Industrial Springs

Introduction

Descriptions of the Types of Industrial Springs and a List of their Manufacturers

You will learn:

What are Industrial Springs?
Types of Industrial Springs
How Industrial Springs are Made
Uses for Industrial Springs
And much more …

Common Structural Elements of Industrial Springs

Chapter 1: What are Industrial Springs?

Industrial springs are heavy duty springs that have a high load capacity and are able to store energy when they are twisted, compressed, or pulled. When the force that deforms an industrial spring is removed, the spring returns to its original form and shape. As with all types of springs, industrial springs are designed to be able to deflect and support a load using their potential energy when compressed, twisted, or stretched. Although they function the same way as springs for watches, clocks, and household items, they are made of more durable materials in order to withstand the stress they must endure.

An industrial spring, or any spring, operates under the principles developed by Robert Hooke, referred to as Hooke’s Law, which is an explanation of the physics behind elasticity. For an object or material to have elasticity, it must be able to return to its original shape after being stressed, distorted, or stretched. The force that causes a material to assume its normal shape after being stressed is referred to as restoring force, which is proportional to the amount of stretching a material experienced. In manufacturing, industrial springs are stressed and stretched by a variety of factors causing them to bear loads for extended periods of time.

The term industrial springs covers a wide range of springs that are used to provide flexibility and stability to machinery and structures. From furniture production to medical devices, industrial springs are essential components for energy storage, shock absorption, and support. The nature of the use of industrial springs necessitates that they be carefully designed and constructed from high quality materials. In many cases, the unique characteristics of certain applications requires the use of custom made industrial springs.

Chapter 2: Types of Industrial Springs

Most industrial springs are the same types of springs that are used for normal everyday products. The robust materials and superior strength of industrial springs is what differentiates them from typical springs. The traditional uses of springs for the home are as a support for couches, beds, appliances, and other home products. In the industrial sector, springs are used to control motion by resisting vibrations and absorbing shock. Their responsibility is to protect equipment from wear, breakage, and damage as well as providing protection for workers.

Although there is a vast array of standard industrial springs, there are many instances where they have to be custom designed to meet a mechanism’s special requirements. Engineers adapt, shape, and adjust traditional springs such that they can serve special and unusual manufacturing conditions. Such changes are necessary for newly engineered equipment and production processes.

The wide range of industrial spring types and designs, with their unique characteristics and properties, enables them to perform vital and crucial functions. Engineers, designers, and spring manufacturers provide clients with detailed information regarding the capabilities of springs and how they are necessary for particular functions. For novices, it is important to have a rudimentary understanding of springs in order to speak with manufacturers.

The Strongest Industrial Springs

The term strongest industrial springs is a generic term that covers a specific set of springs that are designed for industrial use. They are defined by their materials, design considerations, dimensions, environmental factors, and the requirements of a specific application. The springs that fit into the category of the strongest industrial springs are compression, torsion, Belleville washers, extension, and wave springs.

In the majority of cases, industrial springs go unnoticed and are mounted deep inside mechanisms for motion control. Aside from their structural differences, industrial springs are classified by how a load is applied to them, which can be linear or constant rate, variable rate, and constant force. Although linear springs have a constant spring rate, variable rate springs have different spring rates throughout their length.

In most cases, industrial springs are heavy duty springs that are larger and sturdier than typical springs. Their high strength materials provide resistance, resilience, and durability in order to withstand their loads and surrounding conditions. Industrial springs are engineered to meet load requirements for endurance and longevity in order to withstand substantially heavier loads. The spring rate for industrial springs is one of their outstanding characteristics. All industrial strength springs require a great deal of force to deform them.

Compression Industrial Springs

A typical compression spring is made of round wire that has been wound into a helical shape. Due to the nature of their functions, compression springs are made from carbon steel, stainless steel, and forms of specialty alloys that have different levels of elasticity, corrosion resistance, and fatigue strength. The energy storing properties of compression springs makes them the most versatile of industrial strength springs.

As with all forms of springs, the function of compression springs, with the application of force, compacts their coils. The level of compression determines the force that a compression spring pushes back. During compression, a compression spring accumulates energy that is released when the load is removed.

