Coiling springs are available in two different variations. The first is the tension coil spring, which is made to resist stretching, and the second is the compression spring, which, not surprisingly, resists being compressed. Each of these springs can be used in a range of different applications because they have a number of important benefits. When engineers or manufacturers use springs like this, it is usually for some very specific reasons.
1. Predictable
When springs are used in mechanical operations, it is extremely important to know how they will react to certain weights and pressures. Custom compression springs, for example, contain a specific amount of energy when they are extended (in an at-rest position) to resist a certain amount of force. Their performance is measurable and predictable, given the types of material used. This makes it much easier to determine what springs to use in different applications, and exactly how often they can be used before they start losing strength.
2. Customizable
Most compression springs usually have uniform spacing between each coil, but it is possible to customize the size, shape, and strength to address a project’s specific needs. These springs can be manufactured to very tight tolerances so they will fit precisely in a hole or around a shaft, and they can also be produced in a wide range of shapes (including conical, hourglass, barrel, convex, etc), and designed with multiple pitch diameters.
3. Maintenance Free
Springs are, of course, an extraordinarily simple mechanism based on an even simpler premise. They either resist stretching or compression based on the materials they are made from and how tightly they are wound. In and of themselves, coiling springs require no maintenance. You don’t have to keep them lubricated or cleaned, and when they are made with special coatings for added rust resistance, they can last an extremely long time.
4. Suspension Movement
Compared to other types of springs, coils offer more range of suspension movement. This can be extremely beneficial in some applications, especially when it is so easy to determine their compression strength. For example, the increased movement space can have a significant impact on how a vehicle suspension works. Some people prefer the leaf springs, but coiling springs provide a much different experience.
5. Durability
It’s important to understand the properties of the metal used to make your springs. Most coiling springs made for industrial or mechanical applications are chosen specifically for their corrosion resistance, ability to withstand high temperatures, and to maintain their strength even after repeated use. By choosing the right material for the right application, most coiling springs can provide very long, maintenance free service.
