Helical Spring

A: For an extension or compression spring, the spring rate is the load required to achieve a unit of deformation on the spring, measured in units of pounds per inch (lb/in). It is determined by the spring’s wire diameter, the number of coils, and the diameter of its helical coils.

A: You'll find helical springs in consumer products, machinery, trains and other modes of transportation and industrial equipment. The helical spring was pivotal to the Industrial Revolution and has continued to play a vital role within almost every industry to this day.

A: Once you have determined the type of helical spring you need, consider your application's loading magnitude, corrosion resistance, and operational temperature. For example, consider a high-strength alloy if your application sees high loads or spring travel. At the same time, you may want a stainless steel spring if corrosion resistance is paramount. Additionally, advanced Nickel-based alloys may be appropriate for use in applications that experience very high temperatures.

A: Spring tolerances depend heavily on the exact spring type and geometry. As such, we have performed extensive empirical studies, which we have used to develop tolerance equations for different manufacturing techniques. We combined these with the best industry standards to create general spring tolerance ranges. However, these calculations can be very involved, so we have integrated them into our design and manufacturing automation software.