SPRINGS & SHOCK ABSORBERS FEATURE Optimising industrial spring life O
f course both customer and manufacturer want the maximum life for the product. A
spring manufacturer such as Goss Springs has to consider the extremes of the demands on the application, which in turn will influence design of the component and the material selected. For example, a small compression spring used
in the actuation of an electromechanical switch will be expected to perform faultlessly for thousands of cycles. The compression spring in an aircraft ejector seat mechanism on the other hand, stored under compression, will be expected to perform once to order.
KEY CONSIDERATIONS TO MAXIMISE LIFE For many standard duties a spring produced from range 3 music wire, or high tensile stainless steel is adequate. In operation, the material is subject to various degrees of stress and therefore must be highly tensile. A standard stainless steel will operate in
conditions of up to 300°C. Some grades of stainless steel have restricted environmental operating conditions. The basic ‘music wire’ used for producing springs is, however, available in different grades.
which is also suitable for in medical applications where contact with blood and tissue may occur or in low salt conditions.
STAINLESS STEEL IS NOT ALWAYS APPROPRIATE Type 302 stainless should not be used in conditions where acids are present - for example in applications within the food industry, such as processing citrus fruits. Instead, type 316 should be used,
MEDICAL AND ELECTRICAL APPLICATIONS CAN REQUIRE VERY SPECIAL MATERIALS Components used in the medical industry are often be made from platinum, iridium or gold. A readily worked alloy, platinum–iridium is much harder, stiffer and more resistant to chemicals than pure platinum, which is relatively soft. Platinum–iridium is also very resistant to high- temperature electric sparks and is widely used for electrical contacts.
MATERIALS FOR ARDUOUS CONDITIONS Extreme operational environments put quite different demands on the component. In the offshore industry, for example, Inconel is selected because the material is oxidisation and corrosion resistant, suited for such environments that may be subject to pressure and heat. When heated, Inconel forms a thick, stable, oxide layer protecting the surface from further attack.
Goss Springs
www.goss-springs.co.uk
Bespoke spring solutions for any application
Goss Springs specialises in manufacturing high precision components and assemblies. Our components range from simple helical springs to complex multi-stage pressings with precious metal contacts.
We offer a design and technical service, often working in close consultation with our customers during product development to ensure we meet their exacting requirements combined with the most cost effective production methods.
AS9100 REV C TS16949:2009 ISO 9001:2008 DELIVERING EXCELLENCE & PRECISION WORLDWIDE
Aerospace Automotive Defence
Electronics Medical Electrical
www.goss-springs.com T: 0208 527 5599 E:
enquiries@goss-springs.com
Goss Springs Ltd., Bower Hill Industrial Estate, Epping, Essex, CM16 7BN / DESIGNSOLUTIONS DESIGN SOLUTIONS | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018 29
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