Small diameter springs enable smaller devices 15 January 2020

Lee Spring Ltd has always offered springs with relatively high spring rates or workable (maximum) loads. But often, the standard outside diameters were too wide to fit within the intended application assembly requirements, or the lengths too long and bulky. Therefore, Lee Spring has added low index, high pressure compression springs to its catalogue.

This new firm, slender spring design offers a high spring rate in a smaller compression spring diameter, without sacrificing any of the pressure and is ideal for operation in confined spaces.

The low index, high pressure compression springs are carefully designed to work in small holes, packed with high load capacities and rated to pressures of 300, 400, 500 and 600 psi for easy reference.

High pressure compression springs are designed to provide high resistant forces with a relatively slender diameter spring. A standard spring can only support a certain amount of weight and would need a wider profile to take heavier loads, but a high pressure compression spring is fortified to achieve a higher spring rate (the spring rate refers to how many pounds a spring can be compressed to per inch). This means users can pile on much more weight for the diameter, in comparison to standard compression springs.

High pressure compression springs are used in applications that demand small devices requiring firm, but not rigid, slender springs, such as in switches, ball plungers, safety relief valves, quick change tools and vice clamps.

Using a high pressure compression spring, rather than a standard compression spring, in these instances will mean the spring lasts longer as it can withstand heavy loads – saving money on maintenance.

High pressure compression springs from Lee Spring are made from passivated and shotpeened stainless steel, which provides a balance of corrosion resistance, high strength, and toughness – meaning these springs will last even longer, whatever the conditions. They range in size, fitting holes as small as 1/8 inch to 2 inches so they can achieve just as much strength and a comparable spring rate to a much larger and heavier spring, but in a much tighter space. They are available in a range of free lengths, starting at 6.35mm up to 101.6mm.

Deputy Editor

Claire Aldridge Deputy Editor t: +44 (0) 1727 743 889

Biog

Having spent a decade in the fastener industry experiencing every facet – from steel mills, fastener manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, as well as machinery builders and plating + coating companies, Claire has developed an in-depth knowledge of all things fasteners.

Alongside visiting numerous companies, exhibitions and conferences around the world, Claire has also interviewed high profile figures – focusing on key topics impacting the sector and making sure readers stay up to date with the latest developments within the industry.