Page 16 - Industrial Technology March 2020 issue

DESIGN ENGINEERING

Key spring considerations

SPRINGS AND DAMPERS

WHAT PROPERTIES SHOULD YOU TAKE INTO
CONSIDERATION IN ORDER TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT
SPRING FOR YOUR APPLICATION? THE EXPERTS AT
AIREDALE SPRINGS OFFER THEIR ADVICE
electing the right spring for your The right spring size: All springs are not
project can be a challenge, as there created equal, as they come in a vast array
are many factors to consider, from of shapes and sizes. Size has a huge
Sthe dimensions of the spring to the influence in choosing the right spring for your
environment in which it’s installed. After all, project, so it’s crucial that dimensions are
a spring has to improve the performance of a accurate and suited for the end goal of the
product in a cost-effective way and needs to spring. When designing and manufacturing a
have a long lifespan and resistance to wear spring, it’s important to consider both the
and tear.ability to recycle at end of life. inner and the outer diameter of the spring, its
The spring application: It goes without free length and its solid height. You also
saying that a spring will have to perform a want to consider the spring materials, as that
specific task or function. This means that will influence the size of your spring as well.
different springs are used for different Resistance to extreme temperatures:
applications, so selecting the right one is This is an important feature for springs.
vital. If you need springs for a mattress, for Being able to perform when in extreme cold to function in a harsh environment, in the industry, so we know exactly what
example, it’s highly likely you’ll choose or heat is essential for many industries, from choosing a durable material that will not to avoid when it comes to spring design
compression springs above other types. automotive to aerospace. If your springs have weaken or break under low or high and how our clients can save time and
temperatures is the first step in spring money.
design. Inconel carbon, for instance, is Some of the most common mistakes
capable of operating optimally in we’ve come across include:
temperatures up to around 870°C. l Choosing the wrong material –
Resistance to corrosion: The same is Picking the right material for your spring
true for corrosive environments. Springs is a crucial step in the design and
are versatile and used in a wide range of manufacturing process, since it needs to
industries and applications, with many account for the factors we mention
having to perform in corrosive settings or above (temperature, corrosion, etc). This
in water. For this reason, an important will ensure the integrity of the spring and
consideration in selecting the material allow it to perform well in its
for the spring is its resistance to environment. Selecting the wrong
corrosion. Stainless steels are suitable material will lead to issues such as
for this, as are high nickel alloys. breakage and poor resistance to wear.
Resistance to magnetic forces: Will l Having the wrong end types – Spring
your spring have to perform in a ends are just as important as the springs
magnetic environment? If so, you want themselves, since they will impact how
its material to be non-magnetic, well the spring will perform. For
especially if the parts surrounding it are example, if you have an extension
magnetic, so that it doesn’t oscillate spring, you want it to be able to hook or
when placed in a piece of equipment or hoop to a piece of equipment or
instrument. machinery, since they start in a
For instance, you may need a spring compressed state before being pulled
made from stainless steel but still apart. Creating the right type of ending,
require something that is non-magnetic therefore, ensures the spring’s optimal
at the same time; however, stainless operation.
steel spring wire is made by cold l Not accounting for stress – During its
drawing and will be slightly magnetic lifetime, a spring will have a certain
when in a spring temper condition. amount of force applied to it repetitively.
Common mistakes when designing a In order to prolong its lifespan, the
spring: Design mistakes can be design phase must consider its
expensive, especially if they’re found application and environment, in order to
across a high-volume order. They can determine the best material to withstand
also be time-consuming, since springs stress. The metal should allow the
would have to be recalled, redesigned spring to be malleable but not break
and manufactured again. Airedale or lose its strength over time.
Springs have many years of experience www.airedalesprings.co.uk

INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY • March 2020