Scaling experience: from the automotive and furniture industries into yours Gas springs LIFT-O-MAT

Gas springs: They’ve been a familiar piece of technology for decades and are in a constant state of intense dynamic innovation. With LIFT-O-MAT – quite possibly the most successful gas spring in the world – Stabilus is equal parts a pioneer and driving force.

After incorporation into its first applications in the furniture industry, LIFT-O-MAT quickly became the standard in the automotive industry – and it’s built up a long history in many other industries since then as well. 

Get to know our product families for the automotive industry and for industrial applications here. 

LIFT-O-MAT - gas spring with hydraulic damping

LIFT-O-MAT gas springs with hydraulic motion damping make an appearance anywhere hinged or rotating motion needs to be securely retained at its end position.

Products in this line protect materials by preventing the full weight of the application from acting on the hinges and joints. Component travel is altogether more harmonious and easier to control as well.

Functionality

The hydraulically cushioned LIFT-O-MAT has an additional oil section. The speed of the piston decreases as soon as it leaves the gas section and enters the oil. The degree of damping is determined by the use of the Labyrinth piston developed by Stabilus as well as the viscosity of the oil. The damping length is defined by the amount of oil used.

For extension damping, the gas spring is installed vertically with the piston rod oriented downward. Compression damping is likewise possible. It’s even possible to combine both modes of operation.

Benefits to you

  • easy integration into your product thanks to a compact design
  • very good price-performance ratio
  • standard portfolio contains model with damping in extension direction
  • damping in extension and compression directions is possible
  • versatility: different connection systems available for quick, practical installation
  • cost-effectiveness through maintenance-free operation

Suitable for

Panels and doors in:

  • machine and systems engineering
  • vehicle manufacturing
  • medical technology (pivoting and support arms)
  • furniture industry 
  • other industrial applications

LIFT-O-MAT with dynamic damping

In this model, damping takes place not with the help of hydraulic oil, but rather with the “groove-in-the-tube” technology developed by Stabilus.

Its big advantage is that it enables damping specifications to be adapted to the application. For instance, the spring can be effective only during extension, only during compression, or in both directions. 

This makes it the ideal solution for any application in which the gas spring’s mounting orientation is not always distinct.

Functionality

With the help of a special longitudinal groove inside the pressure tube, the damping characteristics can be perfectly adapted to the application. It is possible to set up different characteristics for extension and compression. Another option is to incorporate damping upon approach of intermediate positions.

By changing the cross section of the groove, travel speed can be specified as needed along the entire stroke. Travel can even be reduced to a near complete standstill.

Benefits to you

  • protection of equipment through defined speed control
  • ability to change damping characteristics for optimal adaptation to your application
  • can incorporate damping upon approach of intermediate positions
  • easy integration into your application thanks to functionality regardless of mounting orientation

Suitable for:

  • trunk lids and hatches
  • engine hoods 
  • vehicle doors

LIFT-O-MAT - Gas spring with strut

One factor that affects the force required to operate a panel is the ambient temperature.

In cold weather, the panel might lose its ability to stay open securely. High temperatures, on the other hand, hinder the closing process. It then takes a lot of effort to close the panel. 

Our gas springs with a strut provide the solution for neutralizing the influence of temperature.

Functionality

In the model with a strut, the Stabilus gas spring is combined with an inner or outer mechanical spring. This design combines the advantages of the gas spring (speed control, end-position damping) with those of the mechanical spring (low temperature dependence). Load is distributed between the gas spring and the mechanical helical spring. As a result, the temperature’s effect on the extension force is considerably reduced.

This diminishes closing forces at normal and high temperatures without increasing the opening force in the cold (-30°C).

Benefits to you

  • user-friendly handling of heavy panels
  • speed control and end-position damping for an impressive set of specifications
  • simple installation
  • simple integration into your product design thanks to compact construction size (particularly with internal spring)
  • concealed installation under the roof or in the trunk-space water channel (spring is covered)

Suitable for:

  • trunk hatches and lids
  • heavy engine hoods, such as on tractors
  • gull wing doors

HYDRO-LIFT - gas spring with additional holding function

The HYDRO-LIFT gas spring is a LIFT-O-MAT with additional holding function and can be conveniently locked rigidly or spring-loaded. It allows stepless, comfortable positioning of the application at the desired angle of inclination.

Rigidly locking, the HYDRO-LIFT gas spring can also cover weight fluctuations, for example due to variable loading, within defined limits. Another advantage: The HYDRO-LIFT does not require an additional locking mechanism.

