Big mechanical coil spring

Types of big mechanical coil spring

A big mechanical coil spring is a type of spring made of wire coiled into a helix. It is designed to store mechanical energy and absorb shocks. Mechanical coil springs are used in various applications, including construction, automotive, and industrial machinery. They are widely used because of their ability to handle heavy loads and give accurate results. Mechanical coil springs come in different types, including:

• Compression springs

  These springs are usually made of round wire and are cylindrical. They are designed to resist compressive forces applied along the axis of the spring. Compression springs are commonly used in various applications, including automotive suspensions, medical devices, and consumer electronics like remote controls. They are used because of their ability to push parts back to original position.

• Tension springs

  Tension springs are coils that are made of wire wound with a constant diameter. They are manufactured with one or two loops at the end of the spring. Often, tension springs have a close coil, but open coils can be used in some applications. They are applied in devices that need to be pulled apart, such as in ballpoint pens, door stops, and safety pins. Tension springs provide resistance when parts are pulled apart.

• Torison springs

  Torsion springs are mechanical springs that exert a torque in a rotating leg. The springs are usually wound in a cylindrical manner around an axis. They are used in applications such as clock mechanisms, mouse traps, and automotive latch assemblies.

• Flat springs

  Flat springs are springs made of flat spring steel. They are manufactured in different shapes, including rectangular, circular, and custom shapes. Flat springs are often used in applications such as latches, fasteners, and electrical contacts.

• Belleville springs

  Belleville springs are washer-like disc springs that are designed to store axial load. They are used to provide preloading, vibration damping, and load support in various applications, such as bolted connections, automotive suspensions, and industrial machinery.

Specification and maintenance of big mechanical coil springs

Specifications of big mechanical spring coils are as follows:

• Material

  Spring wire is commonly made of steel, stainless steel, or other alloys. Carbon steel offers great strength and is the most economical. Stainless steel provides resistance to corrosion in some environments. Other alloys can be used for special applications.

• Wire diameter

  The diameter of the wire used to construct the spring is specified. Larger diameters result in stiffer springs, while smaller diameters produce softer springs. Typical sizes range from 0.5 mm to 20 mm or more, depending on the desired spring characteristics.

• Spring diameter

  The overall size of the coil springs for cars is specified. Springs with larger diameters have a greater length. This affects the amount of force required to compress or extend the spring. Typical sizes range from 10 mm to over 500 mm in diameter.

• Number of coils

  The number of turns or loops in the spring is specified. More coils result in longer springs that compress more easily. Fewer coils make the spring shorter and stiffer. Typical numbers range from 5 to over 100 coils, depending on the required spring action.

• Spring length

  The length of the spring when it is not under load is specified. Longer springs provide a greater spring effect, while shorter springs produce a stiffer response. Lengths generally range from 10 mm to over 500 mm.

• Spring rate

  Spring rate is an important specification. It indicates the force required to compress the spring by a certain distance. Spring rate values are typically measured in newtons per millimeter (N/mm). For example, a spring rate of 100 N/mm means 100 newtons of force are needed to compress the spring by 1 mm. Spring rates vary widely, depending on the application. Softer springs for car suspension may have rates around 5-20 N/mm. Stiffer industrial coils could exceed 1000 N/mm or more.

Big mechanical coil spring maintenance requirements include the following:

• 1. Regular maintenance checks are important to ensure the springs are in good condition. Signs of wear, corrosion, and damage should be looked for. Visual inspections should be conducted routinely. The amount and type of loads the springs are supporting should be checked to see if they are overloaded. Overloading can shorten a spring's lifespan. When the spring's performance is no longer adequate, replacement is necessary before failure.
• 2. Proper lubrication helps reduce friction between coils and prevents wear. Silicone sprays or oils are commonly used. Lubrication should be applied according to the manufacturer's recommendations for the specific spring application.
• 3. Protecting springs from corrosive environments is important for their longevity. Coatings and galvanizing are options that provide corrosion resistance. Stainless steel springs offer corrosion resistance in some applications without additional protection.
• 4. Proper installation following the manufacturer's guidelines prevents problems. Spring retainers and separators keep coils properly positioned. Accessories should be used as specified to maintain spring performance.
• 5. Load distribution should be checked to ensure even weight support by multiple springs. Unequal loading stresses some springs more than others, leading to premature failure. Visual inspections combined with load distribution checks help identify problems before springs break down.
• 6. Tension is important for tension and extension springs. Proper tension keeps the spring within specified limits of operation. The tension is measured and adjusted as needed using appropriate tools. Maintaining correct tension prevents overstretching or slackening of the coils over time.
• 7. Maintenance records should be kept. Details of inspections, maintenance actions, and repairs or replacements should be logged. This information helps track spring condition and performance over time.

How to Choose Big Mechanical Coil Spring

Choosing the right coil springs for specific needs can be a challenging task. Here are some of the considerations that should be made when selecting big mechanical coil springs.