Although cylindrical is the typical form of compression springs, they are available in different shapes and designs depending on an application. Conical compression springs have conical coils the diameter of which decreases from one end of the spring to the other end. Barrel compression springs have a wider central diameter and smaller diameter on either end. Hourglass compression springs are the opposite of barrel springs in that they have wider end diameters and smaller center diameters. Variable pitch compression springs have different coil densities throughout their length while nested compression springs consist of combined compression springs.

The many varieties of compression springs are designed for use in a wide variety of applications. One of the most common applications for which compression springs are used is as part of automobile suspension systems to minimize shock and provide stability. In aerospace, compression springs are part of landing gears to make folding and setting of gears easier. In all instances, compression springs are used to control forces and motion.

Extension Industrial Springs

Unlike compression springs, that resist compression force, extension springs resist tensile or pulling force. They are attached at both ends and attempt to prohibit the items to which they are attached from moving apart or separating. When external force stretches an extension spring, mechanical energy is stored in the spring material. The amount of force necessary to extend an expansion spring is proportional to the amount of displacement, according to Hooke's Law.

An understanding of the core attributes of an industrial extension spring provides understanding as to how an extension spring reacts under a load. Although there is a wide assortment of stock extension springs, industrial extension springs are highly specialized and require careful study during the selection process.

Wire diameter, outer diameter of a coil, and inner diameter of a coil are standard design features of all forms of extension springs, stock or industrial. The inside length of the hooks, which is unique to extension springs, determines how an extension spring will make contact with an assembly and whether it will fit into the designated space.

As with all forms of springs, the number of coils or loops of an industrial extension spring makes up its body. The stretchability and amount of stored energy of an extension spring is affected by the number of coils. Industrial extension springs become more flexible and have a lower spring rate as their number of coils increases. Less coils means greater force will be necessary to extend a spring.

Another factor that differentiates industrial extension springs from compression springs is extension springs initial tension that is built into them. The purpose of extension spring tension is to keep the spring’s coils tightly wound when no load is applied. For an extension spring to extend, its initial tension must be overcome. During extension, the initial tension happens first before the spring rate. In order to calculate the spring rate of an extension spring, the tension force has to be added to the spring rate, which helps determine the spring force load, a critical aspect of spring selection.

Since extension springs attach to industrial components, the types of ends for extension springs are carefully chosen to meet the requirements of an assembly. The most common type of extension spring end is a hook or loop that allows the spring to latch onto a fixture, rod, bar, or round pipe. Unlike stock springs, the ends for industrial springs are custom designed to match the requirements of a load, which necessitates that ends vary in strength, durability, and meet the application needs.

Although hooks and loops are a common form of extension spring ends, specially designed extension springs come without ends or hooks, which allows users to devise different connection methods. Extension springs without hooks are economical and significantly increase the lifespan of an extension spring. The absence of ends makes it possible to increase a spring’s pulling force and distance, enabling an extension to handle larger loads and longer cycle times. Attachment methods for hookless extension springs vary and include the use of nuts, washers, and bolts.

Torsion Industrial Springs

Torque is the measure of the force that causes an object to rotate around an axis and causes linear kinematic and angular acceleration. It is the tendency of force to turn or rotate and is the rotational equivalent of linear force. Torsion springs are a type of industrial spring that is designed to resist the twisting force of torque. They are helically wound springs that have arms at each end that rotate around the central axis of the spring. As with extension springs, the arms of torsion springs are attached to components that apply a rotational load to the spring.

The wires for torsion springs are wound in a spiral shape with ends that stick out and have one end attached to a stationary point with the other end attached to a rotational point. When the rotational point is turned, the spring stores energy by being twisted. As the rotational force is released, the spring unwinds and releases the stored energy. The torsional stress that torsion springs experience can store and release angular energy and statically held mechanisms.

In the majority of cases, industrial torsion springs are closely wound, which gives them strength but can cause friction. A variety of torsion springs have pitch to reduce friction between the coils. As with most industrial springs, torsion springs can be wound clockwise or counter clockwise to meet the rotational motion of an application.

The two types of torsion springs are single bodied and double bodied. Single torsion springs have their traditional shape and rotate to the left or right. Double torsion springs have a different form. While a single torsion spring rotates to the left or right, double torsion springs have a set of right-hand coils and a set of left-hand coils. The two sets are joined by an unwound section between the windings.

