Coil Springs

Coil Springs

Coil springs are made by winding steel wire around a cylinder. These springs store mechanical energy and come in two general designs. The two different types of coil springs are compression and tension. Compression springs compress under a load whereas extension springs lengthen, or extend, under the weight of a load. Extension springs are primarily used keep two components together, while compression springs are used to keep components from touching.

The basic design of each of the two kinds of coil springs differs in an essential way. The spiral wires in compression springs are not touching when in a relaxed position and only become so under the stress of weight. In contrast, extension springs are designed so that their spiral wires are contiguous when there is no weight load and stretched apart under the stress of a weighted load.

Coil springs can be made of various steel materials, including stainless steel, hard drawn steel, steel music wire, and spring steel. Spring steel is a special kind of steel with increased elasticity and return properties. The elasticity of a spring enables it to return to its original position; however, this capability diminishes with use. In general, the larger the wire, the stronger the spring is. Spring strength can also be increased by making the coil diameter of the spring smaller.