Common Spring Types and Their Uses
Springs are elastic objects that store mechanical energy and exert forces. There are several common types of springs used in various applications:
Compression Springs
Compression springs are open-coiled helical springs that compress along their main axis when a force is applied on them. They are usually made from round wire coiled into a tight helix. Some examples and uses include:
- Coil springs - Used in mattresses, furniture, and shock absorbers.
- Conical springs - Cone-shaped for more even compression. Used in machinery buffers.
- Barrel springs - Hourglass-shaped compression springs. Used in heavy machinery.
Extension Springs
Extension springs stretch along their axis when pulled. They provide resistance to pulling forces. Some examples include:
- Helical springs - Made from round wire coiled into an open, extended helix shape. Used in vehicles and machines.
- Torsion springs - Coiled with straight ends. Used in counterbalance mechanisms, like hood and hatch supports.
Torsion Springs
Torsion springs exert a torque or rotary force when twisted. Some examples include:
- Coil torsion springs - Coiled around an axis with ends connected to mechanisms. Used in hinges, clamps, and drum brakes.
- Flat spiral torsion springs - Flat strip of metal coiled into a spiral. Used in door hinges and toy cars.
Leaf Springs
Leaf springs are made of flat plates stacked together lengthwise. Uses include:
- Vehicle suspension - Multiple flat plates allow suspension travel.
- Furniture - Used in chairs, couches, and mattresses for support and flexibility.
Coil Springs
Coil springs are the most common type of spring, made by coiling wire or rods. Applications include:
- Compression springs - Absorb shock and impact forces.
- Extension springs - Provide pulling and flexing force.
- Torsion springs - Exert turning force when twisted.
Gas Springs
Gas springs contain compressed gas which extends the spring and absorbs shock. Uses:
- Vehicle hatch and trunk supports - Provide lifting assistance and prevent slamming.
- Office chairs - Used for height adjustment and shock absorption.
- Machinery and manufacturing equipment - Provide smooth lifting and motion control.
Compression Springs
Compression springs are a type of mechanical spring that becomes shorter when compressed along its main axis. The applied force squeezes the coils closer together, storing energy. Here are some key details about compression spring designs, materials, applications, and specifications:
Designs
There are several common compression spring designs:
- Coil springs - Most common design, made by coiling round wire.
- Conical springs - Cone-shaped, provide more even compression.
- Barrel springs - Hourglass shape, used in heavy machinery.
- Volute springs - With tapering ends, can stand on edge.
Materials
Compression springs are manufactured from:
- Carbon steel - Most common, provides good strength and cost balance.
- Stainless steel - For corrosion resistance.
- Music wire - Made from high-carbon steel.
- Chrome silicon - For heat resistance.
Applications
Typical uses of compression springs include:
- Vehicle suspension - Absorb shock forces.
- Mattresses and furniture - Provide cushioning.
- Appliances - Counteract opening forces like in clothes dryers.
- Machinery buffers - Cushion impact from motion.
Specifications
Key compression spring specifications:
- Wire diameter - Thickness of spring material.
- Outer diameter - Outside width when fully compressed.
- Free length - Length with no compression force.
- Spring rate - Resistance to compression force.
- Solid height - Fully compressed length.
Understanding application requirements helps determine optimal compression spring specifications.
Extension Springs
Extension springs are a type of mechanical spring that become longer when pulled or stretched. They exert a resisting force that grows as they extend. Here are key details on extension spring types, materials, applications, and specifications:
Types
Common extension spring varieties include:
- Helical springs - Made by coiling round wire into an open, extended helix shape.
- Torsion springs - Coiled with straight ends, often used for counterbalance mechanisms.
- Drawbar springs - Long, heavy-duty springs used in heavy equipment suspension.
Materials
Extension springs are made from materials like:
- Stainless steel - Provides good corrosion resistance.
- Hard drawn steel - The most common and economical material.
- Oil tempered wire - Used when resistance to dynamic loading is critical.
- Exotic alloys - For extremely high cycle life applications.
Applications
Extension springs are used in applications such as:
- Vehicle suspension - Provide shock absorption and smooth ride.
- Screen doors - Counterbalance the door to prevent slamming.
- Toys - Provide jumping action for slinkys, yo-yos, and more.
- Machinery - Exert pull forces, absorb shock, and control motion.
Specifications
Key extension spring specifications include:
- Wire diameter - Thickness of the spring material.
- Mean coil diameter - Diameter of the spring's coils.
- Total coils - Number of coils in the spring.
- Extended length - Length when stretched with no load.
- Spring rate - Resistance force as length increases.
Choosing the optimal specifications depends on the loading, strength, space, and motion requirements.
Top products in 🌸 Springs
Choosing the Right Spring for Your Application
Selecting the optimal spring for an application requires considering the operating conditions, space constraints, motion requirements, and performance needs. Here are key factors to choose the best spring design and specifications:
Operating Conditions
- Force or load - The spring must withstand the max force without yielding or fracturing.