Double torsion springs are stronger and are able to exert greater force. The sum of the force generated by a double torsion spring is equal to the force of two single torsion springs. The extra capabilities of double torsion springs enable them to help in lifting and neutralizing and centering rotation. The exceptional strength of double torsion springs makes them ideal for use in medicine, aerospace, and the military. They are an ideal solution for certain types of industrial applications.

Single and double torsion springs are available with several types of end and leg configurations. The ends of torsion springs are wires that protrude from the spring’s body and are the aspect of the spring that withstands the load of an application. When the legs are displaced, a torsion spring stores energy by resisting the effects of the load by untwisting its helical center coils. Standard end legs are straight or angled, which are varied to meet the needs of different applications.

With industrial torsional springs, the end legs of torsion springs are custom designed. Aside from the types of legs, the angles of torsion spring legs vary and include legs that are axial and tangential. In both cases, the angles of the legs vary from 0° up to 315° depending on the design of the torsion spring.

Torsion springs are used in the auto industry for lids, hood hinges, and tailgates. In aerospace, they control ailerons and flaps and support the lowering and lifting of landing gear. There is an endless number of uses for torsion springs in industrial applications including clutches, levers, and actuators as well as counterbalancing doors and window frameworks.

Leaf Springs

The purpose of leaf springs is to prevent vehicles from bouncing or swaying from side to side when in motion or carrying a load. They ensure that wheels stay on the ground and help stabilize loads and keep loads steady. As with many springs, the structure of leaf springs is very simple. They are made of rectangular strips of flexible steel that have been placed parallel to each other to form a semi-elliptical shape. The multiple layers of leaf springs enable them to bear heavy loads through weight distribution and stress.

The limited number of parts required to manufacture leaf springs makes their construction very basic. The fewer number of components of leaf springs extends their life span and makes them more economical. Since they undergo very little wear and tear, they can withstand any type of terrain.

The elliptical shape of leaf springs is due to the use of spring steel, which flexes when pressure is applied at either end of the steel. Leaf springs have the same characteristics as other forms of springs in that they return to their original shape when a load is lifted. In the case of leaf springs, the return to normal is completed through a damping process.

For many years, leaf springs were used in all vehicles but are not as commonly used today. In modern vehicles, they have been replaced with coil springs, torsion bars, and air springs. The use of leaf springs today is on large trucks as rear axle support. They are attached to the chassis and both ends of the rear axle. In some vehicles, leaf springs are transversely mounted across the width of a vehicle. Modern vehicles have leaf springs combined with other forms of suspension.

The construction of a leaf spring consists of several thin strips of flexible steel. The multiple flexible strips are held together with metal clips on either end or bolts placed in various positions along the length of the spring or a combination of clips and bolts. The main leaf of the assembly bears most of the weight of the load. The thinner strips add support and extra flexibility.

Aside from the elliptical type of leaf spring, there are four other types, which are semi-elliptical, quarter elliptical, three quarter elliptical, and transverse. The difference between the five types is in regard to how they are connected to a vehicle and how their leaves are arranged. Each of the types is designed to serve a specific supportive function.

Belleville Washers

Belleville washers are unlike traditional springs. They are conical shaped washers that provide spring like action when compressed. Belleville washers, also known as disc springs, coned disc springs, conical spring washers, or cupped spring washers, have a conical shape with an inner portion that is raised and higher than the outer edge of the washer, a shape that makes them capable of handling heavy loads in the same manner as a spring.

The unique shape of Belleville washers has made them an important part of construction and manufacturing for centuries. They are often used in high stress applications as a replacement for springs and as resistance against heavy loads. Much like springs, Belleville washers are used in stacks to create multiple springs. The conical structure of Belleville washers enables them to absorb vibrations, something conventional washers cannot do.

The shape of Belleville washers enables them to apply clamp pressure with a continuous arc pattern, instead of at one point. When a load is applied to a Belleville washer, it compresses in the same manner as a compression spring. The difference between the compression effect on Belleville washers and compression springs is Belleville washers do not always spring back after use. They do apply an equal amount of force against a load.

