Learn Some Spring Terminology

Without a basic understand of spring terminology it can be difficult to order a custom manufactured spring. The customer service team at Ajax will always assist in spec’ing out what you need, but learning some spring lingo will help ensure you get the correct spring for the job. Here are some of the most common and important terms in spring manufacturing:

  • Active Coils – Coils are being utilized when a force is being applied to the spring.
  • Body Length – The length of only the coil of an extension spring when no force is being applied.
  • Buckling – Bowing or lateral deflection of compression springs when compressed.
  • Close Wound – Coiled with adjacent coils touching.
  • Deflection – Movement of spring ends or arms under the application or removal of an external load.
  • Final Position – The position a torsion spring holds while force is fully applied.
  • Free Length – The length of a compression spring when no force is being applied.
  • Free Position – The position a torsion spring holds while no force is applied.
Compression Spring Diagram
Compression Spring Diagram
Torsion Spring Diagram
Torsion Spring Diagram
  • Initial Tension – The minimum force need to keep an extension springs coils from opening.
  • Inner Diameter – The diameter of the coil from the inside edges of the wire that makes the coil.
  • Outer Diameter – The diameter of the coil from the outside edges of the wire that makes the coil.
  • Overall Length – the length of an extension spring, end to end, when no force is being applied.
  • Pitch – The distance, center to center, of two adjacent coils.
  • Relationship of the Legs – The angle between the two legs of a torsion spring.

These terms seem simple and some even self explanatory, but they can be quite helpful when explaining what your looking for. To learn more and speak with a spring expert, contact Ajax Springs today.

 
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