
Can I buy just one machine?
Yes. Each machine works on its own or alongside your existing line.
Can you produce parts for us before we buy machines?
Yes, we also offer gas spring cylinder and tube OEM production.
How do I ask for a line plan or quotation?
Email your gas spring drawing, tube specification and requirements to sales@tdco.com.tw.