Gas spring end fittings are critical components that connect a gas spring to the application, allowing smooth articulation, reliable load transfer and secure installation. Although often considered small accessories, the correct end fitting has a significant impact on the performance, safety and service life of the complete motion control system. Depending on regional terminology, these components are also referred to as gas strut end fittings, gas spring connectors, gas strut connectors or gas spring mounting ends.
At Newtone Gas Springs, we manufacture a comprehensive range of end fittings compatible with our Standard Gas Springs and Stainless Steel Gas Springs. Our portfolio includes ball sockets, eyelets, clevises, fork ends, threaded connectors and many other mounting solutions designed for industrial, marine, medical, transportation and OEM applications.
Selecting the correct end fitting is just as important as selecting the correct gas spring. The connection point influences installation geometry, articulation angle, load distribution and long-term operating reliability. Choosing the appropriate end fitting helps reduce unnecessary stress on the piston rod while allowing the gas spring to move naturally throughout its complete stroke.
To meet different application requirements, Newtone manufactures end fittings using several material technologies, including Zamak End Fittings (Zinc Die-Cast End Fittings), Metal End Fittings (Steel End Fittings) and Composite End Fittings (Plastic End Fittings). Each material offers distinct advantages depending on the operating environment, load requirements and expected service conditions.
Whether you require a standard catalogue component or a fully customised OEM solution, our engineering team can recommend the most suitable end fitting based on your gas spring dimensions, installation geometry, environmental conditions and application requirements.
A gas spring end fitting is the mechanical connection between the gas spring and the equipment it supports. End fittings provide the interface that allows the gas spring to pivot naturally while securely transmitting forces between the gas spring and the application. Properly selected end fittings contribute to smooth movement, reliable operation and extended product life.
Gas spring end fittings are available in many different designs, including ball sockets, ball studs, eyelets, forks, clevises and threaded connectors. The most suitable design depends on factors such as the installation angle, available mounting space, required articulation and the operating environment.
For specialised applications, Newtone also offers dedicated product ranges including Metal End Fittings, Zamak End Fittings and Composite (Plastic) End Fittings, allowing engineers to select the most appropriate material and design for every application.
Selecting the right gas spring end fitting is essential for achieving reliable movement, proper load transfer and long-term durability. Different materials and manufacturing methods offer different advantages depending on the operating environment, mechanical loads and application requirements. At Newtone, our end fittings are manufactured using three primary material groups: Zamak End Fittings (Zinc Die-Cast End Fittings), Metal End Fittings (Steel End Fittings) and Composite End Fittings (Plastic End Fittings).
Zamak End Fittings are manufactured using high-pressure zinc die-casting technology. Zamak is a family of zinc-based alloys containing aluminium, magnesium and copper, offering excellent dimensional accuracy, smooth surface quality and cost-effective production.
Because of their precise casting characteristics, Zamak end fittings are widely used for standard gas spring applications where consistent quality, accurate dimensions and attractive surface appearance are important. Depending on the application requirements, these components can also be supplied with zinc plating to provide additional corrosion protection and an improved surface finish.
| Advantages of Zamak End Fittings | Typical Applications |
|---|---|
| Excellent dimensional accuracy. | General industrial equipment. |
| Economical production. | Furniture and office equipment. |
| Smooth surface finish. | Medical devices. |
| Zinc plating available for additional corrosion resistance. | Indoor mechanical systems. |
| Suitable for medium-duty applications. | OEM manufacturing. |
Metal End Fittings are designed for demanding applications requiring higher mechanical strength and durability. Depending on the application, they may be manufactured from carbon steel, machined steel, forged steel or stainless steel.
For corrosive environments, stainless steel versions are available in materials such as AISI 304 and AISI 316, making them suitable for marine equipment, food processing machinery, medical devices and outdoor installations. When combined with Stainless Steel Gas Springs, they provide a complete corrosion-resistant motion control solution.
| Advantages of Metal End Fittings | Typical Applications |
|---|---|
| High mechanical strength. | Industrial machinery. |
| Excellent load capacity. | Heavy-duty equipment. |
| Available in carbon steel or stainless steel. | Marine applications. |
| Suitable for dynamic loading. | Transportation equipment. |
| Long service life. | OEM and heavy industrial systems. |
Composite End Fittings, also known as Plastic End Fittings, are manufactured from high-performance engineering polymers developed for lightweight, corrosion-free operation. Depending on the application, reinforced composite materials may also be used to improve strength and durability while maintaining low weight.
