A coil spring is a mechanical component made from a tightly wound helical coil of metal that compresses or expands to absorb energy. Most springs that we’re used to from everyday life, such as springs in pens and mattresses, are coil springs.
Hengguang contains other products and information you need, so please check it out.
Coil springs are a broad category of metal part that are used in nearly every industry. They are commonly used in various industrial settings for shock absorption, load-bearing, and maintaining force in machinery. Coil springs can also be known as spring coils.
Coil springs play a critical role in automotive suspensions, industrial machinery, and even aerospace applications, providing stability and resilience in everything from common daily situations to demanding environments. From high-performance vehicles to precision medical devices, coil springs are essential to many industries.
A coiled spring operates by absorbing energy through compression or expansion. When force is applied, the coil compresses or stretches, storing energy in its metal structure, which is then released when the force is removed. Springs that compress fall into a broad category called compression springs, and have space between each coil so coils can be pushed toward each other. Springs that expand are known as extension springs, which are usually more tightly wound so individual coils can move away from one another when stretched. While compression and extension springs are the most common types of springs, there are many other types of coil springs, including torsion springs, which twist around an axis.
The simple – yet effective – mechanism of compression or expansion allows coil springs to act as energy dampers, which is essential in systems like the coil spring suspension system used in vehicles. By providing shock absorption, coil springs help reduce vibrations and improve stability across many applications, from industrial machinery to consumer products.
Coil springs serve essential functions in many applications, from managing weight loads to reducing mechanical wear. Here are some key examples of areas where coil springs are utilized:
The longevity of a coil spring largely depends on its use and the environment. In general, coil springs in standard automotive applications can last between 50,000 to 100,000 miles. However, exposure to extreme stress or corrosive elements may reduce their lifespan.
In other applications, coil spring lifespan will depend heavily on the type of spring (compression, extension, torsion, etc) as well as on the material, tolerances, and other technical specifications for the springs.
Coil springs can be broken into various categories depending your use case. Different coil spring types could be based on how the spring works, such as compression, extension, or the twisting motion of a torsion spring. You can also categorize coil springs by rate, which is commonly used for automotive coil springs.
In terms of rate, there are two main types of coil springs: constant rate and variable rate. Constant rate coil springs, as the name implies, have a consistent spring rate throughout their compression. This means they exert a uniform resistance when force is applied, making them ideal for applications requiring stability, such as in automotive suspensions where consistent load distribution is necessary.
In contrast, variable rate coil springs, also known as variable pitch coil springs, provide different levels of resistance as they compress. These springs become stiffer as they are compressed, offering flexibility for applications that need additional resistance under high loads, like off-road vehicle suspensions or heavy machinery. This variation allows for better adaptability in applications subject to different load conditions.
Coil springs can be made from a wide range of materials some of the most common being steel, music wire, and different grades of stainless steel. Automotive coil springs are typically made from high-strength steel, but coil springs may be made out of many different materials including, but not limited to:
Three main factors influence a coil spring's performance: the amount of coils, wire gauge, and material composition. These elements determine the spring’s durability, strength, and how it will respond to different stresses, shaping its suitability for specific tasks.
The number of coils in a spring directly affects its stiffness and flexibility. A coil spring with more coils generally has more flexibility and less stiffness, making it suitable for lighter loads and applications requiring higher elasticity. Conversely, fewer coils create a stiffer spring, ideal for heavy-duty tasks where greater force resistance is necessary.
The thickness, or gauge, of the wire used in a coil spring affects its resilience and ability to withstand stress. Thicker wire gauges result in stiffer, more durable springs suitable for heavier loads, whereas thinner gauges provide more flexibility and are typically used in lighter load applications.
The material used for the coil spring, such as carbon steel, stainless steel, or alloy metals, influences its strength, resistance to corrosion, and heat tolerance. Carbon steel is commonly used for high-strength applications, while stainless steel offers better corrosion resistance, making it suitable for environments with moisture or chemical exposure.
Coil spring is a broad category of mechanical part that encompasses most common springs that consumers and businesses are familiar with. Some recognizable examples include the springs that retract the tips of pens, as well as car suspension springs.
Coil springs are used to absorb shock, maintain force, support structures and facilitate controlled movement in various mechanical applications. They can be used in a wide range of systems, from automotive components to industrial machinery.
A coil spring is a mechanical device made from elastic materials, such as metal wire, coiled into a helical shape. This design enables the spring to compress, extend, or rotate under load and then return to its original shape once the load is removed. The properties of coil springs allow them to store energy temporarily and release it as needed, providing solutions for managing force and motion in mechanical systems.
A coil spring functions by resisting force through compression or extension, absorbing energy when force is applied and then releasing that energy to return to its original shape. This mechanism allows it to manage shock, maintain force and facilitate controlled movements in various applications.
The three main types of coil springs include compression springs, tension springs and torsion springs; each has different advantages and functions.
Compression springs store and release energy when subjected to a compressive force. As the spring compresses, it stores energy within its structure. When the force is removed, energy is released, and the spring expands to its original length. In their original state, compression spring coils have space between them; they absorb shock and maintain force between components.