Belleville washers are very versatile. They can be used in several ways to help avoid vibrations and prevent bolts from shifting. Arranged in a particular configuration, they prevent deflection using three or more Belleville washers. Several Belleville washers, arranged on top of each other, are used for heavy loads. They are designed with different thicknesses to meet the conditions of a specific space. In many cases, Belleville washers are heat treated to enhance their spring properties and increase their reliability.

When in use, Belleville washers generate friction due to their coupled radial and axial motion at their outer and inner rims. The generated friction creates hysteresis in a Belleville washer’s force deflection that can act as a damper. The compactness of Belleville washers enables them to provide stiffness in a small volume.

Dimensions and Shape of a Belleville Washer

The five industrial springs listed above are a small sampling of the many forms of industrial springs that are used by manufacturers. The other types include constant force springs, wave springs, gas springs, disc springs, and custom designed springs for special applications. Each type of industrial spring has unique and special characteristics that allows them to adapt to a wide variety of applications.

Chapter 3: How Springs are Classified by Load

Industrial springs are classified by the load that is applied and by how they are made. Compression, torsion, and extension are three types of springs and three classifications for springs. How a load is applied to these three types is distinctly different. In addition, springs are classified by how they are made, which includes coils, flat, disc, and machined springs.

Spring load and spring rate are two methods used to measure the force generated by a spring. The rate is the force generated at one inch of deflection while the load is the force generated as it travels. The force and load of a spring determines the load a spring can handle. The strength of a spring can be changed by increasing the diameter of the wire, decreasing the outer diameter (OD), or decreasing the number of coils.

The classification by load of industrial springs is in relation to how force is applied to a spring and a spring’s displacement under a load. The three types of displacement are linear or constant rate, variable rate, and constant force. Spring load is the amount of weight a spring can carry when deflected to a certain height.

The three measurements of a spring that are examined when a spring is being designed are its loaded height (H), free length (L), and distance traveled (x). The free length of a spring is its length prior to having a load applied. The loaded height is the height of a spring after a load is applied and is part of how far the coils of a spring travel or distance traveled when a load is applied. The working load or distance traveled by a spring helps in determining a spring’s spring rate or spring force.

Linear Springs

Linear springs are springs that follow Hooke’s Law due to their linear relationship between a load and deflection. They can be identified by their diameter, which is consistent throughout their length. The uniformity of a linear spring’s diameter gives it a constant spring rate, which does not change regardless of the load acting on a linear spring. In accordance with Hooke’s Law, the deflection of a linear spring will be proportional to the applied force.

Compression, extension, and torsion springs are linear springs and have helical coils. The load versus deflection curve of these springs can be adjusted by changing the diameter of their coils or adjusting the pitch of their coils. If the pitch is adjusted such that it varies along the length of the spring, a spring will no longer be a linear spring.

A variation in linear springs is between compression and extension springs. All extension springs are designed with pretension, which is not part of compression spring design. In addition, the coils of extension springs do not have pitch in their neutral state.

For a linear spring to operate correctly, the force that is applied to it should not exceed its elastic limit. Linear springs have a defined spring rate per inch of deflection. If that rate is exceeded or violated, a linear spring will fail.

Variable Rate Springs

Variable rate springs, also known as progressive springs, have uneven spaces between their coils, a factor that differentiates them from linear springs. Linear springs compress one inch for every pound of applied load due to their consistent diameters and lengths. A spring with a 200 pound per inch linear rate will travel three inches when a 600-pound load is applied.

Progressive or variable rate springs have an inconsistent rate of deflection. The distance between their coils is not equal causing their rate of deflection to increase as the spring compresses. During initial compression, a variable rate spring softens but stiffens as the load increases. This inconsistency differentiates variable rate springs from linear springs.

The two categories of variable rate springs are constantly increasing and dual rate springs that have two linear rate springs connected with a transition rate. Constantly increasing spring rate springs are the typical variable rate spring. Dual rate springs are complex and are designed in regard to how the spring will be used. With dual rate springs, a portion of the spring is firm while the other portion is soft. In both portions, the distance between the coils is equal, which identifies them as a combination type of spring.

