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Types of Springs

 

There are many types of springs depending on how you classify different parts and their uses. The most common and broadest type of spring is a coil spring. The coil spring category includes additional spring types including compression springs, extension springs, torsion springs, and more.
 

Springs are versatile parts used across industries for their ability to store energy, absorb shock, and maintain force between two surfaces. With a variety of spring types available, they cater to countless applications, from automotive suspension systems to precision instruments. This article explores the most common types of springs, their unique characteristics, and how they are utilized in industrial settings.

Types of Springs and Their Uses

Types of springs infographic

Springs are integral to numerous industrial processes, offering solutions for energy storage, force exertion, and motion control. Common spring types include:

While there are many variations within each spring type, this article will focus on the most common types and their applications in industrial environments.

How Different Spring Types Load

Springs can be categorized in different ways based on your needs. When identifying spring type based on how they load, there are three primary categories: constant rate springs, variable rate springs, and linear springs.

Variable rate spring
Variable rate spring

Variable Rate Springs

Also known as variable pitch springs, variable rate springs provide increasing or decreasing resistance as they compress or extend, making them ideal for applications requiring progressive stiffness. Commonly found in automotive suspension systems, variable rate springs adapt to varying loads, enhancing ride comfort and performance. Their ability to adjust under diverse conditions makes them invaluable in dynamic applications.

Constant rate spring

Constant Rate Springs

Constant rate springs maintain uniform resistance throughout compression or extension. These springs are widely used in machinery and equipment requiring consistent performance, such as clutches, valves, and industrial presses. Their predictable behavior ensures reliable functionality in critical applications.

Manufacturing Springs: Spring Types by Manufacturing Method, Shape, and Use

Cold coiled spring

Springs are manufactured using various processes that define their structure, performance, and industrial applications. Below are some common spring categories based on manufacturing method and shape.

Coil Springs

By far the largest and most well-known spring category, coil springs are the types most consumers and businesses see in their everyday lives. They are helical shaped components designed for compressive or tensile forces. Used extensively in suspension systems, they absorb shock and vibration, enhancing durability in vehicles, machinery, and other heavy-duty equipment. Coil springs can be manufactured using two key methods: cold coiling and hot coiling.

Cold coiled springs are made from room temperature metal wire that’s wound into a helix. Most coiled springs are made via cold coil CNC coiler machines.

Hot coiled springs, also known as hot wound springs

Hot coiled springs are made when heated metal bar is wound into a helix. Springs made from large diameter material, such as suspension springs, are often hot wound because it is easier and more effective to shape the wire when it has been heated. Some of the largest springs available must be made via hot coil technology because the raw material size makes it impossible to form without heating.

For more information on coil springs, read our article: What is a Coil Spring?

Constant Force Springs

Constant force springs are flat strips of material that exert consistent force regardless of their extension. Common in retractable mechanisms like seatbelts and tape measures, these springs deliver uniform performance over time.

Disc spring
Disc spring

Disc Springs

Disc springs are conical-shaped washers designed for high load-bearing applications. Found in power transmission systems and aerospace equipment, their compact design ensures efficiency in confined spaces. Disc springs are also commonly known as Belleville washers.

Machined spring
Machined spring

Machined Springs

Machined springs are custom-engineered from solid materials, offering precise performance and durability. They are often used in aerospace and medical devices where exact specifications are critical. A machine compression, extension, or torsion spring can be used in place of a coiled compression, extension, or torsion spring in many cases.

Flat Springs

Flat springs
Flat springs

Flat springs are thin, flexible strips of material designed for a variety of industrial applications, including clips, clamps, and electrical contacts. Their adaptability makes them suitable for diverse environments. Flat springs are typically manufactured using stamping or four-slide presses instead of CNC coilers.

Frequently Asked Questions about Spring Types

How Are Springs Classified?

Springs are classified based on their load type (constant or variable rate), shape (coil, flat, disc), and material (metal or non-metal). These classifications help identify the best spring for specific applications. 

The most commonly referenced spring types include coil springs such as compression springs and extension springs. These springs are almost always cold coiled metal springs produced by a CNC machine. Non-metallic springs may include urethane springs, which are valuable because urethane helps reduce corrosion and vibration.

Automotive springs
Automotive suspension springs

What Are the Four Types of Suspension Springs?

The four types of suspension springs are coil springs, leaf springs, torsion springs, and air springs. Each offers distinct benefits depending on the vehicle and performance requirements.

MW Components manufactures automotive springs including suspension springs and torsion springs. Our premier racing spring brand, Hyperco, also offers leaf springs.

What Are the Three Types of Coil Springs?

There are far more than just three types of coil springs. However, compression springs, extension springs, and torsion springs are often referred to as the “big three” types of coil springs because they are the most common spring types used across industries.

What Is the Strongest Spring?

The strongest springs are application and industry dependent. Machined springs or heavy-duty disc springs are often considered strong springs, as are large hot coiled springs and springs made from material like titanium. Titanium springs are frequently used as aerospace parts and defense components due to their high strength and reliability.

How Do Coil Springs Work?

Coil springs work by compressing or extending under load. When they compress or extend, they store mechanical energy, which is then released when the load is removed. This makes them ideal for applications requiring shock absorption and force exertion.

How to Source Your Springs

Need high-quality springs for your project? Contact MW Components to request a quote and explore a wide range of spring solutions. Get in touch today!

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Explore More Spring Resources

MW has over 100 years of experience manufacturing springs to the tightest tolerances and for unique use cases. Our team of expert engineers can not only help you design springs, but has also developed a set of resources to help you learn more about spring design and calculations. Some of our most popular spring design resources are below.

If you have any questions about spring design or manufacturing, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can request a quote to start your project, or use our ask an expert form to request one-on-one help from one our engineers.

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