Spring Information
Helical (wound in a round shape) springs of round wire will need a discription to define the Coil Diameter, Wire Size, Number of Coils, and a Type of End. The Coil Diameter could be specified as an Outside(O.D.) , or Inside Diameter(I.D.) or even the Mean Diameter(average of O.D. & I.D. used for calculations). The Wire Diameter and Number of Coils may be defined in another way than actually calling out the size and count. An example is by calling out a rate or known fixed load or torque requirement. But if known it is best to at least list Wire Size and Coil count as a reference.

Compression Springs
Known Load: If you have a known load you require at a known length this is the best way to specify the spring. If you also specify the free length of the spring(very common) then you have established a functional rate. The spring manufacture can use the coils that give you that load.
Rate: If you do not have or do not know the fixed place the spring is used, then specifying a Free Length and a Rate will give you a more consistant spring then specifing the coils.
Type of Ends: Compression springs can have four basic types of ends. Closed ends are almost always used in commercial applications. For many applications closing and additional grinding the spring is used. This can give good squareness and better load tolerances but is often an expensive option, so should be considered but not always assumed. Here is a picture showing the four types.
   Closed Ends Not Ground          Closed Ends Ground


         Open Ends Ground       Open Ends Not Ground

If you don't have specifications or a print to send then call or write (email / fax) us and we can walk through the specifications with you.

Extension Springs
Known Load: If you have a known load required at a known length, this is the best way to specify the spring. If you also specify the length inside of the Hooks (very common like the free length of a compression spring) then you have established a functional rate. Now we may use the coils that give you the load you need. If you don't have specifications or a print to send then call or write (email / fax) us and we can walk through the specifications with you. 

Torsion Springs
Position of the arms is very important.
Torsion springs are very difficult to communicate without a print or detailed drawing. If you don't have specifications or a print to send then call or write (email / fax) us and we can walk through the specifications with you.