Composite end fittings are particularly suitable where corrosion resistance, electrical insulation, noise reduction or weight optimisation are priorities. Unlike metallic components, engineering plastics are naturally resistant to rust, making them an effective choice for many indoor and specialised industrial applications.
| Advantages of Composite End Fittings | Typical Applications |
|---|---|
| Lightweight construction. | Furniture systems. |
| Corrosion-free material. | Medical equipment. |
| Electrical insulation. | Electronic enclosures. |
| Quiet operation. | Consumer products. |
| Maintenance-free material. | Indoor OEM applications. |
Choosing the correct gas spring end fitting is just as important as selecting the appropriate gas spring. The end fitting must provide secure attachment while allowing the gas spring to articulate naturally throughout its complete stroke. Factors such as load capacity, installation geometry, environmental conditions and mounting style should all be evaluated before selecting the most suitable solution.
Whether you are using Standard Gas Springs or Stainless Steel Gas Springs, selecting compatible end fittings helps maximise reliability, reduce unnecessary stresses and improve the overall service life of the complete motion control system.
| Selection Factor | Engineering Consideration |
|---|---|
| Load Capacity | The end fitting should safely support the operating loads without deformation or excessive wear. |
| Installation Geometry | Correct articulation allows the gas spring to move naturally while reducing side loading on the piston rod. |
| Thread Size | The thread specification must match both the piston rod and cylinder connection of the gas spring. |
| Connection Type | Ball sockets, eyelets, forks, clevises and threaded connectors should be selected according to the application’s movement requirements. |
| Operating Environment | Material selection should consider humidity, chemicals, saltwater exposure, temperature and corrosion requirements. |
| Maintenance Requirements | Choose an end fitting that provides long-term reliability while allowing convenient inspection and replacement if necessary. |
| Material | Recommended Applications |
|---|---|
| Zamak End Fittings | Suitable for general industrial equipment, furniture, office products and many indoor OEM applications where dimensional accuracy and cost efficiency are priorities. |
| Metal End Fittings | Recommended for heavy-duty machinery, transportation equipment and high-load industrial applications. Stainless steel versions are ideal for corrosive environments. |
| Composite (Plastic) End Fittings | Best suited for lightweight applications requiring corrosion resistance, electrical insulation or quiet operation. |
Gas spring end fittings are available in numerous configurations to accommodate different installation requirements and movement characteristics.
| End Fitting Style | Typical Function |
|---|---|
| Ball Socket | Allows multi-directional articulation around a ball stud. |
| Ball Stud | Provides the pivot point for ball socket connections. |
| Eyelet | Simple pivot connection using a pin or bolt. |
| Clevis | Fork-style connection providing excellent stability under load. |
| Fork End | Suitable for pinned mounting arrangements requiring controlled articulation. |
| Threaded Connector | Provides secure attachment to piston rods and cylinder ends. |
Gas spring end fittings are used across a wide range of industries where reliable movement, secure attachment and long service life are essential. The most suitable end fitting depends not only on the type of gas spring but also on the application environment, operating loads and installation geometry. Selecting the appropriate material and connection style helps maximise both performance and durability.
Whether used with Standard Gas Springs or Stainless Steel Gas Springs, correctly selected end fittings contribute to smoother movement, improved safety and longer service life.
Industrial equipment often operates under high loads and frequent cycling. For these demanding applications, Metal End Fittings (Steel End Fittings) are typically preferred because of their high mechanical strength, durability and resistance to repeated loading.
Marine applications require excellent corrosion resistance. Stainless steel end fittings manufactured from materials such as AISI 304 or AISI 316, combined with Stainless Steel Gas Springs, provide a complete corrosion-resistant solution for boats, yachts and other marine environments.
Medical devices often require smooth movement, reliable operation and easy cleaning. Depending on the application, stainless steel end fittings or Composite (Plastic) End Fittings may be selected to meet hygiene, corrosion resistance and weight requirements.
Furniture, seating systems and office equipment frequently use Zamak End Fittings (Zinc Die-Cast End Fittings). Their excellent dimensional accuracy, attractive surface finish and economical production make them well suited to medium-duty applications where appearance and cost efficiency are important.
Gas spring end fittings are widely used in buses, trucks, agricultural machinery and special-purpose vehicles. Depending on the operating conditions, manufacturers may choose heavy-duty steel end fittings for maximum strength or corrosion-resistant stainless steel versions for outdoor service environments.
