Compression springs come under the category of helical springs. The main purpose of compression springs is to hold mechanical energy and to oppose the applied compressor load.
These springs become shorter when the load is applied. At this point, they store a significant amount of energy. But, they quickly get back to their original length and shape when the load is released. Compression springs avoid the collision between two components.
Compression springs are manufactured in a wide range of shapes and sizes. Here are the different types of compression springs based on their shapes.
Straight Coil Springs
Straight coil springs are the most common type of compression springs. There is no variation in the diameter of these springs. These springs are normally used for general purposes.
Constant Pitch Springs
Constant pitch springs contain a uniform gap between coils. These springs perform well against the excessive motion and provide stability between components. Moreover, Constant pitch springs also handle the unavoidable vibration and mitigate sudden jolts.
Variable Pitch Springs
Contrary to the constant pitch springs, variable pitch springs have variable gaps between coils. Due to the variable gaps between coils, these springs are perfect for heavy-duty machines. The variable gap between the coils increases the level of energy. This energy enables these springs to handle heavy objects.
Conical Springs
Conical springs, also knowns as tapered springs–are a type of compression springs. As the name suggests, conical springs are manufactured in a cone-like shape. These springs have a larger diameter at the bottom and smaller at the top. Coils in the conical springs are manufactured with gradual taper (change in size) that offers precise adjustment of coils.
Conical springs offer multiple features such as constant spring rate, less vibration, and reduced resonance compared to the other compression springs. Moreover, extra resistance is also achievable due to a much wider bottom.
Concave Springs
Concave springs, also known as hourglass springs–are a type of compression springs. As the name suggests, concave springs are manufactured in an hourglass shape. These springs have a larger diameter on both ends and a smaller diameter in the middle of the spring.
Concave springs are preferred over any other type of springs in handling more weight. Their narrower diameter design in the middle of the spring allows extra resistance that stabilizes other components. The central coils in concave springs dissipate energy that can help in increasing the overall durability with proper customization.
Convex Springs
Convex springs, also known as barrel springs–are a type of compression springs. As the name suggests, convex springs are manufactured in a barrel shape. Contrary to concave springs, convex springs have a wider diameter in the middle of the coil and a narrower one at the ends.
Convex springs are widely purchased and used to avoid buckling between components. These springs are designed in a way that provides instant resistance against sudden jolts and an increasing horizontal movement. Moreover, these springs are good to prevent surging.
