Making the right choice with springs and fasteners

From concept to delivery it is important to consider all aspects of spring installation and usage including configuration, for example, cylindrical, barrel or cone, as well as the optimal choice of material from a selection of steel, stainless steel, alloys and super alloys, each with its own possibilities for surface treatments.

It may be that a standard ex-stock spring is exactly right for the application or that the mating components may require only a small adaptation to enable its use. Otherwise, a custom design can fully optimise functionality and (if required) aesthetics.

Chris Petts of Lee Spring explained: “No matter how large or how small a fastener or spring may be, as a component, its importance might be paramount to the form or functionality of a product.”

Petts continued: “Reliability and precision are essential. Selecting the incorrect type of spring, or a spring material unable to withstand particular application conditions, could be catastrophic.”

Lee Spring is an ISO 9001 Registered Company, delivering quality fasteners and springs to various sectors, such as auto sport and automotive, medical and aerospace.  Springs should always be high quality but it is especially important within these sectors, as they often require components manufactured to meet strict, legislative standards.

The auto sport market, in particular, is an interesting sector for Lee Spring. “Professionals or hobbyists involved in the restoration of classic cars, for example, often approach us requiring specialist, quality components either from our extensive stock range, or custom made products” said Petts.

High performance nickel and cobalt ‘super alloys’ are offered by Lee Spring for applications involving harsh conditions, such as high temperatures or extreme pressure.

He said: “The reliability of the finished product in its application hinges on the correct material selection to meet the specific application requirements.”

Super alloys offer enhanced performance properties including excellent strength and durability, and resistance to oxidation, or corrosion. Due to these properties, super alloys make the best spring materials for demanding working conditions, which can be encountered across various industry sectors.

If springs not made from super alloys are used in applications with harsh conditions, they are at risk of becoming deformed or damaged, as they will not be strong enough.