Extension springs

Everything You Need to Know About Extension Springs

Extension springs are a fundamental component in many industrial applications, especially in fields like the automotive industry, electrical engineering, precision mechanics, and building technology. They are used to counteract axial force and control the extension of the spring. In this article, we’ll delve into extension springs, explaining everything essential about their functionality, dimensions, materials, applications, and advantages.

Functionality of Extension Springs

Extension springs counteract axial force directed towards the extension of the spring. The spring body comprises nested coils generating a preload force. For force transmission, the spring ends are equipped with eyes, hooks, plugs, or other special forms. The choice of the right spring end depends on the application requirements.

The preload force of an extension spring depends on the manufacturing process, winding, and coiling. High preload forces allow for reducing the spring’s overall length but can affect the spring’s characteristic line. If the load is less than the preload force, the extension spring remains undeformed.

Dimensions of Extension Springs

Extension springs are available in various dimensions to meet the demands of different applications. The wire diameter can range from 0.1 mm to 5.26 mm. Based on requirements, extension springs can be manufactured with varying lengths. Springs can also be shortened and assembled to meet specific requirements.

Materials for Extension Springs

Various materials are used for manufacturing extension springs. The most common materials are 1.1200 spring steel wire and 1.4310 stainless spring steel wire V2a. Different wire types can be selected based on static or dynamic loads. It’s also possible to manufacture extension springs from materials complying with DIN EN 10270 and EN ISO 6931.

Applications of Extension Springs

Extension springs find applications across various industries. In the automotive industry, they are used in headlights, seats, door locks, and trunk lids. In electrical engineering, extension springs are employed in switches, relays, and connectors. Precision mechanics utilize them in watches, cameras, and measuring devices. In building technology, extension springs are applied in doors, windows, and shutters. Furthermore, extension springs are used in consumer goods like toys, furniture, and sports equipment.

Advantages of Extension Springs

Extension springs offer several advantages, making them a popular choice for many applications. Their linear characteristics enable precise force transmission and control. By using different eye forms, extension springs can be flexibly adapted to various requirements. The preload of an extension spring saves overall length and allows for more efficient use of available space. Extension springs can also be used as spring strands for short-term interim solutions or serve as kink protection for hoses and cables.

Ordering and Manufacturing Extension Springs

Extension springs can be ordered and manufactured according to specific requirements. Depending on needs, extension springs can be equipped with various eyes, hooks, or plugs. Ordering extension springs usually complies with DIN 2097 standards or customer specifications. Manufacturing is done using high-quality spring steel wire, and it can be annealed, left raw, or surface-treated as per customer specifications.

We have extensive experience in manufacturing and customizing extension springs for various industries and applications. Our range includes extension springs with various dimensions, materials, and ends. We also provide tailor-made solutions and support our clients in choosing the right extension springs for their specific requirements.

Special Eye Forms for Extension Springs

Trombone connections and assembly aids for extension springs are finding increasing application – we have been dealing with this solution approach for many years.

We produce our range of extension springs with German and English eyes from 0.25 mm to 4.00 mm wire diameter. If needed, we also manufacture with special eyes and eye shapes to meet specific requirements in the wire diameter range from 0.20 mm to 4.00 mm.

All technical springs are manufactured upon request, even in smaller batch sizes. Special packaging is offered for all products. We have our own tooling department and, as your development partner, we also provide individual calculations.