Springs are a common type of elastic component, capable of storing mechanical energy when stretched or compressed. As the length of a spring changes, it will begin to exert a fairly proportional opposing force. With their capabilities of tensile, torsion, or compressive force, springs are commonly found within industrial settings where they may be used to actuate engine valves, open die sets, assist in keeping doors closed, and much more. Depending on the particular application and its needs, there are numerous industrial spring types that each present their own working characteristics and advantages. To help you find the right industrial spring for your machinery or assemblies, we will provide a brief overview of the most common variations.
Compression & Die Springs
Compression springs feature a helical design and are capable of storing force when compressed. As force is exerted downwards onto the spring, the length between each coil will be lost until they touch and the limit is reached. Coming with differently cut or shaped ends based on the application, such springs are commonly used for manufacturing where they can provide variable and opposing forces. When procuring such components, it is important to choose the optimal material, diameter, free length, wire diameter, end type, and helix type needed. Die springs are a specific type of compression spring, differing in the fact that they provide high force. Additionally, one other factor that sets compression & die springs apart is that the latter is made from rectangular wire.
Torsion Springs
Torsion springs may either come in the form of spiral coils or strips that are either helical or flat in shape. With their ability to either mitigate or apply torque loads, such springs often serve motion controls of manufacturing applications. It is important to note that torsion springs commonly come in two types, those of which are helical erosion springs and spiral torsion springs. While helical torsion springs are similar to compression springs, spiral torsion springs are wound as concentric spirals.
Extension Springs
Extension springs are helically coiled, capable of generating an opposing force as they are stretched out. With their ability to create a pulling force for the means of returning to an original state, such spring types are implemented within assemblies where their tensile force opposition is used to keep parts together. Extension springs are common to manufacturing equipment, benefiting areas where failure is not a major issue as they can be stretched beyond their limits.
Spring Plungers
Spring plungers are a more unique form of spring component, coming in the form of small and narrow devices that may position and index components. Spring plungers utilize spring force to maintain the position of a ball located at their end, regardless of the force exerted to it. Generally, spring plungers are used for locking and locating components.
Constant Force Springs
Constant force springs often have the appearance of a roll of tape, formed through tightly wound bands of steel. When such springs are compressed, they will return to their original state with a constant force as soon as pressure is removed. With their capabilities, such spring types are regularly installed within clocks, wind-up toys, and more.
Spring Nuts
Spring nuts are another more unique type of spring that are one-piece, self-locking components. With a nut assembly on one end, the spring nut may be paired alongside a screw to mitigate vibration for the means of preventing loosening. While general locknuts are robust components by themselves, the addition of a spring increases the hold quality for the benefit of the assembly.
Beyond the aforementioned types, there are many other variations of springs that one may use depending on their needs. When it comes time to begin sourcing various springs for industrial applications, look no further than Industrial Parts Circuit. Industrial Parts Circuit is a leading supplier of industrial springs, offering customers unmatched pricing and lead-times on top manufacturer parts and components. As you look through our various catalogs and listed parts, we invite you to fill out and submit an Instant RFQ form as provided on our website to receive a quote for your comparisons. As our team members are available 24/7x365, you can receive a response to your request in just 15 minutes or less upon submission.
We hope that you will visit us again the next time you need industrial parts and make us your strategic purchasing partner.
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