Functionality

The HYDRO-LIFT from Stabilus is a gas spring which, in addition to force support, allows stepless positioning over the entire adjustment range by means of a piston pack with valve closing system. Depending on the design, the holding function can take place in the entire adjustment range or in one or more partial ranges of the stroke.

In contrast to the purely gas-filled version, the oil-filled version has a rigid fixing and can be switched in the direction of pressure. It is primarily selected for very small support weights. In this case, there is no slight deflection.

Benefits to you

  • Convenient due to fixation of the application without release mechanism
  • Especially for larger weight fluctuations within defined limits

Suitable for:

  • Inclination adjustment of foot sections in hospital and care beds
  • Tilt and height adjustment of lamp, monitor and support arms in medical technology
  • Inclination adjustment of desks

INTER-STOP with holding area

The INTER-STOP makes it possible to position panels, doors, and windows to any opening angle.

Functionality

The INTER-STOP features a valve integrated into the piston to introduce a stop function to the characteristics of the dynamically cushioned gas spring. This design enables the opening angle of the panel to be divided into two or more function areas. 

In the area without a stop function, the INTER-STOP behaves like the LIFT-O-MAT DD, meaning it can achieve the desired damping and speed with the help of the groove. 

In the area with a stop function, the panel can be manually positioned to any opening angle up to the end stop. Additional pressure must be exerted on the internal valve for this functionality.

Benefits to you

  • easy integration into your product thanks to a variety of opening functions
  • safe retention in any position
  • time savings thanks to simple installation
  • economical thanks to being maintenance free

Suitable for:

  • various applications that require different opening angles: service panels, hoods, engine hoods, doors, skylights

LIFT-O-MAT FR - Friction gas spring for stepless positioning

The LIFT-O-MAT FR gas spring combines ergonomic requirements with maximum functionality and space-saving design.

In addition to force support, it can be used to position applications steplessly over the entire adjustment range without having to operate a locking or release mechanism. This has the advantage that flaps that swing open upwards can be reached more easily by shorter people and closed again without any problems. 

Because of its convenient, infinitely variable positioning, the LIFT-O-MAT FR gas spring is also frequently used in free-moving support arms.

Functionality

The LIFT-O-MAT FR differs from the standard LIFT-O-MAT in a few ways, one of which is its special piston package with integrated friction element. This enables both force assistance and variable positioning anywhere in the adjustment range. This functionality is ready for use even without a lock or a release mechanism. Weight fluctuations within defined limits can also be compensated for.

Benefits to you

  • safe retention in any position
  • convenient and ergonomic adjustment to any position with a lock
  • adjustment without actuation of a release mechanism
  • customer satisfaction due to compact and attractive design
  • time savings thanks to simple installation
  • economical thanks to being maintenance free

Suitable for:

  • upward-hinging cabinet doors in kitchens and home furniture applications
  • free-moving support arms in medical technology or the electronics industry

LIFT-O-MAT PTL

The LIFT-O-MAT PTL gas spring with self-locking has already proven itself many times over in applications in innovative designer and functional furniture.

A design based on the principle of a ballpoint pen holds these springs in the compressed position with a locking mechanism. 

Functionality

The LIFT-O-MAT PTL from Stabilus is a hydraulically or dynamically cushioned gas spring that can also be mechanically locked in the compressed position.

The lock is released via light compression, which causes the gas spring to automatically extend in a cushioned manner.

In addition to the tried-and-true force assistance functionality, this gas spring features end-position locking – no need to install a separate locking element. To top it all off, the LIFT-O-MAT PTL offers exceptionally user-friendly, convenient operation.

Benefits to you

  • convenience due to locking in compressed position
  • simple installation thanks to end-position locking without separate locking element
  • user-friendly, convenient operation thanks to simple release of the lock based on the ballpoint pen principle
  • cost-effectiveness through maintenance-free operation

Suitable for:

  • elegant lowering of liquor storage compartments
  • lifting and lowering of sofa and armchair head sections
  • raising and lowering of screens and power strips in conference tables

LIFT-O-MAT - gas springs with end-position locking

The larger the panel, the more unpleasant the consequences when it sets itself in motion and plummets. In addition to force assistance, LIFT-O-MAT gas springs with end-position locking offer secure mechanical locking of the application in the open position.

Functionality

There are two variations to choose from for end-position locking in the extended position: outer or inner lock.
The gas spring with an outer lock has a support tube on the end of the piston rod. The support tube automatically hinges outward when the gas spring is fully extended. The support tube must be manually reset upon closing.Locking of the gas spring with an inner lock works like the mechanics of a ballpoint pen: The gas spring clicks into place when lightly compressed. The closing mechanism is released again by quickly pulling the gas spring in the extension direction.

