Differences between special springs, special springs and Standard springs
Springs are mechanical components that can store and release energy.
They are used in countless industries and applications, including mechanical engineering, the automotive industry and aviation.
Springs are roughly divided into three categories based on their application and specific requirements: standard springs, special springs and specialty springs.
The differences in development, production, areas of application and the advantages and disadvantages are particularly interesting.
1. Standard springs
Definition:
Standard springs are prefabricated springs that are manufactured according to standardized specifications.
They are listed in catalogs and are available in various standard sizes and materials.
The most common standard springs are compression springs, tension springs, torsion springs and leaf springs.
Areas of application:
Standard springs are used in a wide range of applications where no special requirements are placed on the spring.
Typical areas of application include:
Household appliances
Office equipment (such as printers or copiers)
General machine elements
Vehicles (e.g. in car seats or trunk hinges)
Development and manufacturing: The development of standard springs is based on established standards (e.g. DIN EN ISO).
Manufacture takes place in mass production, often using standardized manufacturing processes such as cold forming or hot forming. Standard springs are usually made of common spring steels such as chrome-silicon steel or carbon steel.
Manufacturing processes:
Large-scale production, series production, variant production
Advantages:
Cost-effective: Due to mass production, standard springs are cost-effective.
Rapid availability: These springs are usually immediately available from stock.
Easy implementation: Since they are standardized, they can be easily used in existing designs.
Disadvantages:
Limited performance: Standard springs are designed for general applications and cannot always withstand specific loads or environments.
Limited flexibility: Adaptations to specific needs are not possible.
2. Special springs
Definition:
Special springs are specially developed springs that are designed to meet the special requirements of a specific application.
They can be adapted to individual customer requirements, both in terms of material and shape and function.
Areas of application:
Special springs are used in demanding applications where the requirements for load, temperature resistance, corrosion protection or service life
go beyond what standard springs can offer. Examples of applications are:
Medical technology (e.g. in surgical instruments)
Aviation (e.g. in aircraft engines)
Automotive (e.g. in shock absorbers or suspension systems in sports cars)
High-performance machinery
Development and manufacturing: Special springs are developed according to the customer's exact specifications. Factors such as load assumptions,
ambient temperatures and corrosion conditions are taken into account in the design. Special materials such as stainless steel, titanium alloys or heat-resistant superalloys are often used.
Production takes place in small series or individual production.
Manufacturing processes:
Small series production, special production, individual production, quota production, batch production
Advantages:
High adaptability: These springs can be adapted precisely to the specific requirements of the application.
Extended performance: Special springs are optimized for high loads and extreme conditions.
Longer service life: Due to the special materials and designs, these springs generally have a longer service life in demanding applications.
Disadvantages:
High costs: The development and production of special springs is more expensive thanls with standard springs.
Longer delivery times: Manufacturing to order leads to longer delivery times.
3. Special springs
Definition:
Special springs are a subcategory of special springs, but with a special focus on tailor-made, one-off solutions for very specific,
often highly innovative applications. They are often developed for prototypes, research and development or in projects with exceptional requirements.
Areas of application: Special springs are used in niche applications and special projects, such as:
Space travel (e.g. in satellites or space probes)
Military technology (e.g. in rocket or weapon systems)
Experimental research and development (e.g. in prototypes of new machines or technologies)
Development and manufacturing: The development of special springs usually requires close cooperation between the development team and the customer.
Through precise simulations and test runs, these springs are optimized for their unique application. Materials can range from highly specialized alloys to materials that have been specially developed for the project.
Production is often handcrafted and takes place in small series or as one-offs. Since special springs have to meet very precise requirements, the latest manufacturing techniques are used,
such as CNC wire bending, additive manufacturing (3D printing) or laser cutting.
Manufacturing processes:
Small series production, special production, individual production, quota production, batch production
Advantages:
Maximum specialization: Special springs offer tailor-made solutions that no other spring category can provide.
Innovative technologies: Special springs are often manufactured using the latest materials and technologies.
Highest precision: Manufacturing requires extremely precise methods, which results in very high accuracy and performance.
Disadvantages:
Extremely high costs: The costs are significantly higher due to the complex development and manufacturing.
Long development times: The production of special springs can take several months.
Limited reproducibility: Due to the uniqueness of the solutions, special springs cannot be easily replicated.
Summary of advantages and disadvantages
| Criteria | Standard springs | Special springs | Special springs |
|---|
| Cost | Low | Medium | High |
| Availability | Available immediately | Made to measure, long delivery times | Only made to order, long Development time |
| Adaptability | Low | High | Very high, tailored |
| Performance | Suitable for standard applications | For specific, demanding applications | For highly specialized applications |
| Lifetime | Standard | Extended due to specific materials | Depending on the specific application |
The difference between standard springs, specialty springs and custom springs lies mainly in their degree of adaptability and specialization.
While standard springs are inexpensive and suitable for general applications, specialty springs and Special springs tailor-made solutions for specific and often demanding applications.
Engineers and technicians must carefully analyze the requirements of their projects in order to make the right choice and achieve the best cost-benefit ratio.