Constant Force Springs

Constant force springs, also known as constant torque springs, are a unique type of spring that consist of prestressed flat strips of spring material. When the strips are extended, the stress resists the loading force at a zero or constant rate. The full load rate of a constant force spring is reached after the spring is deflected to 1.25 times its diameter. The load capabilities of a constant force spring are determined by the thickness and width of its material and the coil’s diameter.

The force of motion of constant force springs is what gives them their name due to the force of motion always being at constant exertion. Although constant force springs are not defined as linear springs, their wound rolls work in a linear movement but do not obey Hooke’s Law since they constantly produce force throughout their deflection.

Constant force springs are tightly wound and can be extended to any length. Once a load is lifted, they immediately pull back. They are compact and can extend to pull items in a linear direction. A certain amount of the coil of a constant force spring has to remain on a shaft to hold the spring in place.

The materials used to form constant force springs are spring steel that is used in counterbalancing applications, such as clocks. Constant force springs are designed to provide force by turning in the same direction as their wind. Their sturdy design enables them to work for thousands of cycles over long periods of time. Critical factors related to designing constant force springs include the types of materials, fatigue life, tensile load, torque and friction, speed and acceleration, mounting, and application environment.

Leading Manufacturers and Suppliers

Chapter 4: Springs Classified by Manufacturing Process

Regardless of the types of springs, there are certain basic steps used to produce them. Unlike the manufacture of springs many years ago, modern spring manufacturing is a seamless process that involves the use of carefully designed and planned tooling. Due to the precision of modern processes, every spring is dimensionally accurate and meets design tolerances.

Although springs can be classified by how they react to a load, they are also classified according to how they are made. There is a wide assortment of methods used to manufacture the many varieties of springs with some methods being proprietary. The most common manufacturing method is for industrial metal helical springs that are formed on a mandrel using heavy duty metals.

All forms of springs, flat or wire, involve a winding process to produce the helical configuration. Once wound, the shapes and forms of springs vary in accordance with their attachments and functions. The key factor for industrial springs is the strength and durability of the materials from which they are made.

Wire

The process for the manufacture of an industrial spring begins with the selection of materials. In the case of compression, torsion, and extension springs, the common material is metal wire. For industrial quality springs, wire selection is a critical aspect of the process. The wire for industrial springs has to meet a specific set of criteria that include high tensile strength, corrosion resistance, rigidity, and flexibility.

The mechanical properties and diameter of the wire determine the spring rate and force of an industrial spring. In addition, there are factors that limit the types of applications for which an industrial spring can be used. The mechanical properties of the wire are dependent on a wire’s tensile strength. For industrial applications, high tensile strength wire is used for stressful and demanding applications.

Winding of Wire Springs

The winding process begins with the wire being pulled into the winding machine, which straightens it. For heavy duty industrial springs, the wire is heated before being coiled into a spring configuration. With modern spring manufacturing, computer numerical control (CNC) machines are used for precision winding of wire with the proper pitch, diameter and height. The hot formed wire is quenched to harden the spring and give it endurance. The liquid in the quenching tank is cooled and circulates to eliminate hot spots that could weaken an industrial spring.

From the quenching tank, the coil goes to the tempering furnace where it is heated to reduce brittleness and improve elasticity. At this point of the process, an industrial spring is complete but may be subjected to other processes to shape its ends in compliance with the application for which it will be used.

Heated Coils Being Wound into an Industrial Spring

Flat Springs

Flat springs, such as leaf springs and constant force springs, are made from strips of metal that are cut or pressed. They are made to conform with the requirements of a specific application. Leaf springs are made of flat pieces of rectangular metal that are connected by clips or bolts. They come in varying thicknesses in accordance with the type of vehicle they support.

The process for constant force springs is somewhat similar to the manufacture of coil springs in that the strips of metal that form their body are wound around a drum where the ribbon of metal is wound around itself. The tight winding resists being unwound in the same manner as a coil spring resists being compressed, pulled, or twisted. The coiling of the ribbon of metal puts it in a state of tension in its resting position, unlike coiled springs. In essence, the force value of a constant force spring in its resting state and under a load is not very different. They are made of carbon steel and stainless steel with tension strengths that vary between 2000 kgf/mm2 up to 2300 kgf/mm2.

