What are Compression Springs, and When Do I Need Them?

Compression springs are the most common type of spring you will encounter. They are designed to operate under a compressive load, meaning they resist a pushing force. Think of them as energy absorbers that always want to expand back to their original height.  

• How They Work: When a force is applied, the open space (pitch) between the coils closes, storing mechanical energy. When the force is removed, the spring releases this energy, pushing outward.  

• Where They Push: They are everywhere! You'll find them in car shock absorbers, retractable pens, electrical contacts, and almost every mechanism that needs two components pushed apart.  

• Acxess Spring Capability: We manufacture high-precision compression springs with wire sizes ranging from 0.007 inches up to 1.250 inches.

How Do Extension Springs Function?

Extension springs, also known as tension springs, perform the opposite task: they store energy when a pulling force is applied. Their purpose is to pull two components together.  

• How They Work: The coils are usually wound tightly together, incorporating a small amount of "initial tension." This internal force ensures the spring resists being pulled apart immediately. To connect to objects, these springs require special end configurations, typically hooks or loops.  

• Where They Pull: They are commonly used in devices like luggage scales, trampolines, and garage door mechanisms, anywhere a restorative pulling force is needed.  

• Acxess Spring Capability: We produce custom extension springs, including specialized hooks and loops, using wire sizes from 0.007 inches to 1.250 inch.

When Should I Use Torsion Springs??

Torsion springs are distinct because they manage a rotational or twisting force, producing torque, rather than a straight pushing or pulling force.  

• How They Work: Torsion springs feature straight ends, known as legs, which are anchored to components. When these legs are rotated (deflected), the spring stores energy by twisting around its central axis. When released, it delivers rotational force, like a powerful hinge.  

• Where They Twist: They are the power source in objects that rotate or clamp, such as a simple clothespin, mousetraps, and car tailgates.  

• Acxess Spring Capability: We manufacture precision torsion springs with wire sizes from 0.007 inches to 1.250 inch, specializing in crafting the custom leg shapes your application requires.

Why are Conical Springs Used in Tight Spaces?

Conical springs, sometimes called tapered springs, are specialized compression springs that solve two common engineering problems: space constraints and stability.

• How They Work: Unlike standard cylindrical compression springs, conical springs have an outer diameter that progressively decreases from one end to the other, giving them a cone shape. This tapered shape is a huge advantage because it allows the coils to telescope or "nest" inside one another when the spring is fully compressed.  

• Why They Are Better:

1. Reduced Solid Height: The nesting feature means the compressed height can be dramatically reduced (down to nearly one wire diameter), allowing for maximum travel in limited space.  

2. Increased Stability: Their shape makes them much more stable and less likely to buckle under heavy loads compared to standard straight springs.  

What are Double Torsion Springs, and Why are They Used?

A double torsion spring combines two torsion springs into one, connected by a bridge of wire. This parallel design offers two major benefits:  

1. Double the Torque: The dual-coil configuration effectively doubles the torque output compared to a single spring of similar size.  

2. Bidirectional Force: They can provide rotational force in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions, making them versatile for complex mechanisms.  

• Wire Size Range: 0.006 inches to 0.100 inches.

What are Garter Springs, and When are They Used for Sealing?

Garter springs are extension or compression springs connected end-to-end to form a continuous circle, like a garter belt. Their key function is to exert a constant, uniform radial force. They are predominantly used as oil seals or shaft seals, where they maintain consistent pressure around a component to prevent leaks.  

• Wire Size Range: 0.006 inches to 0.100 inches.

What are Micro and Medical Springs?

In modern miniaturized electronics and medical devices, size and reliability are everything.

• Micro Springs: These are exceptionally small springs (compression, extension, or torsion) used when space is extremely limited. They require advanced engineering and precision tooling to prevent failure in tight-tolerance applications.  

• Wire Size Range: 0.006 inches to 0.020 inch.

• Medical Springs: These are custom springs designed specifically for high-stakes medical devices and implants. Due to stringent safety requirements, they often utilize exotic material types, which offer superior fatigue resistance and biocompatibility compared to standard stainless steel.  

• Wire Size Range: 0.006 inches to 1.000 inches.

What Other Specialized Wire Products Does Acxess Spring Offer?

We also transform wire into non-coiled, specialized shapes to meet unique structural and mechanical requirements:

• Custom Wire Forms: Wire forms are precisely bent wires used as clips, hooks, pins, levers, or brackets that exert tension, support weight, or keep parts in a fixed position.  

• Wire Size Range: 0.006 inches to 0.100 inches.

• Magazine Springs: Highly specialized custom springs (a variation of compression, extension, or torsion) used in firearms to reliably push bullets into the chamber.  

• Wire Size Range: 0.006 inches to 0.100 inches.

• Spring Rings: Close wound coils (usually 2 or fewer) commonly used as key rings or jewelry clasps.  

• Wire Size Range: 0.006 inches to 0.100 inches.

5 Key Takeaways for Designing with Confidence:

• Force Determines Type: Choose your spring based on the force it resists: pushing (Compression), pulling (Extension), or twisting (Torsion).  

• Conical Springs Save Space: Conical springs solve tight-space problems by allowing coils to nest inside each other, maximizing travel while reducing the fully compressed height.  

• Durability and Torque: For demanding rotational applications, Double Torsion springs provide enhanced durability and effectively double the torque of a single spring.  

• Medical Springs Need Specialized Materials: Medical springs and micro springs often require exotic material types for high performance, fatigue endurance, and safety in critical devices.  

Acxess Offers Expertise: Acxess Spring provides fast lead times, great customer service, and crucial on site engineering help to ensure your custom spring specifications are optimized for performance and cost.