FASTENERS & SEALING
Technical springs are used in almost every industry
TECHNICAL SPRINGS – AN ENGINEER’S GUIDE
What does the term “technical springs” mean exactly? Which types of metal springs are referred to and for which force states and applications are they used? Jürgen Mugrauer explains all
T
he term technical springs includes all metal springs that are used in technical applications. Te special property of technical springs is their
reversible change in shape under load. Tis is made possible by the special shape and the spring material used. Technical springs are used in almost all sectors, for example in mechanical engineering, electrical and medical engineering, the food industry and aerospace, where they fulfil a wide range of tasks. Technical springs – such as form springs, flat springs, flat form springs, contact springs, compression springs, tension springs and spiral springs – are used as storage elements, measuring elements, vibration elements, resting elements and bearing elements.
SPRING TECHNIQUE
Te basic technology of all technical springs is based on their ability to store
potential energy as tension energy and to convert this into kinetic energy in a controlled manner and vice versa. Below are a few examples of the force conditions for which technical springs are often used: Restoring force. Te spring force is used as a counterforce to return the moving mass to its previous rest position. Tis restoring force is the most common application of technical springs and is provided to the same extent by form springs, flat springs, compression springs, tension springs and torsion springs. Adhesive force. In non-positive connections , lock washers and spring washers provide compressive and adhesive forces that counteract unwanted loosening, mostly of screws and nuts. Balancing force. When other components change shape, size or position, technical springs are often used to compensate or to maintain the electrical connection. Depending on the
task, form springs, flat springs, contact springs, compression or torsion springs are suitable for this. Weight force. Te spring is used
to evenly distribute the load between bodies. Te best example is the innerspring mattress, which provides this weight with special conical compression springs. Driving force. By preloading a technical spring, energy is stored, which is then released when it is relaxed and drives mobile devices. Spiral springs, for example, are used to drive mechanical clocks or to roll up flexible dog leashes. Vibration and damping force. Te technical spring deforms as it absorbs kinetic energy from incoming forces or impacts. When the mass oscillates, this kinetic energy is converted back into potential energy. Leaf springs, for example, ensure that the load is protected from the forces and impacts that act on it.
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