Constant Torque or Force Spring in Operation

Manufacturing Factors that Affect Industrial Spring Performance

Design – Industrial springs are designed to meet the requirements of a specific application. In the majority of cases, they are custom made using high strength materials capable of withstanding high stress.
Material – The materials for industrial springs are carefully chosen. The manufacturing process is monitored to ensure strength, endurance, and durability requirements are met. Any flaws, errors, or inconsistencies increase wear and tension that leads to spring failure.
Wire Diameter – With coil springs, wire diameter enhances and improves an industrial spring's spring rate. As wire gets stronger and thicker, it is more challenging to deflect.
Heat Treatment – Heat treatment is a normal part of the manufacturing process for industrial strength springs. It improves their shear strength, toughness, and tensile strength, resulting in a longer useful life. In addition, heat treatment improves ductility and influences a material’s elasticity and hardness.
Finishing – The type of finishing of an industrial spring is dependent on the application for which it is designed. There are a wide variety of finishing processes that are used to protect industrial springs. Manufacturers work closely with their clients to determine what finishing processes will be required.

Chapter 5: Metals Used to Manufacturer Industrial Springs

For many years, industrial springs were made from a select few metals that had the endurance and strength required by industrial applications. Over the years, as metals have been introduced and other metals have been improved, the number of metals used to manufacture industrial springs has expanded. The properties and applications for industrial springs are determined by the metals from which they are made.

Industrial Spring Material Properties

The four properties that determine the effectiveness of an industrial spring are its chemical composition, surface, tensile strength, and wire diameter.

Chemical Composition – The elements that combine to form industrial strength materials are carbon steel, oil hardened and tempered steel, and stainless steel with Inconel, Nimonic, and Hastelloy being other alloys. The combination of alloy elements gives spring materials different characteristics and properties, such as high strength, corrosion resistance, and resistance to high temperatures and the ability to resist the effects of acids. Adjustments in these elements change the capabilities of an industrial spring.
Surface – The surface of an industrial spring influences its fatigue life. Most springs fail from defects in their surface. Wires for springs should be selected in accordance with the endurance of their surface finish. International organizations specify limits to the defects associated with surface finishes.
Tensile Strength – Substantial tensile strength is a major differentiating factor in regard to industrial springs. It is the measure of the force that a spring can withstand without breaking. Engineers, when designing industrial springs, chose high tensile strength materials in accordance with customer specifications.
Wire Diameter – Wire diameter has a direct relationship to the tensile strength of a chosen material. The design of an industrial spring is determined by the diameter of the wire, which can vary from less than an inch up to over an inch.

Metals Used to Make Industrial Springs

Spring manufacturers use different materials in the production of their industrial springs to achieve different goals. Although the operation of a spring, its deflection, cycle frequencies, and costs are important factors, choosing the correct wire material for an application is a primary concern.

High Carbon Steel

High carbon steel has been used for many years in the production of industrial springs due to its tensile strength and tempered hardness. The durability and endurance of high carbon steel has made it ideal for applications that require superior resistance to stress. A precaution regarding high carbon steel is its susceptibility to rust and corrosion, which is overcome with coatings and special treatments.

Hard Drawn MB

Hard drawn MB is easy to work, inexpensive, and has a high carbon content. It is a low cost alternative that can be used for high precision loads and deflections. The durability of hard drawn MB does not require additional tempering. Referred to as HDMB ASTM A227, hard drawn MB has a 0.5% carbon content, which makes it suitable for rapid stress repetitions. The limitations to hard drawn MB include its inability to withstand high and low temperature conditions or impact and shock loads.

Stainless Steel

Industrial springs made of stainless steel use precipitation and austenitic stainless steels with a chromium content of 10%. Stainless steel springs are manufactured using a cold drawn process to create springs that are heat and corrosion resistant. The use of stainless steel industrial springs is common in high temperature applications. The types of stainless steel used to manufacture industrial springs are series 304, 302, 316, and 17-7 PH.

Music Wire

Music wire is a very commonly used metal for the manufacture of industrial springs. It is a high carbon wire that has the toughness and resilience to withstand industrial operations. Music wire has an exceptional finish, which makes it ideal for high stress applications that require repetitive loading. The uses of music wire are ever expanding and include processes that involve extreme high temperatures. Springs made of music wire are cold drawn and have uniform properties with high tensile strength.

