Die Springs

Die springs are helical compression springs that are made from rectangular wire. For the same deflection, they can carry roughly 30% more load than compression springs that use round wire. Die springs are used mainly in die machines, but are suitable for a variety of high-static applications where maximum cycle-life is important. Applications include brakes, clutches, agricultural equipment, and aircraft components. Most die springs are made of oil-tempered and chrome-alloy metals. Because surface defects can significantly reduce a spring’s fatigue life, the spring wire may be specially-treated and cost more than commercial-grade materials. Chrome-silicon wire has a lower tensile strength than commercial-grade music wire, but features a higher maximum service temperature. 

Die springs carry specifications for inner diameter (ID), outer diameter (OD), and wire diameter, as well as free length, solid height, spring rate, and end configuration. Free length is the overall length of a die spring in the unloaded position. Solid height is the length of a die spring when under sufficient load to bring all coils into contact with adjacent coils. Spring rate is the change in load per unit deflection. Usually, this specification is expressed in pounds per inch. There are two basic end configurations for die springs: closed and open. With closed die springs, the space between the coils is reduced to the point where the wire at the tip makes contact with the next coil. With open die springs, there is no reduction in pitch at the end of the coils. Sometimes, the ends of die springs are ground to create a flat surface that is perpendicular to the spring axis.   

Selecting die springs requires a careful analysis of application requirements. Service conditions, operating temperature, and physical stops are all important considerations. Parameters for die springs used under cyclic conditions also include minimum and maximum operating loads, deflections, and heights. In some cases, a die spring that has an infinite life under low-deflection conditions can take a set if compressed to solid height. Die springs that are designed for static applications should provide stable spring force output over time. Die springs that are designed for cyclic conditions should also be able to survive the intended life without breaking. 

• Progressive Die Sensor Protection Process Upgrade
  Many progressive die stamping processes use a spring-actuated plunger at each die station to verify part positioning. To verify correct part positioning, these plungers must often be within a fraction...
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Part Numbers for Die Springs