- Displacement - The max compression or extension the spring will experience.
- Temperature - Extreme heat or cold may require special materials.
- Corrosion - The environment may dictate certain coatings or alloys.
- Contamination - Sealing may be needed in dirty or wet conditions.
Space Limitations
- Compressed height - Will the spring fit when fully compressed?
- Extended length - Is there room for the spring's full extension?
- Outer diameter - The spring must fit within dimensional constraints.
Motion Requirements
- Travel distance - The spring must compress and extend the required amount.
- Spring rate - Affects how the spring responds to loading forces.
- Natural frequency - Impacts vibration isolation and shock absorption.
Performance Needs
- Cycle life - Number of compression cycles before failure.
- Constant or variable force - Does the force need to change with displacement?
- Fatigue life - Resistance to cracking from cyclic stresses.
- Relaxation - Loss of load over time at constant deflection.
Material Selection
Factors like corrosion resistance, required load, fatigue life, and cost impact the ideal spring material such as:
- Carbon steel
- Stainless steel
- Nickel alloys
- Titanium
- Bronze
- Composites
Consulting spring design guides and manufacturers will lead to the optimal spring choice.
Consider Force Requirements When Choosing a Spring
The force or load requirements are critical factors when selecting the proper spring for an application. The spring must be able to withstand the maximal loading without yielding, fracturing or taking a permanent set.
Static Forces
The spring must withstand the maximum static force without deforming. This includes:
- Tensile force - The pull or stretch force.
- Compressive force - The squeezing or crushing force.
- Torsional force - The twisting or rotating force.
The spring's yield strength and solid height must exceed the maximum static force specifications.
Dynamic Forces
The spring must also withstand repetitive or oscillating forces without premature fatigue failure. Factors include:
- Cycle frequency - The repetition rate of the cyclic load.
- Peak load per cycle - The maximum force per oscillation.
- Mean load - The average force applied.
High cycle springs may require shot peening or special materials to endure billions of cycles.
Shock Loads
The spring should be assessed for survivability under shock or impact forces like:
- Sudden excessive loads from impact.
- Quick acceleration or deceleration.
- Instantaneous jolts from tripping or fall arrest.
Shock mounts, preloads, and motion stops may be needed to protect the spring.
Safety Factors
A safety factor of 25-40% above the maximum load is recommended when sizing springs to account for uncertainties like:
- Dynamic effects
- Non-uniform coil spacing
- Minor material defects
- Oxidation or corrosion
- Uncertified suppliers
Carefully assessing all force factors will lead to the optimal, long-lasting spring for the application.
Factor in Space Constraints When Choosing a Spring
Available space is often a key limitation when selecting springs. The spring's dimensions must allow it to function properly within spatial constraints.
Compressed Height
Will the spring fit in the allotted space when fully compressed? For example:
- A spring inside a retractable pen must compress small enough to fit inside the pen casing.
- Springs inside compact electronics must not overcrowd internal components when compressed.
Extended Length
Is there adequate space for the spring's full extension? Consider applications like:
- Springs on screen doors retract fully when the door opens but can't exceed the door frame.
- Platform scales rely on springs extending accurately within a confined base.
Outer Diameter
The spring's outer diameter must allow clearance within the space, such as:
- The outer diameter of valve springs in cylinder heads are limited by the dimensions of the combustion chamber.
- Clock springs must fit precisely within the tight confines of the clock movement.
Package Density
Multiple springs used in proximity may allow less space per spring, like:
- Mattresses use many smaller springs to maximize comfort and support in minimal depth.
- Spring washers can pack tightly together to distribute load in a small area.
Design Modifications
Custom spring shapes can improve fit, such as:
- Conical and barrel compression springs take up less space in the compressed state.
- Nested springs telescope together to combine high travel in a compact area.
Considering space limitations early when specifying spring requirements leads to effective, efficient spring selection.
Similar products
Discover The Best Raw Materials For Springs
The best raw materials for springs are:
- High carbon spring steel
- Alloy spring steel
- Stainless steel
- Nickel alloys
- Phosphor bronze
- Brass
These materials offer specific and unique characteristics that are well-suited to individual uses and work environments. The environment the spring operates in determines the type of alloy chosen. For example, Inconel 625 performs well in Nitric acid, whereas Monel 400 is the best choice for caustic soda. The smallest adjustment of constituents can make a big difference in spring materials. Spring Engineers of Houston has an extensive inventory of spring materials in stock or readily available.
What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Using High Carbon Spring Steel For Springs?
Advantages of using high carbon spring steel for springs:
Disadvantages of using high carbon spring steel for springs:
Overall, high carbon spring steel is a good choice for applications that require high strength and durability, but it may not be the best choice for applications that require flexibility or will be exposed to corrosive environments.