Are you interested in learning more about heavy duty tension springs? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
Compression spring applications include automotive suspension systems, industrial machinery and valve and actuator systems. Other uses include everyday household items such as pens, door locks, mattress springs and buttons in electronic devices.
This type of spring, also known as an extension spring, works by resisting a pulling force. It absorbs and stores energy as it extends and then at a certain length, will create a return force and bring two components back to their original position. In their original, unloaded state, the adjacent coils will touch each other - however, the initial tension must be overcome before a tension spring extends.
Tension springs are used in a wide range of industries for products such as trampolines, retracting seat belts, garage doors, power tools, motorsport throttle linking systems, vibrating screens in mining, plus architectural designs.
Torsion springs function by applying torque or rotational force. They activate when a force is applied to their arms, twisting the spring. The energy stored during this twisting motion is released as the spring returns to its original position. They are ideal for applications requiring controlled, rotational movements.
Torsion springs are used in pegs for gripping clothes, garage door mechanisms for lifting and lowering the door, hinges to return doors to a closed position, mouse traps for the snapping mechanism, watches for the winding mechanism, and vehicle suspension systems for stabilising and controlling movement.
When designing coil springs for heavy-duty applications, it is important to consider factors that ensure durability, efficiency, and performance under extreme conditions. Applications demand springs that can withstand high stresses without failing, and so the choice of materials, as well as spring rate, is fundamental to product success.
Common materials used in the coil spring manufacture process include stainless steel, carbon steel, chrome silicon, chrome vanadium, Inconel, elgiloy, titanium, phosphor bronze and beryllium copper. Each material varies in its strength, elasticity, corrosion resistance, and fatigue life. For example, high-grade steel alloys are commonly used for their excellent tensile strength and durability. Whereas, materials like stainless steel are preferred for environments where corrosion is a concern. Nickel and galvanised steel coatings can then further enhance corrosion resistance.
The spring rate, or stiffness, indicates how a spring will perform under load. It is defined as the amount of load required to compress the spring by a unit of length. In heavy-duty applications, selecting a spring with the correct spring rate is essential to ensure that the spring can absorb the required forces without compromising its structural integrity or functionality. A higher spring rate indicates a stiffer spring, which is beneficial for applications involving heavy loads, but it must be balanced with the need for flexibility and shock absorption.
Coil springs are integral to heavy-duty machinery across various sectors, such as in the automotive, construction and agricultural industries. Let’s explore how they enhance performance, safety, and durability in these applications.
In the automotive industry, coil springs are used in car suspension systems to ensure vehicle stability, shock absorption, and comfort. They are designed to withstand the repetitiveness of daily use and harsh driving conditions across every vehicle type from domestic cars to heavy-duty trucks, buses, and off-road vehicles. Other uses include seat mechanisms, clutch assemblies, brake systems, engine valves and vibration dampening to reduce noise inside the vehicle.
Construction equipment relies on coil springs for vibration control and operational efficiency. They are used in machinery such as bulldozers, excavators, and cranes to absorb shocks, maintain equipment alignment, and reduce wear and tear, ensuring reliability and safety on construction sites. Other common types of uses include concrete mixers, truck tailgates and vibrating screens and feeders.
Agricultural machinery, including tractors, combines, and ploughs, use coil springs to manage the uneven terrain and heavy loads. They maintain stability, improve ride quality, and extend the lifespan of machinery in demanding environments. Other uses include tractor seats, baler machinery, and sprayer arms for crops.
Compression springs, tension springs and torsion springs can be custom-made and manufactured to your specific needs. Our advanced hot and cold coiling technologies and manufacturing capabilities enable us to coil springs from 3mm to 65mm wire diameter. Plus, our prototyping and sample services enable you to test your product before it goes into production.
Here is a quick overview of the process of designing a custom spring.
Our free consultation explores the application of your spring. We find solutions to questions such as ‘What is its failure mode?’ and ‘Are you looking to improve an existing design, or does it need to be lighter, stronger and more corrosion resistant?’
We explore limiting factors and evaluate the final dimensions, then create a suitable production drawing that meets all of your requirements.
We carry out material research, considering factors such as tensile strength, durability, efficiency and corrosion resistance, to find the best material for you.
Our spring technicians then develop a new coil spring design using the most advanced spring software programme - Optispring. Plus, we book a feedback session with you to evaluate the success of the design.
We deliver manufactured metal spring samples so that you can test them in real-world applications. This guarantees that you are happy with the spring and that it is reaching optimal performance before going into production.
Our quality team will then review various aspects of the process, including the initial drawings, testing procedures, powder coatings, and print markings, and then carry out the Almen Arc test. These steps ensure you are satisfied with every step of the approval process - and then production begins!
Coil springs are essential components in various mechanical applications in a wide range of industries. The three main types of coil springs are compression springs, tension springs and torsion springs - each works by resisting compression, extension or torsion forces. However, the main functions of all types of coil springs include shock absorption, maintaining force, supporting structures and facilitating controlled movement. It is important that materials and spring rates are considered for each type of coil spring during the design and manufacture process.