Tension Springs

When the tension spring is at rest, it's in its compressed form, but when an external force is applied, it is extended. This extension is resisted by the tension force created in the spring, which pulls back to the original position. The tension of the spring is determined by the load applied to it. The outside diameter, coiling, and wire diameter of the spring determine its tension.

How Tension Springs are Made

Tension springs are mostly made of metal, and their type depends on the amount of stress it is exposed to and other environmental conditions. The materials that are mostly used are:

• Copper Alloys
• Stainless Steel
• Spring Steel
• Titanium Alloys
• Low Alloy Steel
• Cold Rolled Steel

The manufacturing process of tension springs is done with highly-advanced hot and cold coiling procedures. The wire is bent, heat-treated, and finally finished or coated to protect the spring from corrosion or humidity. Tension coiling machines manufacture springs of dimensions between 0.004 to 1 inch (0.1 to 26mm).

Characteristics of Tension Springs

• Tension springs stretch and create a load.
• Tension springs have a little gap between the adjacent coils, and the load is applied along its axis.
• Tension springs are durable and designed with great precision.
• These springs have dimensional stability and high tensile strength.

Working of Tension Springs

A tension spring is a helical spring with tightly wound coils. These springs operate under applied tension. When the spring is at rest, no load is attached to its ends; the coils touch each other and are in a compressed shape. When an external force is applied, the spring stretches to a specific length. This means the components attached to spring ends pull them apart, causing tension in the spring. This makes the spring come back to its original position.

Lifespan of a Tension Spring

The lifespan of a tension spring depends on the following factors:

• Frequency of use
• Spring application
• Material of the spring
• The environment of the spring
• Amount of the stress that is applie

The lifespan of tension springs is mainly determined by environmental factors. Exposure to sunlight, chemicals, corrosive agents, and water affects the integrity of the metal. Continuous load exposure also causes metal fatigue in the springs, which causes microcracks in its structure.

Types of Tension Springs

Many types of tension springs depend on the type of hooks or loops attached to their ends. These loops differ from one another and depend on the application type. Some of these types are as follows:

• Machine Hooks

  Machine hooks are the most commonly used ones. It is the strongest of all the hooks because the bend radius is not pronounced. Bending ¾ of the coil can make machine hooks.

• Cross-over Center Hooks

  Cross-over center hooks are the second most commonly used hooks. The bent radius for these types of hooks is pronounced. These hooks are made by lifting the last coil and twisting it in the middle.

• Side Hooks

  Side hooks are ideal to use when body interference is not required during the mechanism. As the name suggests, the hook is on one side of the spring. These hooks are made by bending the last coil and are more economical than other types.

• Extended Hooks

  These hooks are the same as used in side hooks. These are useful when there needs to be a long length inside the hooks but a shorter body. The extended hooks are the most expensive type of hooks.

• No Hooks

  Tension springs with no hooks are the most economical ones. These are good to use as they are stress-free, and they have no trace of fatigue at the ends due to the non-presence of the hooks. Springs with no hooks have an increased pulling force and a higher lifespan for the spring.

Applications of Tension Springs

Tension springs are widely used in our daily life and industries. Some of their applications are:

• Trampolines
• Garage doors
• Toys
• Pliers
• Gardening equipment
• Weapons
• Carburetors
• Exercise equipment
• Fence gates
• Baby carriages

Choosing the Proper Tension Springs Manufacturer

To make sure you have the most positive outcome when purchasing tension springs from a tension spring manufacturer, it is important to compare at least 4 to 5 companies using our list of tension spring manufacturers. Each tension springs manufacturer has a business profile page that highlights their areas of experience and capabilities and a contact form to directly communicate with the manufacturer for more information or request a quote. Review each tension spring company website using our proprietary website previewer to get an idea of what each business specializes in, and then use our simple RFQ form to contact multiple tension spring companies with the same quote.