Gas spring vs mechanical spring assisted monitor arms

When specifying monitor arms for professional environments, the choice between gas spring and mechanical (spring assisted) technologies can significantly impact user experience, maintenance requirements, and long-term performance. This comprehensive comparison examines both technologies to help facility managers, IT specifiers, and ergonomics professionals make informed decisions.

Gas spring monitor arms use compressed gas within a sealed cylinder to provide smooth, effortless adjustment. Our AWM-AHX dynamic arm, used for heavy duty Atdec Modular solutions, uses hydrogen. The gas pressure creates consistent counterbalance force across the full range of motion, assisting users to reposition monitors with minimal effort.

Gas spring monitor arms are also called ‘gas strut’ monitor arms – these terms refer to the same technology. Beyond monitor arms, gas struts or gas springs more broadly refer to using a gas cylinder to provide controlled assistance to opening and closing doors or panels – a common example is struts that limit closure speed of windows to avoid slamming. 

Mechanical spring assisted arms employ precision engineered springs and tensioning mechanisms to counterbalance monitor weight. Atdec’s AWM-ADTC dynamic arm is an example. These systems use mechanical design elements and spring tension to achieve smooth adjustment while maintaining position stability.

• Smooth, fluid motion throughout the entire adjustment range, even with heavier monitors such as held by our AWM-AHX heavy duty dynamic arm

• Require minimal user effort to reposition monitors

• Offer consistent adjustment effort regardless of monitor position

• Enable one-finger positioning for most monitor sizes

• Deliver smooth operation with slightly more tactile feedback

• May show minor variation in effort across the adjustment range

• Provide positive positioning feedback that many users prefer

• Best used for heavy duty applications with monitors to 16kg or 35 lbs

• May require pressure adjustment for monitors outside ideal weight range

• Limited ability to accommodate significant weight variations; for example AWM-AHX requires monitors weight at least 6kg or 13lb, with over all range 6kg to 16kg, or 13lb to 35lb

• Handle broader weight ranges effectively, with Ora 10 range 3kg to 10kg, or 6.6lb to 22lbs

• Tension adjustment mechanisms allow fine-tuning for specific loads

• More forgiving of weight variations and monitor upgrades

• Potential for gas pressure loss over extended periods, with specifiers encouraged to look closely at warranty terms; eg, while Atdec offers a full 10 year warranty, other manufacturers may offer a 5 year warranty and only 1 or 2 years on the gas canister

• Sealed systems are generally maintenance-free when functioning properly

• Temperature variations can affect gas pressure and performance

• Quality of seals critical to long term reliability

• Proven long-term reliability with proper manufacturing

• Minimal performance degradation over time

• Less susceptible to environmental conditions

• Serviceable components allow for extended operational life

• Temperature may affect performance where there is variability in ambient temperature throughout the year or day, due to gas compressibility/expansion

• Altitude changes can impact gas pressure, for the same reason

• You should expect stable performance in stable temperature and pressure environments 

• Stable performance across wide temperature ranges

• Unaffected by altitude or atmospheric pressure changes

• Robust operation in varied conditions

Recommended: mechanical spring assisted monitor arms

• Lower total cost of ownership

• Consistent performance across user base

• Minimal maintenance requirements

• Accommodates various monitor types and sizes up to 10kg (22 lbs)

Recommended: gas spring monitor arms, for heavy monitors

• Assumes large, curved monitors with on-board technology for high-speed data, graphical responsiveness, and power, typically 10kg to 16kg (22lb to 35lb) 

• Effortless adjustment regardless of monitor weight

• Whisper quiet operation for professional environments

• Sleek professional appearance

Recommended: mechanical spring assisted monitor arms

• Reliable operation in varying conditions

• Easy cleaning and maintenance

• Consistent performance with medical displays

• Long-term durability in demanding environments

Recommended: gas spring monitor arms, for heavy monitors

• Assumes large, curved monitors with on-board technology for high-speed data, graphical responsiveness, and power, typically 10kg to 16kg (22lb to 35lb) 

• Effective operation in multimonitor configurations, with a combination of fixed and dynamic monitor arms 

• Rapid, precise positioning capability for large displays

• Smooth operation for frequent repositioning for collaboration

Recommended: mechanical spring assisted monitor arms

• Robust design for heavy use and long service life

• Cost effective for large scale deployments

• Reliable performance with varied user interactions

• Accommodates wide array of display technologies

• Gas spring systems typically command 20-35% premium over mechanical alternatives

• Higher manufacturing demands required for gas systems increases cost

• Where practical to use, mechanical spring assisted monitor arms require lower initial investment

• Note: compare gas spring and spring arms of equivalent quality, such as mechanically spring assisted monitor arm Ora and gas spring assisted FORTIS heavy duty dynamic monitor arm

• Mechanical spring assisted monitor arms generally have lower lifetime costs

• Gas systems may require replacement sooner due to pressure loss

• Maintenance costs favour mechanical systems in most applications

The Ora series represents refined mechanical spring assisted technology, delivering high performance with exceptionally smooth adjustment. The recently released Ora 10 extends capacity to 10kg (22 lbs), making it ideal for professional environments requiring reliable operation across diverse monitor types, including many larger displays, including some 49” curved ultrawide monitors. These solutions excel in high volume deployments where consistency, performance, and longevity are paramount.

Atdec engineers are actively developing next generation spring assisted designs expected to achieve even higher capacities. While some competitors have increased capacity by adding optional secondary springs, Atdec's engineering team is pursuing innovative single-spring solutions through advanced design and materials technology - watch this space for exciting developments.

Heavy duty AWM-AHX dynamic monitor arm with gas spring is used in heavy duty dynamic Atdec Modular solutions, for substantial monitors with weight to 16kg (35lb). As Atdec's only gas spring monitor arm, it delivers premium performance for heavy duty applications while maintaining the superior build quality expected from high performance mounting solutions.

• You use monitors in the higher weight class to 16kg (35lb)

• Dynamic adjustment is required for focal distance and height adjustment

• Budget allows 

• Dynamic adjustment is required

• Monitor weight allows selection of a spring assisted monitor arm, typically up to 10kg (22lb) with dynamic function 

• Cost effectiveness is a concern

• Environmental conditions may be challenging

Both gas spring and mechanical spring assisted dynamic monitor arms offer distinct advantages depending on application requirements. Gas spring systems excel in providing premium user experience with effortless adjustment, making them ideal for large, heavy monitors where smooth operation justifies the premium cost. Mechanical spring assisted systems deliver robust, reliable performance for monitors to the medium-large class with excellent value, making them the practical choice for most professional environments.

The decision ultimately depends on understanding the monitors to be used and then balancing user experience requirements, total cost of ownership, and environmental factors. By understanding these trade offs, specifiers can select the optimal technology to meet their specific application demands while ensuring user satisfaction and operational efficiency.