Access doors, electrical cabinets and control enclosures require end fittings that provide smooth articulation and reliable operation over many opening cycles. Material selection depends on the installation environment, with zinc die-cast, steel or composite end fittings each offering advantages for different applications.
| Operating Environment | Recommended End Fitting Material |
|---|---|
| General Indoor Industrial Applications | Zamak End Fittings or standard steel end fittings. |
| Heavy-Duty Industrial Equipment | Metal (Steel) End Fittings. |
| Marine and Offshore Applications | Stainless steel end fittings with Stainless Steel Gas Springs. |
| Food Processing and Medical Equipment | Stainless steel or Composite End Fittings, depending on the application requirements. |
| Lightweight Equipment | Composite (Plastic) End Fittings. |
| Cost-Sensitive OEM Production | Zamak (Zinc Die-Cast) End Fittings. |
Every gas spring application has unique installation requirements, making the selection of the correct gas spring end fitting an essential part of the overall design process. At Newtone Gas Springs, we work closely with OEM manufacturers to develop end fitting solutions that match the application’s geometry, load requirements, operating environment and expected service life.
Whether your project requires Metal End Fittings (Steel End Fittings), Zamak End Fittings (Zinc Die-Cast End Fittings) or Composite End Fittings (Plastic End Fittings), our engineering team evaluates the complete motion control system to recommend the most appropriate material and connection type.
Selecting an end fitting involves much more than choosing the correct thread size. Our engineers evaluate the complete installation, including the gas spring, mounting geometry, articulation angle, operating loads and surrounding structure. By considering the entire assembly, we help ensure smooth movement, reliable load transfer and long-term durability.
Customers may provide technical drawings, CAD models, installation dimensions, photographs or existing samples. Even when complete engineering documentation is unavailable, our team can often recommend suitable end fittings based on the available application data.
| Customisation Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Connection Type | Ball sockets, ball studs, eyelets, clevises, fork ends and threaded connectors. |
| Thread Size | Available in various metric and imperial thread configurations. |
| Material Selection | Zamak, carbon steel, forged steel, machined steel, engineering polymers and stainless steel options. |
| Surface Treatment | Zinc plating, corrosion-resistant finishes and stainless steel materials for demanding environments. |
| Load Capacity | Designed according to the required mechanical strength and application conditions. |
| OEM Identification | Customer-specific markings, labels and part numbers can be incorporated where required. |
Different operating environments require different material solutions. Zamak end fittings offer excellent dimensional accuracy and economical production for many general industrial applications. Where additional corrosion resistance is required, zinc-plated finishes can provide enhanced surface protection.
Metal end fittings are recommended for applications requiring higher mechanical strength and durability. Depending on the operating conditions, these fittings can be manufactured from carbon steel or supplied in stainless steel grades such as AISI 304 or AISI 316 for marine, medical, food processing and outdoor applications.
Composite end fittings provide lightweight, corrosion-free performance and are particularly suitable where electrical insulation, reduced weight or quiet operation are important design considerations.
When combined with Stainless Steel Gas Springs, stainless steel end fittings create a fully corrosion-resistant motion control system capable of delivering reliable performance in demanding environments.
Whether your project requires prototype quantities, small production batches or high-volume OEM manufacturing, Newtone supports every stage of product development. Our engineering team works closely with customers to ensure that each end fitting is fully compatible with the gas spring, installation geometry and operating conditions before serial production begins.
Although gas spring end fittings are compact mechanical components, they play a vital role in maintaining the safety, stability and long-term performance of the complete gas spring system. Regular inspection helps identify wear, corrosion or damage before these issues affect the operation of the gas spring or the equipment itself.
Whether used with Standard Gas Springs or Stainless Steel Gas Springs, properly maintained end fittings contribute to smoother movement, more reliable articulation and longer service life.
| Inspection Item | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Ball Socket Connections | Check for excessive play, wear or looseness that could affect articulation. |
| Ball Studs | Inspect for wear, deformation or damage caused by repeated movement. |
| Threaded Connections | Verify that all threaded connections remain securely tightened and undamaged. |
| Clevises and Fork Ends | Inspect pivot holes, pins and retaining components for wear or deformation. |
| Surface Condition | Look for corrosion, impact damage or excessive wear, particularly in demanding environments. |
| Overall Alignment | Ensure the end fittings continue to allow smooth articulation without introducing side loads to the gas spring. |
Gas spring end fittings should be replaced if they show signs of excessive wear, deformation, corrosion, cracked threads or mechanical damage that could affect safe operation. Continuing to use damaged end fittings may increase stress on the gas spring, reduce articulation and shorten the service life of the complete motion control system.
Whenever replacement is required, the new end fitting should match the original thread specification, articulation characteristics, load capacity and installation geometry. If the operating conditions have changed, it may also be beneficial to review whether a different material would provide improved long-term performance.
