How to select the right stock spring from a range of over 25,000

Compression Springs are for push applications which compress when a force is applied, and have either closed ends (where the two end coils of the spring are closed and touching) or open ends (where the end coils are open and spaced consistently with the other coils in the spring).

Different shapes and sizes of compression spring are available, to suit the application, such as cone shaped springs which are well suited for batteries. Other spring shapes include hourglass springs, barrel springs and reduced end springs, also other types of compression spring include Die Springs, REDUX Wave Spring and Lite Pressure springs.

A Die Spring is a compression spring suitable for high stress, medium heavy and extra heavy load applications. The HEFTY DIE SPRING, available from Lee Spring is a heavy-duty metal compression spring well suited for use in heavy stress and heavy load applications. It is manufactured using round wire and designed to be used as a Die Spring or as a heavy-duty coil spring.

Extension Springs are attached at both ends to other components. When these components move apart, the spring tries to bring them together again. Extension springs absorb and store energy as well as create a resistance to a pulling force. It is initial tension that determines how tightly together an extension spring is coiled. This initial tension can be manipulated to achieve the load requirements of a particular application. Extension Springs are wound to oppose extension. They are often tightly wound in the no-load position and have hooks, eyes, or other interface geometry at the ends to attach to the components they connect. They are frequently used to provide return force to components that extend in the actuated position.

The REDUX Wave Spring is a compression spring designed for use in applications where space is limited, occupying just 30-50 per cent of the compressed height of a conventional round wire spring. The REDUX Wave Spring can even reduce the size and weight of the assembly by as much as 50 per cent.

When your compression spring application requires a high load in a small space, Lee Spring's Belleville Washers can be the right option. Their conical configuration enables them to support high loads with relatively small deflections and solid heights compared with helical springs. Belleville Washers are often used to solve vibration, thermal expansion, relaxation and bolt creep problems.

Lite Pressure springs are compression springs that are suitable for use in applications requiring low spring rates and low pressure.

Plastic springs offer a number of beneficial properties and due to high demand, Lee Spring has developed the LeeP plastic composite springs range. LeeP springs are inert and non-magnetic with high strength to weight ratio, excellent corrosion resistance, low flammability and toxicity and good stability at elevated temperatures. They are also recyclable.

A Torsion Spring is a helical spring that exerts a torque or rotary force. It is commonly used in hinges, such as in clothes pins, clipboards, swing-down tailgates and garage doors.

Bantam Mini Springs feature wire diameters as small as 0.10mm, which is just slightly thicker than the width of a human hair. These mini springs are made from Elgiloy alloy which is non-magnetic, high strength and corrosion resistant in a number of environments. It also performs well in temperatures of up to 454degC.

Lee offers Constant Force Springs in four Life Cycle ranges. Each spring is a roll of high yield Type 301 Stainless Steel strip exerting a nearly constant restraining force to resist uncoiling. When the strip is extended, the inherent stress resists the loading force at a nearly constant rate.

If all else fails then a custom spring is a reasonable option. Often in fact the assembly design or the elements of the application require different physical dimensions, attachments or performance characteristics - in which case the team of engineers at Lee Spring are used to providing a quick response with prototypes and test samples to ensure that customers get the right spring for the job at competitive prices and in a timely fashion.

Further information on Lee Spring products can be found on their website - www.leespring.co.uk.