Compression Springs
Compression Springs
Compression Springs, also known as helical or coil compression springs, come in a variety of different body shapes such as conical or concave springs (barrel springs), convex springs (hourglass), or tapered springs (one end has a larger diameter than the opposite end).
Each type of coil compression spring contains open coils in a helical configuration and exerts resistance to compressive forces that are applied axially. Most coil compression springs are made from round wire, but they can be made from square, rectangular, or several other uncommon wire shapes that are specific to various functions.
Tips for Designing a Custom Compression Spring:
Compression springs can be found in many different devices ranging from simple ball point pens to precision surgical equipment and the world’s most sophisticated aircraft.
Compression springs may appear to be simplistic in design, but large and small compression springs are very complex. There are a number of design considerations that need to be taken into account prior to choosing a compression spring that will fulfill a certain purpose. First, a designer needs to look at the space allotted for the spring in order to determine the dimensional limits and if those limits will allow the part to meet the load requirements for the application. Once these limits are specified, the stress levels at which the spring will function must then be determined. If the design shows that the spring will be over-stressed, the spring will not function properly and that could possibly lead to costly design changes.