Oil Tempered Chrome Vanadium

Oil tempered chrome vanadium springs are used in applications that have high stress, fatigue strength, and endurance that is higher than high carbon steel. Such springs are able to withstand shock and impact loading. They are commonly used for aircraft engine valve springs and for applications that have temperatures up to 450°F (232.2°C).

Copper Alloys

Although copper is not known for its strength, when alloyed with other metals, copper can provide support for special applications. The attractiveness of copper is due to its electrical conductivity. When combined with beryllium, phosphorus, or tin, copper can have high tensile strength, exceptional hardness, and corrosion resistance. The major drawback to copper as material for industrial springs is its cost.

The metals listed above are a small sampling of the many metals that manufacturers provide for their clients. The crucial factor that has to be considered when designing an industrial spring is the material that is used to construct it. Manufacturers work closely with their clients to assess the requirements of an application and offer guidance and engineering knowledge as to the materials and design of an industrial spring for an application.

Chapter 6: Uses for Industrial Springs

Springs are a necessary component that is overlooked and regarded as insignificant. Regardless of their reputation, industrial springs play a significant role in industrial applications. Their ability to store and release energy have made springs essential components in the success of a wide range of industrial applications. In modern industrial spring manufacturing, companies have perfected and developed techniques and methods to produce dimensionally accurate and high tolerance springs for any industrial process.

One of the key features of springs is their ability to control motion by resisting and absorbing shock. This type of support prevents valuable equipment from breaking, failing, or wearing down due to constant vibrations and motion. The adaptability of springs is found in their wide range of sizes, shapes, configurations, and forms. They can be engineered for any application regardless of the amount of stress produced or the hostility of the environment.

Auto Industry

The auto industry makes extensive use of a wide range of springs as a means to stabilize vehicle frames and prevent unnecessary motion. The most common use of springs in automobiles is part of suspension systems, which use coil, leaf, and torsion springs to absorb shock and provide a comfortable ride.

On the interior of cars, coil springs are an essential part of seat belt retractors. In the transmission, they stabilize the components to prevent vibrations during the shifting of gears. Valve springs control engine performance by opening and closing rapidly during engine operation.

Industrial quality springs are the reason that modern vehicles operate smoothly and are safe, under any conditions.

Aerospace

As with the auto industry, the aerospace industry relies on springs for the dependable operation of aircraft. Springs are found in airplane engines, landing gear, seats, seat belts, wing flaps, and various other operations. Due to the strict standards regarding the aerospace industry, industrial springs for use in airplanes are meticulously designed and engineered such that they meet Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) regulations to ensure the safety of air travel. The key characteristics of aircraft springs are their strength, durability, resilience, and longevity.

Medicine

Industrial springs play an important role in the manufacture of medical devices and ensuring that such devices do not fail under any conditions. They are found in pumps that deliver fluids to critically ill patients and ensure the equipment operates smoothly without failure. Industrial strength springs are used in surgical tools such as clamps and forceps. The strength of industrial springs ensures that instruments perform with precision and accuracy.

Construction

Everyone has experienced the use of industrial springs in the construction industry. They are used for door and window closers and applications that require controlled movement. Base isolation systems use large industrial springs placed on the foundation of a building to allow a building to move during earth disturbances. Industrial springs control and regulate ventilation systems and help maintain optimal temperatures. As with isolation springs, large industrial springs are used in the construction of suspension bridges on large cables to help distribute tensile forces.

The few industries listed above are a sampling of the many industries that rely on the dependability of industrial springs. The strength, durability, and longevity of industrial springs is what has made them an essential part of industrial equipment, operations, and processes. Their ability to provide stability in unstable conditions and endure insurmountable forces makes them an ideal tool for building resilient production equipment.

Conclusion

Industrial springs are common springs that have been engineered and configured to support industrial equipment and structures.
Compression spring, torsion springs, and extension springs are helical springs that are used for industrial applications.
The materials used to manufacture industrial springs are chosen for their tensile strength, durability, spring rate, and high resistance.
Springs are mechanical components that store energy when force is applied. They have the unique ability to return to their original form when force is removed.
Unlike common springs, industrial springs are custom designed and manufactured to fulfill the needs of high performance and high stress applications.