Compression Lock · Single-Tube Design
Locking Gas Springs:
Compression Rigid
Newton’s single-tube locking gas springs compression use an internal oil lock to prevent bounce in standing desks and adjustable tables.
- Stays firm under downward (compression) loads once locked
- Single-tube floating piston separates nitrogen gas and locking oil
- 20–350 mm stroke, 50–500 N force, direct pin or remote cable release
- 10 mmPiston rod diameter
- 20–350 mmStroke length
- 50–500 NForce rating
- 90–650 mmOuter tube length
Overview
Rock-solid support under downward loads
In height-adjustable desks, medical overbed tables and work platforms, gravity and user weight press continually downwards on the support column. A standard gas-only strut would compress slightly under that load, causing the surface to dip. Our locking gas springs compression eliminate that bounce by locking the piston rod against an incompressible column of hydraulic oil.
Inside the single-tube body, a floating separating piston keeps the nitrogen gas charge isolated from the oil chamber. When the release pin is depressed, oil flows through the piston valve and the gas assists lifting. As soon as the pin is released, the valve closes and the rigid locking compression gas spring holds its exact height under downward pressure.
Widely specified as a standing desk gas spring and height adjustable table gas spring, this compression locking gas spring sits within our lockable gas spring range alongside double-tube, extension-locking and elastic models.
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Press the release
Actuate the release pin via an under-desk paddle, cable lever or direct linkage to open the internal oil valve.
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Set the height or angle
Raise or lower the worktop smoothly. The internal nitrogen charge counterbalances the weight of the surface.
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Release for a rigid lock
Let go of the lever to close the valve. Trapped hydraulic oil holds the piston rod firm against downward compression loads.
Key Features
Why choose single-tube locking gas springs compression
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Firm under downward load
Locks rigidly in the compression direction so desktops, trays and platforms will not sink when leaned on.
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Floating piston oil lock
An internal separating piston isolates the nitrogen gas from the hydraulic oil for crisp, reliable locking.
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Stepless height control
Infinitely adjustable across strokes from 20 mm to 350 mm with a sturdy 10 mm piston rod.
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Built to your spec
Custom charged from 50 N to 500 N with five finish colours and metal or plastic mounting fittings.
Specifications
Locking gas springs compression specifications
Every lockable compression gas spring is built to order. Use the ranges below as a starting point for your desk, table or equipment design.
| Parameter | Range / options | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lock type | Rigid locking, compression direction | Stays firm under downward (pushing) loads once the valve closes. |
| Cylinder design | Single tube with floating piston | In-line separating piston divides the gas and hydraulic oil chambers. |
| Fill | Nitrogen gas + hydraulic oil | Gas counterbalances the load; incompressible oil locks the stroke. |
| Piston rod diameter | 10 mm | 10 mm rod for high axial stiffness in tables, desks and seating. |
| Stroke length (S) | 20–350 mm | Specified to match your height or tilt adjustment range. |
| Outer tube (D × wall) | 22 × 1.0 / 26 × 1.0 / 27 × 1.5 / 28 × 1.5 mm | Tube profile selected to suit force rating and column strength. |
| Outer tube length (B1) | 90–650 mm | Single-tube cylinder body length. |
| Extended length (B) | To order | Overall mounting length with the piston rod fully extended. |
| Force (F1) | 50–500 N | Charged to your required nominal extension force. |
| Finish colours | Black, silver grey, white, chrome, light grey | Clean, durable finishes to match desk legs, medical carts or cabin trim. |
| End fittings | Single-ear, double-ear, pull-switch | Available in metal for high-load hinges or plastic for lightweight frames. |
| Release | Release pin or cable-release actuator | Unlock directly with a cam bar or remotely via an under-desk cable paddle. |
Schematic, Force Diagram & Dimension Key
Use the single-tube dimensional schematic and force progression curve below alongside the symbol key when specifying your rigid locking compression gas spring.
- B
- Extended lengthOverall length, rod fully extended
- B1
- Cylinder body lengthLength of the outer tube
- S
- StrokePiston rod travel distance
- D
- Cylinder diameterOutside diameter of the outer tube
- d
- Rod / hole diameterPiston rod diameter (or eyelet through-hole)
- M
- Mounting threadThread size for end fittings & release pin
- F1
- Extension forceNominal gas force with the rod extended
- F2
- Compressed forceGas force with the rod fully compressed
- FR
- Friction forceDynamic resistance difference between directions
Configuration
Build it your way
Choose the surface treatment, mounting brackets and release style that fit your desk column, table frame or seat mechanism.
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Finish & Colour
Blend the strut into exposed table legs, office furniture frames or clinical carts.
- Black or silver grey for office & standing desks
- White or light grey for medical tables
- Bright chrome finish
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End Fittings
Select metal fittings for high-load rigidity or plastic mounts for lightweight frames.
- Single-ear eyelet: compact through-pin mount
- Double-ear clevis: twin-lug fork for stable alignment
- Custom OEM fittings to your drawing
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Release Mechanism
Position the unlock control right where users reach for it under the tabletop or seat.
- Direct release pin for local lever or foot-bar contact
- Pull-switch cable head for remote Bowden cable routing
- Under-desk paddle, hand lever or push-button options
How do single-tube locking gas springs compression stay rigid under load?
Inside the single outer tube, a floating separating piston divides the pressurized nitrogen gas chamber from an incompressible hydraulic oil chamber. When the release valve closes, the piston rod rests directly against that trapped column of oil, preventing the rod from being pushed into the cylinder when weight is applied from above.
Why is this model ideal as a standing desk gas spring or height adjustable table gas spring?
Sit-stand desks, podiums, overbed tables and workbenches experience constant downward pressure from monitors, equipment and user forearms. An elastic locking spring would bounce under that weight, whereas these locking gas springs compression hold the tabletop rock-solid at the chosen height.
When should I choose this single-tube model over the double-tube version?
Choose this single-tube lockable compression gas spring for strokes between 20 mm and 350 mm where your frame has standard installation length available. If your mechanism requires a longer stroke (up to 500 mm) from a shorter cylinder body, choose our double tube rigid locking gas spring.
What if the load pulls on the piston rod rather than pressing down?
This strut is designed to lock rigidly in the compression (pushing-in) direction. If your mechanism places a pulling load on the rod when locked, specify our extension rigid locking gas strut instead. If you want cushioned give in both directions, see our elastic lockable gas spring, or view our non-locking compression gas spring for simple lid support.
Can users unlock the table or desk from a hand lever under the worktop?
Yes. Pairing the strut with a pull-switch cable actuator lets you route a flexible Bowden cable to a paddle or lever mounted neatly under the desk edge, or you can actuate the release pin directly with a local cross-bar.
What details do you need to quote locking gas springs compression?
Please provide the required stroke length (S), extended length (B) or tube length (B1), extension force (F1) between 50 N and 500 N, finish colour, end fittings, release style and quantity. A simple sketch showing how the downward load acts on the strut is also very helpful.
Get a quote for locking gas springs compression
Send your stroke, cylinder length, force rating and mounting details. We’ll confirm the right single-tube spec and come back with a clear quote.
Prefer email? info@newtonmatic.com