• Spring Material

  Coil springs are made of different materials, and each material has its features. Springs made of steel are the most popular ones. They are durable and offer good resistance to wear and tear. On the other hand, spring steel offers high strength and hardness. It retains its shape under heavy loads. Nitrided springs have excellent corrosion resistance. Stainless steel springs are also good for applications where the spring may be exposed to moisture or chemicals.

• Application Requirements

  Consider the purpose of the spring in the project. Different applications have different requirements. For example, a spring used in a car suspension system should be able to handle a heavy load and offer good shock absorption. On the other hand, a spring used in a pen writing mechanism can handle a light load and has a space constraint.

• Load and Stiffness

  Big mechanical coil springs are used in applications with different loads. When choosing a coil spring, consider the load it will support. The spring should be able to bear the load without losing its shape or function. Stiffness is related to the load of the spring. A spring that is going to be used in a stiff application will have a stiff load.

• Spring Size and Dimensions

  Big mechanical coil springs come in different sizes and dimensions. The size of the spring to be chosen depends on the application and the available space. Coil springs have features like diameter, wire size, and number of coils that affect their performance. The diameter of the wire determines the strength of the spring.

• Corrosion Resistance

  Depending on the environment the spring is going to be used, corrosion resistance can be a key factor to consider. If the spring is going to be used in an environment with high humidity or exposure to chemicals, choose a spring with good corrosion resistance.

• Installation

  Some coil springs can be difficult to install. Before choosing a spring, consider the ease of installation. Some springs require special tools or equipment for installation.

How to DIY and Replace Big Mechanical Coil Spring

Replacing coil spring suspension can be a complicated task, but with the right tools and equipment, it can be done safely and effectively. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to replace a coil spring:

First, gather the necessary tools. These include:

• Jack and jack stands
• Socket and ratchet set
• Coil spring compressor
• Wrench set
• Torque wrench
• New coil springs (if applicable)
• Safety glasses

Step 1: Safety First

Before starting, ensure that the vehicle is on a flat, stable surface. Wear safety glasses and ensure that all tools are in good condition and working properly.

Step 2: Lift the Vehicle

Use a jack to lift the vehicle and secure it with jack stands. Ensure the vehicle is lifted high enough to allow for easy access to the suspension components.

Step 3: Remove the Wheel

Use a socket and ratchet set to remove the wheel bolts and take out the wheel. This will provide access to the coil spring and suspension components.

Step 4: Disconnect Suspension Components

Use a wrench set to disconnect the suspension components connected to the coil spring. This may include the control arm and strut assembly. Take note of the connections and their positions for easy reassembly.

Step 5: Remove the Old Coil Spring

With a coil spring compressor, carefully remove the coil spring from the strut assembly. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the compressor and ensure that the spring is fully compressed before removal.

Step 6: Install the New Coil Spring

Place the new coil spring onto the strut assembly and use the compressor to ensure a proper fit. Ensure that the spring is seated correctly in its mounts.

Step 7: Reconnect Suspension Components

Reconnect the suspension components to their original positions. Ensure that all bolts and nuts are tightened to the manufacturer's torque specifications.

Step 8: Reinstall the Wheel and Lower the Vehicle

Reinstall the wheel and lower the vehicle by removing the jack stands. Use a jack to raise the vehicle slightly to remove the stands, then lower it onto the ground.

Step 9: Final Checks

Perform a final check to ensure that all components are properly installed and tightened. Take the vehicle for a short test drive and recheck the suspension components for any signs of movement or wear.

Q and A

Q1: Where are large coil springs used?

A1: Large coil springs are used in various applications, especially in heavy-duty operations like construction, mining, and manufacturing. They are found in large vehicles such as trucks, buses, and trailers, where they support the suspension system to carry heavy loads. They are also used in industrial machinery, such as material handling equipment, conveyor systems, and mining equipment, to absorb shock and support loads.

Q2: Can big mechanical coil springs be used in high-temperature environments?

A2: Some large mechanical coil springs are designed for high-temperature environments. They are made of heat-resistant spring steel. However, coil springs that withstand high temperatures must maintain their mechanical properties and spring characteristics. It is important to choose the right spring material for the specific application and operating conditions.

Q3: What are the advantages of large mechanical springs over other types of springs?

A3: Large mechanical springs are designed for heavy-duty applications, such as industrial machinery and large vehicles. They have high load-bearing capacity and can support heavy loads and high tensile strength. Large mechanical springs are suitable for high-speed operations and have fast return times and good fatigue resistance.

Q4: Can large mechanical coil springs be customized?

A4: Yes, large mechanical coil springs can be customized. Spring manufacturers can modify the wire diameter, coil diameter, number of coils, and other parameters according to the specific requirements of the application. Customized large mechanical coil springs can meet the special needs of customers and improve work efficiency.