Stainless Steel Gas Struts

The Many Uses of Stainless Steel Gas Struts

Stainless steel Gas struts are incredibly useful across various industries due to the metal's hardwearing, corrosion-resistant, and long-lasting properties. Stainless steel gas struts are commonly used in the marine industry, but they also see extended use in many other sectors and can be applied to a range of applications.

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Not Just Suitable for the Marine Industry

The marine sector utilises stainless steel gas struts incredibly effectively. They are excellent for use in boat hatches, and other wet environments as stainless steel does not rust. Stainless steel struts contain alloyed elements that react with oxygen to form a metal oxide and hydroxide coating on the material. This acts as a protective film and prevents rust formation, which requires water, iron, and oxygen to mix.

Because they can resist rust, stainless steel gas struts are suitable for use in the food industry, food processing, medical settings and packaging machinery. In these environments, sterilisation is often essential. So it is necessary that the machinery and materials used do not react to the environment and can be sterilised if required, particularly for food safety and quality assurances. Here at Metrol, we supply 316-grade stainless steel struts.

316 Grade Stainless Steel: Strong & Aesthetically Pleasing

Like all steels, stainless steel is a composite of carbon and iron, but it also contains a significant amount of chromium. The chromium gives stainless steel its shiny finish and provides increased corrosion resistance.

There are many different grades within the range of stainless steel materials, which refers to the other elements within the metal. One prevalent, marine-grade variant is 316-grade stainless steel. This material has at least a 2% composition of molybdenum - a metal element with one of the highest melting points of all metals. Molybdenum further adds to the corrosion-resistant properties of 316-grade stainless steel.

316-grade stainless steel mustn't be confused with 316L grade steel. 316L has lower carbon levels and is the superior choice for corrosion resistance when using the material for welding. Otherwise, both 316 and 316L metals are similar in cost. One other main difference is that 316-grade stainless steel is non-magnetic, whereas 316L can be magnetised.

Suitability to the Food Industry

As already mentioned, Metrol's 316-grade gas struts are suitable for use in the food industry. Not only is the metal casing durable and can be sterilised, but the lubricating oil used in the struts can also be food-grade oil. This makes them ideal for use in a food manufacturing plant or machine by significantly reducing the chance of contamination.

Enhanced Corrosion Resistance When Used with Protective Measures

In addition, these struts can be used with gas strut protection tubes that sit over the piston rod, protecting against dents and scratches. These are also available in 316 stainless steel and have a nylon collar that reduces the risk of contamination to the rod, which could promote premature failure. This collar can also increase strut stability when there are lateral loads or vibrations. Using a protection tube makes Metrol's 316 stainless steel gas struts even more appropriate to a wide range of uses in demanding environments.

We Offer a Wide Range of Stainless Steel Gas Struts

In our struts range at Metrol, we offer standard 6mm, 8mm, 10mm and 14mm stainless steel gas struts. These are all available with customisable rod, body end fittings and dust covers. If you are in need of something more bespoke, we also offer custom gas struts.

Order Online Today

Providing the struts you select are in stock, you can choose Next Day or Express delivery with our DPD courier (working days only) for UK-wide delivery. We also offer international shipping options. Get in touch today with any queries you may have about any of our products. Our team will be more than happy to help.