Coiling springs are available in two different variations. The first is the tension coil spring, which is made to resist stretching, and the second is the compression spring, which, not surprisingly, resists being compressed. Each of these springs can be used in a range of different applications because they have a number of important benefits. When engineers or manufacturers use springs like this, it is usually for some very specific reasons.

1. Predictable

When springs are used in mechanical operations, it is extremely important to know how they will react to certain weights and pressures. Custom compression springs, for example, contain a specific amount of energy when they are extended (in an at-rest position) to resist a certain amount of force. Their performance is measurable and predictable, given the types of material used. This makes it much easier to determine what springs to use in different applications, and exactly how often they can be used before they start losing strength.

2. Customizable

Most compression springs usually have uniform spacing between each coil, but it is possible to customize the size, shape, and strength to address a project’s specific needs. These springs can be manufactured to very tight tolerances so they will fit precisely in a hole or around a shaft, and they can also be produced in a wide range of shapes (including conical, hourglass, barrel, convex, etc), and designed with multiple pitch diameters.

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