Different materials offer different maintenance characteristics. Selecting the most appropriate material from the beginning can significantly improve durability while reducing long-term maintenance requirements.
| Material | Maintenance Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Zamak End Fittings | Provide excellent dimensional stability and economical performance. Zinc-plated versions offer additional surface protection for many indoor and light industrial applications. |
| Metal End Fittings | Offer excellent mechanical durability. Stainless steel versions are recommended for marine, medical, food processing and corrosive environments where long-term corrosion resistance is essential. |
| Composite End Fittings | Naturally corrosion-resistant, lightweight and suitable for many applications where reduced maintenance and low weight are important. |
End fittings should never be considered in isolation. Their condition directly influences the performance of the gas spring, the mounting brackets and the surrounding structure. Periodic inspection of the complete assembly helps maintain reliable operation while reducing unexpected downtime and unnecessary component replacement.
Gas spring end fittings are the connection components that attach a gas spring to the application. They provide secure mounting while allowing the gas spring to pivot naturally during extension and compression, ensuring smooth movement and reliable load transfer.
Yes. The terms gas spring end fittings and gas strut end fittings refer to the same components. The terminology varies between countries and industries, but both describe the connectors used to mount gas springs or gas struts.
The most suitable end fitting depends on the application’s load requirements, installation geometry, articulation angle, operating environment and mounting method. Ball sockets, eyelets, clevises, fork ends and threaded connectors are each designed for different installation requirements.
Zamak end fittings are manufactured from zinc die-cast alloys and offer excellent dimensional accuracy with economical production. Metal end fittings provide higher mechanical strength and are available in carbon steel or stainless steel for demanding applications. Composite end fittings are manufactured from engineering polymers and are ideal where lightweight construction, corrosion resistance or electrical insulation are required.
Yes. Many metal end fittings are available in stainless steel materials such as AISI 304 and AISI 316. These are commonly used together with stainless steel gas springs in marine, medical, food processing and outdoor applications where corrosion resistance is essential.
Zamak offers good corrosion performance for many general industrial applications. To provide additional surface protection, Zamak end fittings can also be supplied with zinc plating, making them suitable for a wide range of indoor and light industrial environments.
In many cases, yes. If the thread size, connection type and load requirements remain compatible, end fittings can often be replaced independently. However, the replacement component should always match the original installation geometry and operating requirements.
Common styles include ball sockets, ball studs, eyelets, clevises, fork ends and threaded connectors. The best choice depends on the application’s movement, available installation space and required articulation.
Yes. End fittings can be customised with different thread sizes, connection types, materials, surface finishes and dimensions to meet specific OEM product requirements and installation geometries.
For outdoor or corrosive environments, stainless steel end fittings are generally the preferred solution due to their excellent corrosion resistance. Depending on the application, composite end fittings may also be suitable where lightweight construction and corrosion-free performance are priorities.
End fittings require minimal maintenance under normal operating conditions. Periodic inspection for wear, corrosion, loose threaded connections and proper articulation helps maintain reliable operation and extend the service life of the complete gas spring system.
Helpful information includes the gas spring model, thread size, preferred connection type, application details, operating environment, technical drawings or photographs. This allows our engineering team to recommend the most appropriate end fitting for your specific application.
Explore the following technical articles to learn more about gas spring components, installation principles and selecting the right motion control solution for your application.
Complete your gas spring assembly with Newtone’s range of gas springs, mounting accessories and specialised end fitting solutions designed for industrial and OEM applications.
Selecting the right gas spring end fitting is about much more than matching a thread size. The connection type, material, articulation angle and installation geometry all influence the safety, durability and overall performance of the complete gas spring system. A properly engineered end fitting helps ensure smooth operation, reliable load transfer and a longer service life.
Whether you require Zamak End Fittings (Zinc Die-Cast End Fittings), Metal End Fittings (Steel End Fittings) or Composite End Fittings (Plastic End Fittings), Newtone offers engineered solutions for a wide variety of industrial and OEM applications. From standard catalogue products to fully customised components, we help manufacturers select the most suitable material and connection design for every project.
Our engineering team can evaluate your complete motion control system, including the gas spring, mounting arrangement and operating conditions, to recommend the most appropriate end fitting. You are welcome to send us technical drawings, CAD models, photographs, application dimensions or an existing sample. Based on this information, we can recommend the ideal end fitting solution to maximise performance, reliability and service life.
Contact Newtone Gas Springs for technical assistance, product selection or a customised quotation. Whether your application requires standard end fittings, corrosion-resistant stainless steel components or fully customised OEM solutions, our engineering team is ready to help you develop a reliable and long-lasting motion control system.
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