Flat springs are small metal components that store and release energy. These springs are used for controlling deflection in small and restricted spaces. Flat springs are not coiled; instead, they are flat, which makes them different from extension and compression springs. Read More…
Leading Manufacturers
R & L Spring Company
Lake Geneva, WI | 262-249-7854R&L Spring Company manufactures custom spring and wire formed components for industries such as powersports, automotive, medical devices, and general industrial. Products include compression, extension, and torsion springs, as well as rings, wire forms, fourslide components, and long coils. Wire diameters available from .001" to .750" in both shaped wires and flat stocks. Their experienced team is able to meet the most demanding parts specifications. IATF16949 and ISO9001 certified.
All-Rite Spring Company
Spring Grove, IL | 815-675-1350When it comes to springs, you'll find exactly what you are looking for with us! We have years of experience manufacturing high quality products from a variety of materials, in a variety of sizes and shapes. We strive to offer exactly what spring types and configurations our customers need with accuracy in quality and cost-effectiveness. Find out more by giving us a call today!
Apex Spring & Stamping Corporation
Grand Rapids, MI | 616-453-5463Apex Spring & Stamping is a certified minority owned company that manufacturers springs, stampings, wire forms, clips, and fasteners. Our core industries include automotive, office furniture, medical, recreational, consumer goods, and appliances. We also specialize in value added assembly and prototyping. Our engineering team will ensure your part is both functional and cost-effective. IATF 16949 Certified.
Coiling Technologies, Inc.
Houston, TX | 713-849-4000Coiling Technologies, Inc. has the experience and expertise to design and engineer the custom springs to meet your specific requirements. We are a leading manufacturer of high-tech, specialized springs and we are committed to providing quality products with fast lead times. Our automated process allows us to produce the reliable springs you need.
Gifford Spring Company
Garland, TX | 888-213-7231Gifford Spring Company manufactures coil springs, flat springs, torsion springs, wire forms and hooks. We can hand-form springs for small quantities of intricately designed parts or mass-produced high-quality springs using CNC machining. We’d be happy to design a spring for you based on the design or concept you require. Call us today!
Crawford Manufacturing
Baltic, OH | 330-897-1060Crawford Manufacturing Co. began as a spring manufacturer and we have improved and perfected our capabilities with coilers, a CNC Spring Forming Machine, and hand forming. We have extensive experience making a wide variety of springs including recoil/constant force, compression, extension, and torsion. We go all-out to provide quality spring products to meet your needs. Contact us today with your specialty spring requirement.
Southern Spring & Stamping, Inc
Venice, FL | 941-488-2276Southern Spring & Stamping, Inc. is a family-owned springs and wire forms manufacturer. Since 1957, we have continued to expand while ensuring all our products are of high quality. Southern Spring & Stamping, Inc. strives to meet all of our customer's needs in a wide range of industries.
Flat springs are small metal components that store and release energy. These springs are used for controlling deflection in small and restricted spaces. Flat springs are not coiled; instead, they are flat, which makes them different from extension and compression springs.
Flat springs are made of high carbon steel, nickel-silver steel, high nickel alloy, stainless steel, beryllium copper combination, and phosphor bronze material. Selecting the best type of material is important in spring manufacturing. For example, stainless steel provides better protection against corrosion, and high carbon steel offers durability and rigidity.
Configurations of Flat Springs
Flat springs come in various configurations depending on the application of the product. These are:
Leaf Springs
Leaf springs are a type of flat spring made from individual layers, or leaves, of metal. They are important components in automobiles, such as cars. Leaf springs are used in suspensions, automotive design, repair, and steering axles, and they reduce wear and tear on other vehicle parts. Leaf springs are made with high alloy steel or lighter-weight materials such as low-carbon steel.
Leaf springs come in three basic types:
Mono-Leaf Springs
Consists of one single steel plate placed uniformly from the center to the end of the spring.
Multi-Leaf Springs
Consists of multiple steel plates or metal stacks of tapered leaves attached by a bolt.
Parabolic Springs
Consists of stacked layers of steel attached to the vehicle through a spring eye on both sides of the spring.
Flat Coil Springs
Flat coil springs are used with a counterweight, which controls the actions of the valves. They are used in the automotive industry, such as in vehicle exhaust systems. They are designed to absorb shocks and are used in seating to provide support.
Manufacturing Process of Flat Springs
The process of heating and treating a flat spring is categorized into four steps. These are:
Shaping the Spring
- The first step is shaping the spring. A flat annealed spring steel is measured and marked according to the requirements.
- Polishing the spring is also required so that the spring will bend correctly.
- The spring can be bent by either a cold or hot process.
- After heat bending, it is important to let it cool down without water to not cause scaling in the spring.
Hardening the Spring
- The next step is hardening the spring, which can be done using a carburizing flame.
- The spring is heated to cherry red by the flame and then quenched in the oil.
- The heating temperature depends on the type of material used; however, a temperature around 1500 ℉ (815 °C) is ideal.
Tempering the Spring
- Tempering the spring reduces the hardness and brittleness and provides toughness and flexibility to the spring.
- Before this process, brushing the spring is necessary to remove any scaling on the spring.
- Tempering temperature depends on the type of spring material.
- First, the spring is heated to a high temperature and let to cool dry.
- Tempering can be done using lead baths, burning oil in a pan, or with a torch.
Testing the Spring
- Testing the spring is the last step of the process.
- The spring is placed in the object where it belongs and tested to see if it can bend or flex.
Working of Flat Springs
Flat springs are cupped and have a little curvature that stores mechanical energy. When these springs are exposed to a weighted object, the cupped design causes compression. This compression allows the flat spring to store and release the object's energy. The cupped design will also exert a force against the object being used.
Applications of Flat Springs
Flat springs come in various shapes and sizes according to their applications. They are ideal for use in limited areas. Flat springs are widely used in motors, counterbalances, switches, office equipment, generators, doors, electrical contacts, leaf springs, disc washers, hold downs, shims, clips, and more.
