Product family

Spring Types

Compression, extension, torsion and conical — four basic spring types, all four made in our own plant. What separates them is not only shape but how the load reaches the wire.

Which type belongs where

The first question in choosing a spring is not "which shape" but "how does the load reach the wire". In compression and extension springs the wire twists; in torsion springs it bends. That distinction decides which material constant the calculation uses, and it explains why two springs of the same dimensions can behave completely differently.

The second question is the installation gap. Solid length takes roughly (n+2)·d on a straight compression spring; on a conical spring, where the coils nest, that figure drops to a single wire thickness. When a long stroke is needed in a shallow gap, the choice usually becomes clear right here.

The third is whether the character should be constant or rising. A straight compression spring holds a constant rate through its deflection, while a conical spring stiffens as it is loaded because the large-diameter coils close first. If the mechanism needs a soft response under light load and a firm one under heavy load, a conical spring delivers that in a single part.

The four pages below explain how each type works, which dimensions are needed to quote it, and which machine groups it appears in within our catalogue. If you already have your dimensions, the calculator on the home page returns the spring rate, solid length and spring index for all four types instantly.

The four types side by side

Spring type	How the load acts	Basis of calculation	Distinguishing feature
Compression spring	Compressed along the axis	Wire twists → shear modulus	Solid length ≈ (n+2)·d
Extension spring	Extended along the axis	Wire twists → shear modulus	Initial tension; load passes through the hook
Torsion spring	Rotated about the axis	Wire bends → modulus of elasticity	Must be loaded in the wound direction
Conical spring	Compressed along the axis	Wire twists → shear modulus	Stiffens with load; solid length ≈ d

Spring type pages

Compression SpringsCylindrical coil springs that work under axial compressive load. We manufacture them to original dimensions across the 0.20–40 mm wire range, with closed and ground end options and galvanised finish.Extension SpringsSprings that produce a counter force when pulled apart, with closed coils and a connection form at each end. We manufacture them with hook, loop and threaded end options.Torsion and Wire Form SpringsTorsion springs that transmit a moment through their legs, together with wire form parts. This is the most widely used spring family in hay rake, tine and baler groups.Conical SpringsCompression springs whose diameter changes along their length so the coils can nest inside one another. Preferred where a long stroke is needed in a shallow installation gap.

Spring calculator for all four types

Enter your dimensions and we will compute the spring rate, solid length and spring index using TS EN 13906 relations.

Open the calculator

How it is made

Every step after coiling happens in our own plant; nothing is outsourced. This shortens lead times and keeps quality responsibility in one pair of hands.

CNC coiling

Formed across the 0.20–40 mm wire range.

Tempering

Stress is relieved; elasticity becomes permanent.

End grinding

Seating faces are flattened on compression springs.

Galvanising

Surface protection against corrosion.

Packing

Domestic and export logistics included.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know which spring type I need?

Look at whether the mechanism compresses, pulls or rotates the spring. Compression means a compression spring — conical in a shallow gap — pulling means an extension spring, and rotation means a torsion spring. If you are unsure, a photograph of the old part is usually enough.

Do you produce all four types?

Yes. Our coiling line works across the 0.20–40 mm wire range with no tooling dependency; all four types are coiled, tempered and coated in our own plant.

Why do compression and extension springs share the same calculation?

In both types the load becomes torsion in the wire, so the spring rate comes from the same relation. The difference is at the ends: the seating face on a compression spring, the hook and initial tension on an extension spring.

Why is a torsion spring calculated differently?

In a torsion spring the wire bends rather than twists. The modulus of elasticity is therefore used instead of the shear modulus, and the result is a moment rather than a force.

What is the spring index and why does it appear in every type?

It is the ratio of mean diameter to wire diameter (C = Dm/d) and indicates manufacturability. Below four the wire is overstrained during coiling; above twelve coiling becomes unstable. The same band applies to all four types.

Are the calculator results binding?

The calculator is for preliminary assessment. Material strength values are typical figures; final production is verified against the real values on the supplier certificate for the wire to be used.

Cannot find the spring you need?

We produce to your dimensions in the 0.20–40 mm wire range, with no tooling dependency. A sample, a technical drawing, or simply a photograph of the old spring is enough.

Fill in the quote form

Or call us directly: 0850 840 54 17