Medical & Laboratory
Medical equipment demands smooth, quiet, repeatable motion and the ability to stop anywhere in the stroke — a lockable spring is the norm rather than the exception. Surfaces are wiped with disinfectant many times a day, so material choice is driven by chemical resistance.
Typical force
100–600N
per spring
Typical stroke
100–300mm
travel required
Material
Stainless 304 or 316
Repeated disinfectant wipe-down attacks coated steel. Stainless also meets the cleanability expectations of a clinical environment.
Common applications
| Application | Typical force | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital bed backrest | 300–600 N per spring | Lockable — must hold at any angle the patient is comfortable at |
| Examination table section | 200–450 N per spring | Smooth, quiet motion; high daily cycle count |
| Dental chair adjustment | 150–400 N per spring | Fine positioning matters more than lift capacity |
| Lab equipment cover / fume hood sash | 100–300 N per spring | Chemical exposure — confirm seal compatibility with the reagents in use |
What goes wrong
Specification mistakes we see most often in medical & laboratory work.
- Lockable springs are the default here: the position must hold under a patient load and release on a deliberate control input.
- Medical devices are certified as complete assemblies. Component changes may require re-validation, so specify early and do not substitute later.
- Cycle life is the governing spec — a spring on an exam table may see 20,000 cycles a year.
Products for medical & laboratory
Working on medical & laboratory?
Tell us the panel dimensions and the environment. We will size the spring, specify the right material, and come back within 1 business day.