There are many different compression spring shapes to know. Read the details now.
Compression springs are metallic elastic devices that store mechanical energy in their compressed state. When the springs undergo a compression load, they compress, capturing and storing potential force, which makes them shorter. But as soon as the load diminishes or is removed, the stored energy unleashes, forcing the springs to their original lengths and shapes.
This article highlights different types of compressor spring shapes you should know.
The Common Types of Springs
Since there are different types of springs, let’s start with the most common one, known as coil springs. Coil springs are employed in daily activities, with the extension (or tension) spring and the compression spring the inverse structure to this.
Coil springs are formed such that they have the same diameter from the beginning to the end of the coil. However, different spring forms exist, and they are as follows:
- Constant force springs
- Clip springs
- Torsion springs
- Belleville washers
The only attribute connecting these structures is that they are springs. Asides from that, they are unique to one another. Each spring handles the return force stored within the design differently, especially regarding the speed of release and direction.
Another considerable difference between them has to do with how they are crafted. These springs can be machined or wire-wound, which offers specific additional qualities by machining the structure. As a result, the equipment and extra work required to produce them come at an increased cost.
The Alternate Shapes of Compression Springs
Compression springs can also be crafted in alternative forms and shapes. For example, the conical spring can be used in tighter and narrower confines due to its remarkable ability to compress into the width of a coil of wire.
Many spring types come with hooks, connectors, or some other form of fastening, while many others are available and utilized without these. The ends of springs are generally shaped in 4 major styles:
- Squared end
- Plain end
- Squared and ground
- Plain and ground
Some springs come with waves incorporated into the design, which significantly minimizes the total length of the traditional compression spring.
Here are the different shapes of compression springs you should know:
- Concave Springs
Concave springs – also referred to as ‘hourglass springs’ – have narrower coils in the middle than at either end. The symmetrical shape of concave springs helps to ensure these springs always stay centered over a specific point.
- Convex Springs
Convex springs are usually shaped like barrels and have coils with larger diameters in the middle of the springs, while both ends are home to coils of smaller diameters.
The design of a convex spring allows each coil to fit perfectly within each other, especially when the spring is compressed. As a result, manufacturers use this type of spring extensively in several applications requiring more resistance to surging and stability as the convex spring decompresses. As a result, several applications across a wide variety of industries utilize convex springs.
- Straight Coil Springs
Straight coil springs are springs whose coils have the same diameter. This spring type is among some of the most popular or commonly used springs in daily activities.
- Conical Springs
Conical springs, otherwise known as tapered springs, look cone-shaped. This is because one end of a conical spring has a much larger diameter than its opposite end. As a result, the coils throughout a conical spring gradually taper off and change in size from top to bottom or vice versa.
A few conical springs even have enough change in diameter from one coil to the other, so every coil fits perfectly into the previous one.
- Volute Springs
Volute springs are shaped like cones. But instead of showcasing wire coils, these coils are shaped from a curled metal sheet or other material.
Categories of Springs
Springs are crafted from different materials based on the applications they will be used for. As a result, springs are categorized into three:
- Helical Springs
- Leaf Springs
- Disk Springs
However, our focus at KB Delta is on the first category of springs, i.e., helical springs.
Helical springs are among the most common types in product manufacturing. Its name is coined from the fact that it is a wire coiled into a helix shape with different cross-sections.
Here are the kinds of helical springs under the first category and their respective applications:
- Compression Springs
Compression springs are those open-helical springs that come with a constant coiled diameter and variable shape. This spring type effectively resists axial compression.
The simplest example of the application of a compression spring is in the ballpoint pen. A compression spring is primarily responsible for that ‘popping’ effect most users love.
Compression springs are also applicable in reciprocating compressors, especially in valves.
- Torsion Springs
Torsion springs are attached to 2 different components using their 2 ends. This structure keeps the 2 components apart at a particular angle. Torsion springs make use of radial direction, especially when force is acting radially as a result of rotation.
Moreover, specific machining capabilities at KB Delta can significantly produce custom two-bodied torsion springs in incredibly high volumes when required.
- Spiral Springs
Spiral springs are generally created by coiling rectangular metal strips into flat spirals. When activated, spiral springs store a considerable amount of energy and release this energy at a constant rate.
The constant release of mechanical energy makes spiral springs suitable for a wide variety of applications, including mechanical watches, seat recliners, etc.
- Extension Springs
Extension springs are unlike compression springs because the former are nothing but closed coil helical springs. Extension springs are primarily used for storing energy, creating tension, and using that stored energy to return the spring to its original shape after use. The loops of this type of spring are closed all the way or entirely.
Extension springs are used in several applications, such as weighing machines, jaw pliers, etc.
Spring Shapes Conclusion
Different types of compression spring shapes are available and designed according to their various needs in reciprocating compressors.
We are a leading provider of custom and standard springs at KB Delta. We possess several years of experience under our belts in wire form and spring design using cutting-edge equipment. Our team of professionals is knowledgeable, skillful, and capable of using the latest tools for crafting a wide variety of spring options.