Extension Spring Overview

Extension springs are used in both heavy industry and in domestic tools and machinery; from the cars, we drive to the motorbikes or even to the pens we use. Springs are essential in the construction industry. Heavy machinery as well as minutely accurate scientific equipment use springs to provide the necessary contact pressure, to balance loads and ensure smooth and safe operation. Depending on the method of force application, springs can be divided into two main categories, Compression and Extension Springs.

Extension springs

Extension springs, also referred to as tension springs, work by resisting pulling forces of two moving parts of an application. The extension spring stretches, absorbs the energy and then will pull back to it’s closed (free) position.
The variables that are considered in making extension springs include; end configuration, material, end types, length, number of coils, spring shape and diameter. Tension springs also have special hooks on their ends which are used to attach within an application. These hooks are available in various configurations; including full loops, half loops, extended hooks, machine hooks, and crossover centre loops.

Stainless steel and Music wire are the two most popular materials used in making extension springs. These materials can also be modified depending on your needs. The springs can be coated with zinc plating, or any other coating to suit your needs.

Applications

Extension Springs are also customised to fit into various forms. With the right design properties, these springs are essential throughout industry. Common uses of tension springs include:

• Balancing heavy engineering. High load, high stress engineering products. Stamping machines, press brakes, CNC machines, drop presses. All require springs to damped the shock and force of operation.
• Belt balancing.  Moving high, variable mass product along belts requires load balancing to ensure safe, smooth operation.  both compression and extension springs are utilised to ensure safety and efficiency.
• Industrial vehicles and load transportation equipment. Springs are required to balance load, ensure driver or operator comfort and most importantly ensure the safety of the vehicle, operator and those around it.
• Garage doors: Tension springs are used to ease the upward movement in garage doors.
• Automotive uses: Tension springs are used in various vehicle parts. One of them being in carburettors.
• Vice-grip grip tools such as pliers: This type of pliers can be tapped in a specific position where it can be used as vice grips. Extension springs are used to keep the grip tight.
• Farm machinery: Most parts of farm machinery utilise extension springs the same way vehicles do. Extension springs are used in ploughs, graders, bulldozers and harvesters.
• Washing devices: These springs are used in dishwashers and washing machines to keep the tub balanced. These washers are made using a specific type of extension springs known as suspension springs.
• Medical devices: Quite a number of medical devices have extension springs. These include surgical lights stretchers, and some small handheld devices.

Even if you’re not sure of the type of Extension Springs spring you need, our experienced team at Central Birmingham Springs team can help you come up with the right spring for your requirements.