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Compression springs which resist applied compressive forces and store mechanical energy, are the most commonly used type of spring. Die springs are a subset of compression springs and are crucial mechanical components in a wide range of industrial applications.
From manufacturing and transportation to petrochemicals and agriculture, these and other sectors rely on this type of spring for efficient operations. Herein is an overview of everything you need to know about die springs.
A die spring is a specialized type of compression spring designed to handle heavy loads and high levels of applied stress. This type of spring has unique mechanical properties such as a high deflection rate.
Deflection refers to the response of a spring when a force is applied to it, or how many pounds it takes to compress the device one inch. A higher deflection rate means a die spring can resist large amounts of axial compression forces.
It is also able to store considerably more mechanical energy (30% or more) compared to a standard compression spring.
These and other characteristics enable a die spring to function efficiently in extreme conditions. That includes applications requiring shock load and high static stress. In addition, die springs are highly resistant to high temperatures.
The basic functionality of a die spring is similar to that of a compression spring. The spring shortens when a load is applied storing mechanical energy. When the force if removed, the spring releases that energy as it extends to its original state pre compressed state.
The design and material choice of a die spring affords it its high load-bearing capacity. Manufacturers typically construct die springs from rectangular spring wire with rounded corners. The cross-sectional profile is somewhat trapezoidal.
This shape reduces the maximum stress levels on the spring when under compression forces. It achieves this by preventing over compression, which usually occurs in rounded spring wires as the coils slip past each other under heavy loads.
Manufacturers also use spring wire with a wider diameter compared to a standard compression spring. The spring’s coil diameter, the width of the spring at rest, is also wider.
A die spring’s design not only reduces its compression stress levels, but also reduces its solid height to improve space efficiency. Die springs retain the cylindrical helical shape typical of compression springs. The spring configuration can also be open or close-ended.
Since die springs have to withstand heavy loads and high stress conditions, manufacturers use stainless steel and steel alloys to make the spring wire. Stainless steel is preferred for its strength, corrosion resistance and cost efficiency.
Die springs made from steel alloys have exceptional strength. Manufacturers can also heat-treat the material for extra hardness and durability. Steel is alloyed with other elements such as chromium, nickel and silicon to increase the operational efficiency of die springs.
Die springs are classified according to their load-bearing capacity or work range. Manufacturers color code the springs according to international industry standards. The color codes provide visual distinction of the springs rated load range. The types include:
● Light load – Painted green and have the least load rating among die springs
● Medium load– Color coded blue and have a moderate load capacity range
● Heavy load– Colored red and can withstand substantial forces and heavy loads
● Extra heavy load – Painted yellow and are designed to handle extremely high amounts of compression force.
Die springs are a highly versatile variety of compression spring. They are mainly utilized in mechanical industrial settings to support the function of varied machinery, equipment, and systems. The most common use cases of die springs are applications that require significant force and controlled motion to secure components for machine operation.
Die machinery, where the spring gets its name, is a good example and the primary application of this type of spring. Die machinery is essential in punch presses, metal fabrication, stamping operations, and injection molding. Automated assembly operations such as creasing, sealing, and packaging also leverage die springs.
Die springs are also used as part of suspension systems by the automotive, aerospace, and railways industries. You will also find these components in brake and clutch mechanisms. In addition, the petrochemical industry employs die springs in heavy duty valves and oil and gas mining drills.
All in all, die springs are crucial components in a wide array of industrial machinery and equipment. This type of compression spring features unique characteristics that give its benefits vital to the industries that use them. These include exceptional load ratings, high temperature resistance, maximum life cycle and fewer replacements.
Regarding die springs, the importance of quality manufacturing cannot be overstated. Efficient and safe operation of critical systems requires top quality products from the best manufacturers. This is where GL Metal comes in.
We are a leading manufacturer and supplier of reliable stock and custom die springs. We use high grade steel and specialty materials to produce die springs that exceed industry standards and customer expectations. Our refined production lines, expert engineers and quality assurance framework enables GL Metal to serve numerous critical industries globally.