Coilsprung

Coilsprung, in German often translated as coil spring, is a mechanical energy storage component composed of a helical wire wound into a spiral. When subjected to axial load, the coil compresses or extends, storing energy and providing a restoring force.

Construction and materials: It is typically made from spring steel, such as high-carbon or alloy steel, but can also use stainless or corrosion-resistant alloys. The coil geometry—mean diameter, wire diameter, and number of turns—determines stiffness and allowable deflection. Ends are formed to fit mounting surfaces, commonly ground, squared, or with hooks. After winding, springs undergo heat treatment and sometimes shot peening to improve fatigue life, followed by coating or plating for corrosion protection.

Types and applications: The main families are compression springs, which resist compressive loads, and extension springs, which resist axial extension. Coilsprunge are widespread in automotive suspensions to support weight and absorb bumps, in industrial machinery for vibration isolation and energy storage, and in consumer products such as appliances, furniture, and office equipment.

Performance and design considerations: The spring constant depends on material, wire diameter, coil diameter, and the number of active turns. Fatigue life is a primary concern under cyclic loading; preload, end conditions, and operating environment influence performance. Design and testing often follow standards to ensure reliability, and manufacturing tolerances specify outer diameter, wire diameter, and free length.

See also: related energy-storage springs such as leaf springs and torsion springs, and the broader category of helical springs.