KB Delta

When Safety Depends on a Tension Spring

The design of the tension spring is such that a very specific amount of pull force can be achieved as the spring is extended to a certain length. As these springs are manufactured, they will develop an initial tension. Adequate force must be used to overcome that initial tension to elongate the spring. The manufacturer controls this initial tension to produce the spring that is exactly what the customer needs. To further satisfy the customers’ requirements, the ends of the spring can also be varied. Some of the most common ends include:

• English loops
• Extended hooks
• German loops
• Half hooks
• Screw plugs
• Screw shackles
• Side hooks
• Side loops

This variety ensure that no matter why type of mechanical attachment the customers need, the right spring will be available.

A Toy Is Born in the Shipyard

Back in 1943, a marine engineer, Richard James, was working in a Philadelphia shipyard to develop a very special measurement tool to track the expended horsepower on battleships. This device required the use of a very specific tension spring. As James was working, he knocked one of the springs off his desk and then watched the spring “walk” down a stack of books and onto the floor. Further research into this fun, secondary use of the spring led to a very popular children’s toy.

Researching Industry-Use Springs

That might be an entertaining story, but the point is that the amount of tension and the right property of metal is carefully chosen for specific functions. Spring manufacturers carefully work out all aspects of the spring before offering it to customers. For those professionals who work in industries, such as plumbing and electricity, this exact attention to details is very important. As components are put together to complete electrical conduit systems or compressors, the right type of spring can affect the safety that the professional enjoys.

Careful Design for Customers

When customers purchase a tension spring, they do not have to worry about what type of material was used, the spring’s ability to withstand varying stress levels or what the fatigue strength of the spring is. This is because the professionals who manufactured that spring have already taken this and many other factors into consideration – perfecting each spring for its intended function.

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