Springs are mechanical components that affect motion, improve shock-absorbing applications, and more. Here at TEAM Rapid, we can create different types of springs through rapid prototyping services like 3D printing and CNC machining. Some products have springs in their design. This is necessary to understand the knowledge and selection of different types of springs. Today, let’s talk about spring types, different types of springs, their advantages and disadvantages, and their applications.

Types of Springs – What is the principle of spring?

Spring is a device that stores energy if an application of force and releases the energy when the load removes. In normal conditions, the spring will return to its original shape once the load removes. The use of types of springs in products according to Hooke’s Law. Hooke’s law demonstrates the relationship between force and its elasticity. Hooke’s law states that the force used for spring compression and extension is proportional to the displacement directly.

Different types of springs and what’s their applications

Here at TEAM Rapid, we can make different types of springs from different materials, shapes, functions, and more. There are three main categories of springs which include helical springs, leaf springs, and disk springs.

Helical springs – One of the Most Commonly used types of springs

The most common type of spring used in product manufacturing is the helical spring. Helical springs are made by wire coiled into a helix shape with different cross-sections. Here are the kinds of springs under helical springs.

1, Compression springs

Compression spring types are a kind of open coil helical springs. They have a constant coiled diameter. Compression springs can be of variable shape. They are axial compression resistant.

The common application of compression springs is in the ballpoint pen. The compression springs in the ballpoint pen are responsible for the popping effect. The compression springs are also applicable in suspension and valves.

2, Extension springs

Extension springs are closed coil helical springs which are different from compression springs. When it comes to creating tension, storing the energy, and using the energy to return the spring to the original shape, extension springs are the ideal option. Extension springs are widely used in garage doors, pull levers jaw pliers, and weighing machines.

3, Torsion springs

The two ends of torsion springs are attached to two different components. It keeps the two components apart. When the force acts, the springs use a radial direction. Here at TEAM Rapid, we can use CNC machining to create custom tow-bodied torsion springs in high volume.

4, Spiral springs

Coiled rectangular metal strips to flat spirals, spiral springs are made. Spiral springs store an amount of energy and release it at a constant rate. Spiral springs are suitable for mechanical watches, toys, and eat recliners because of the constant release.

Leaf springs – One of the widely used heavy vehicles types of springs

Leaf springs are made from rectangular metal plates. The rectangular metal plates are bolted and clamped. Leaf springs are widely used in heavy vehicles. Here are some types of leaf springs and applications.

1, Elliptical leaf spring

Elliptical leaf springs connect the two semi-elliptical springs in opposite directions to form an elliptical shape. The axle and frame attach the elliptical leaf springs. As the same amount of compression elongates the two semi-elliptical springs, there is no need for spring shackles. Elliptical leaf springs are only used in olden cars.

2, Semi elliptical leaf spring

Semi elliptical leaf spring is the most popular spring in automobiles. They are made from steel leaves in different lengths. The width and thickness are the same. The master leaf at the two ends is the longest leaf. The steel leaves resemble a semi-elliptical shape. There is an end of a semi-elliptical leaf spring fixed to the vehicle frame and the other to the shackle rigidly. When traveling in a rough area, this helps to vary the lengths and absorb shock. Semi-elliptical leaf springs need less maintenance. They are easy and simple to repair. Semi elliptical leaf springs have a long life.

3, Quarter elliptical leaf spring

Quarter elliptical leaf spring types are also known as the cantilever type leaf spring. They are also the olden leaf springs. There is one end fixed on the side member of the frame with the aid of an I-Bolt or U-clamp. The other is connected to the front axle freely. When the axle beam at the front is subjected to a shock load, the leaves absorb the shock.

4, Three-quarter elliptical leaf spring

A door hinge is an example of a three-quarter elliptical leaf spring. When you open the door, the three-quarter elliptical leaf spring store rotational energy. When you close the door, the springs use the stored energy to bring back the door to its original position. The rotation force depends on the rotation of the spring.

5, Transverse leaf spring

Transverse leaf spring mount a semi-elliptical leaf spring and vehicle width. The spring’s longest leaf is located at the bottom and the mid-portion is fixed to the frame. Transverse leaf springs use two shackles. Transverse leaf springs are not suitable for automobiles as they will cause rolling.

Disk springs – Singular or multiple types of Springs

Disk springs and transverse leaf springs are singular or multiple springs. They are stacked together to allow them to absorb high loads in tight spaces.

1, Belleville disk spring

Belleville disk springs are known as coned-shaped disk springs. There are cupped-in Belleville disk springs which allow them to handle heavy loads.

2, Curved disk spring

Curved disk springs are known as a crescent washers. To resist loosening, they use light pressure to their mating par. Curved disk springs are suitable for distributing loads of threaded bolts, screws, and nuts in machines that produce vibration.

3, Slotted disk spring

The slots on the inner and outer diameter of a disc spring make the slotted disk spring. This reduces spring load and increases deflection. Slotted disk springs are widely used in automatic transmissions, clutches, overload couplings.

4, Wave disk spring

Wave disk springs have multiple waves. They are suitable for offering costs and predictable loading. Wave disk springs act as cushions by absorbing stress because of axial compression.

If you want to create a product with springs. TEAM Rapid can offer different types of springs, and a one-stop solution from ordering springs and producing parts, to assembling your products.

Types of Springs – What materials can be used to create springs?

It is important to understand that springs can be made from different materials. The properties, types of springs, and applications depend on the types of materials. Here at TEAM Rapid, we have the following material available to create types of springs.

Beryllium copper alloy

Spring made from beryllium copper alloy is strong, low creep, and conductive. They are suitable to form complex shapes and forms. If the springs are used in musical instruments, bullets, certain measurement devices, and more, copper alloy is a good material.

Ceramic

Ceramics is suitable to make springs that are used at extremely high temperatures. Ceramic is abrasion resistant and water resistant. Ceramic is hard. It has a low coefficient of friction and low density.

One-directional glass fiber

One-directional glass fiber composite material is reinforced glass fiber. As it is strong, it is a potential material to create all springs.

Rubber

Rubber or Urethane is suitable to create springs with a cylindrical design. Rubber is safe, reliable, and non-conductive.

Steel alloys

Steel alloy springs are a popular type of spring. They are extremely strong and durable.

Advantage of springs

1, Absorb shock better

Springs are widely used in many products because they are able to reduce the shock by absorbing them. When the products have a shock, the spring compresses and relaxes to absorb. Spring is an important part of vehicles.

2, Store energy

A spring can serve as an alternative to a battery. The spring generates energy and releases the energy in a constant way. So, spring is an important component of the mechanical watch.

3, Join the mechanism

A spring can join two parts together. For example, springs are used indoors, and garages join two parts in order to function.

4, Product Stability

Springs make sure that products use them stable. Stability is a form of the part to reduce friction and vibration.

Disadvantages of springs

1, Expensive

Adding a spring is expensive as the types of springs, the availability of material, product design, and the ease of creating them.

2, Lose effects over time

Because of the simultaneous compression and relaxation, springs lose their effect over time depending on the material being used. They will not return to their original shape on deformation.

Types of springs Conclusion

Springs are an important part of any product. They can store and release energy. Choosing suitable spring materials is important as each spring has its features and characteristics depending on the material, design, and manufacturing process. TEAM Rapid offers custom rapid manufacturing services at a competitive cost. Our team has a deep knowledge of different types of springs and rapid prototyping. Contact us today to get an instant quote by simply uploading your files.