Compression Springs

Compression springs absorb a compression load by contracting along the length of their axis. In effect, a compression spring absorbs the energy of a force that is acting upon it by becoming shorter. Whereas extension springs are designed to resist forces, called tension loads, that are pulling outward from their ends, compression springs resist forces that press into their ends. This compression is allowed for by the gaps that exist between their coils and the potential for work that has been transferred to the spring during the creation of the coils. A compression spring stores energy when it is compacted, whereas an extension spring stores energy, or the potential for work, when it is stretched.

Compression springs are used to save space and recycle energy within both relatively simple and complex systems. Though the most commonly cited example of a compression spring is that of shock absorbers in an automobile, these springs are also utilized in appliances like media players, where they use the energy that was put into inserting discs, tape decks, and other devices to aid with the ejection process, and in a number of small motors and manipulators, where they can stay in resonance with other parts to conserve power throughout a system.

Stanley makes a variety of compression springs in concave and convex configurations, wire thickness range from .004 to .250”. Materials include hard drawn wire, music wire: zinc coated music wire, galvanized music wire, tinned music wire, preco-z music wire; stainless steel wire including: annealed stainless steel, 302 stainless steel, 316 stainless steel, 17/7 stainless steel, elgiloy wire, nichrome wire, nickel coated copper wire, oil tempered wire, and galvanized hard drawn wire. Loop types include open end ground, open end not ground, close end ground, close end not ground.