Whether you want machinery to work or you just need a good night’s sleep, you depend on certain types of spring. Steel springs actually take many forms, and sometimes they don’t look like springs at all. Two types of steel springs that almost everybody does recognize, however, are compression springs and conical springs. Both of these springs provide support and resistance in order to function. They are also so ubiquitous that people can find examples of compression springs and conical springs almost everywhere they look.
Compression Springs
When you think about what springs look like, odds are good that you imagine compression springs. These tightly wound steel coils work by providing resistance the further they get compressed. You can find examples of compression springs in many mattresses, as they support the weight of a human body to keep a person from sinking into the fabric while they sleep. Mattress springs are compression springs but tend to be larger than the spring found in various types of machinery. Whether needed for buttons or essential to the inner workings of a machine, you can find this type of spring almost anywhere that resistance is needed. A compression spring is usually a steel spring, as only this material provides the necessary durability to provide resistance after dozens or hundreds of uses.
Conical Springs
Similar is design to compression springs, conical springs also functions by providing constant resistance. Conical springs look like their compression counterparts but are cone-shaped instead of standard in diameter on both ends. This allows the steel spring to provide a higher level of constant resistance. It also allows more springs to be used in a smaller area since the cone-shaped design doesn’t use as much space. Like their compression counterparts, conical springs appear in a variety of machinery. They also now show up in some mattresses, often with a fabric “pocket” that keeps the cones from rubbing against one another during use. This protection helps to extend to life of the springs.
Custom Springs
Depending on the job you have at hand, you might need a compression spring, a conical spring, or both. In almost all cases, you need a steel spring. Other metals can sometimes function as a replacement, but they tend to degrade and bend where steel stays strong. If you have a custom job, it usually helps to seek out made to order springs. This allows you to work with a manufacturer to choose the shape, size, and specifications of the springs used. By choosing made to order springs, you gain a further level of control over the work at hand and guarantee that everything matches your necessary specifications.
From buttons to cars to mattresses, both compression and conical springs make a huge impact on the world in which we live. If you have a job that needs a reliable spring, you should look for a manufacturer of steel springs who can customize the product to your needs. This allows for a better end product for everybody.
