Metal Springs

A coil spring is an open helical metal spring that offers resistance to a compressive force applied axially. Coil springs are usually coiled as a constant diameter cylinder. Typically compression springs, the most commonly used spring. The required load is reached by compressing the spring down to the matching height.

Compression Springs are open-coil helical metal springs that offer resistance to a compressive force applied axially. Helical compression springs are used to resist applied compression forces or to store energy in a push mode. Compression springs are the most common configuration and are most commonly used in automotive, aerospace and consumer applications. Most compression springs are a straight cylindrical spring made of round wire.

Extension Springs are metal springs which absorb and store energy by offering resistance to a pulling force . Typically, extension springs are made from round wire and are close wound with initial tension. Extension applications include tape cassette players, balance scales, garage door springs, trampoline springs, washing machines and applications which requiring various types of tensioning devices. Various types of ends are used to attach the extension spring to the source of the force.

A torsion spring is a spring that works by torsion or twisting; that is, a flexible elastic object that stores mechanical energy when it is twisted. The amount of force (actually torque) it exerts is proportional to the amount it is twisted. Common examples include garage door springs and torsion bars used in automobile suspensions.

Flat strip metal springs are significantly different from both helical and torsional springs. These springs are usually made from a flat or curved piece of flat steel, wound in a coil. They are unique because they have a nearly constant force regardless of the displacement of the spring in the designed operating range. Such springs are often useful for storing energy, since the force is essentially constant. Flat springs are typically stamped from materials such as cold-rolled steel, spring steel, stainless steel, aluminum, phosphor bronze, beryllium, and copper. Applications include electric, electronic, medical, automotive, aerospace, computer, and industrial. The most common example of these types of spring are tape measures.

Compared with the alternatives, compression wave springs save space and provide more precise load deflection characteristics. Flat wire wave springs reduce heights by up to 50% while offering the same force and deflection as standard coil springs. Wave springs fit in tight radial and axial spaces. Sometimes called wave washers or spring washers.