Benefits to you

  • user friendly thanks to lock and release right on the adjusting element
  • added security against unintended closing
  • simple installation: no need for additional locking elements
  • cost-effectiveness through maintenance-free operation
  • easy operation with inner lock – release the gas spring and adjust the application with one hand
  • gas spring can be configured in any number of ways with different end fittings

Suitable for:

  • lift platforms or other vehicle interior applications
  • heavy panels
  • mobile retail trucks 

LIFT-O-MAT gas spring with internal end position lock

In addition to force support, the LIFT-O-MAT gas spring with end position lock provides a safe, mechanical locking of the application in the extended position.

Locking is always necessary or advisable if the application must be protected against unintentional adjustment or if forces act on the application that exceed the extension force of the spring. Such forces can be e.g. wind load or snow load, which load the unfolded roofs of mobile sales carts.

Functionality

The locking of the gas spring with internal locking is comparable to the mechanism of ballpoint pens: the extended gas spring is first pushed in slightly, which locks it in place. To release the locking mechanism, the gas spring is moved in the extension direction.

Your advantages

  • Convenient operation by locking and unlocking directly on the adjustment element
  • Additional safety device against unintentional closing
  • Simple installation: no need to install further fixing elements
  • Cost-effectiveness due to maintenance-free operation
  • With internal locking: Unlocking of the gas spring and adjustment of the application with only one hand
  • Easy to integrate into your product thanks to freely configurable gas spring with various connections

Suitable for:

  • Div. flaps with desired locking in open state
  • E.g. service and maintenance flaps

LIFT-O-MAT - gas springs with telescoping tube

The Stabilus LIFT-O-MAT with telescoping tube comes in models with or without a pressure tube lock.

End-position locking gives a boost to the safety factor of engine hoods, as this feature holds the hood securely in place during work. 

And if it’s just a longer free travel distance that’s needed, locking functionality isn’t required. When the telescoping tube is released, the hood can simply be pushed open far enough for the mechanism to click into the end position and hold the hood here securely. The telescoping tube is simply released again to close the hood. Once past the end of the free travel distance, the hood can be closed in a safe and cushioned manner.

Functionality

The Stabilus LIFT-O-MAT with telescoping tube comes in models with or without a pressure tube lock.

End-position locking gives a boost to the safety factor of engine hoods, as this feature holds the hood securely in place during work. 

And if it’s just a longer free travel distance that’s needed, locking functionality isn’t required. When the telescoping tube is released, the hood can simply be pushed open far enough for the mechanism to click into the end position and hold the hood here securely. The telescoping tube is simply released again to close the hood. Once past the end of the free travel distance, the hood can be closed in a safe and cushioned manner.

Benefits to you

  • safe position retention at a wider angle
  • easy to operate thanks to lock and release right on the adjusting element
  • added security against unintended closing
  • cost-effectiveness through maintenance-free operation
  • controlled motion damping via free travel / additional stroke
  • easy integration into your application thanks to a compact construction size

Suitable for:

  • engine hoods
  • seats

Connections

For the assembly of gas springs, Stabilus offers the most diverse variants of standard connections. In addition to this portfolio, we offer various special variants, about which our application engineers will be happy to inform you.

Stainless steel brackets

  • maximum safety for the full spectrum of industrial applications
  • coordinated with Stabilus standard end fittings 
  • for high load and corrosion demands 
  • slotted holes for adjustment during installation 
  • extensive portfolio to cover nearly all applications

Metal ball socket end fittings, with or without ball stud

  • high strength
  • high-quality and stable, especially for applications involving high forces
  • simple installation
  • compensation for angular misalignment 

Plastic ball socket end fittings, with or without ball stud

  • economical plastic version – for applications involving movement of light forces
  • simple installation
  • compensation for angular misalignment 

Metal eyes

  • very high strength 
  • different lengths, thicknesses, and diameters available for particularly flexible installation options

Stainless steel eyes

  • same functionality as metal eyes
  • stainless steel presents high-quality material characteristics: additional corrosion protection against acids, bases, or harsh environments (air quality in marine, industrial, etc.)

Metal fork heads

  • safest type for applications with particularly high forces or weights 
  • very strong attachment fortified by metal pin

Ball joints

  • for simpler installation of gas springs in cars
  • attach via perforation – no welded ball stud or bracket necessary

Standard program gas springs and dampers
pdf (4 MB)

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Gas springs and dampers
pdf (1 MB)

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