Compression Springs
Compression springs are coil springs wound with spacing between the coils so that they can be compressed from their free length to a shorter operating length. This allows the spring to store energy and provide a force or pressure. Some uses of compression springs include:
- Resisting the movement of another component (e.g., pressure gauges)
- Returning a component to a desired position (e.g., door latches)
- Providing consistent pressure (e.g., electrical contact springs)
- Storing and releasing energy (e.g., toy dart guns)
The D.R.Templeman Company is unique in the world of compression springs suppliers. To learn more about our unique capabilities, click the buttons below:
The D.R.Templeman Company is unique in the world of compression springs suppliers. To learn more about our unique capabilities, click the buttons below:
Compression Springs Fall Into Several Categories Based on Their Shape
Cylindrical Springs (a.k.a. Straight or Standard Springs) - All coils in the compression spring are the same diameter. These are the most common and least expensive to produce of all compression springs. The ends can be either open or closed, and they can be ground flat (although grinding does increase the cost and is often unnecessary).
Conical or Tapered Springs - Coil diameter decreases from one end of the spring to the other. Conical springs are used in applications in which there is not enough room for a cylindrical spring. They can be made so the smaller coils telescope into the larger coils during compression so the spring takes up less space. Conical springs can also be made so that the load versus deflection curve gets steeper as the spring is compressed and the larger diameter coils bottom out or "go solid."
Barrel or Convex Springs - These springs are tapered so that both ends are smaller than the middle. They have some of the same advantages as conical springs, with the added advantage of being symmetrical. This aids in automatic assembly and helps keep the compression spring centered around a smaller diameter shaft.
Hourglass or Concave Springs - These are tapered so that both ends are larger than the middle. They have the same advantages as barrel springs, except that the enlarged coils are better suited to keeping the compression spring centered on a larger diameter hole (rather than a smaller diameter shaft).
Variable Pitch Springs - These springs are wound with a varying amount of space between the coils. This technique is used to produce springs with a non-linear load versus deflection curve, or to add closed coils in the center of a spring to reduce tangling.
Preset Springs - Springs that will need to operate at a stress level exceeding the elastic limit of the material can be "preset" by compressing the springs to a solid height. This process removes any permanent deformation due to exceeding the elastic limit and builds beneficial stresses near the wire surface, with an apparent increase in the elastic limit.
