Posted to News on 30th Jan 2008, 00:00
Constant force and wave springs added to range
Constant force and wave springs are the latest additions to Lee Spring's portfolio of products, increasing its stock spring range to over 15,500 different types of spring. Custom designs are also available. Manufactured from high yield 301 stainless steel strip, Lee Spring's constant force springs exert a near constant restraining force to resist uncoiling. This natural inbuilt stress resists load at an even rate and makes them suitable for use in retractor mechanisms. Common applications include counterbalance springs, car seat belt and cable retractors.
Constant force springs are usually tightly coiled on a drum and either the free end or the drum can be attached to the load. Four life cycle ranges are offered: 2500, 4000, 13000 and 25000 covering loads from 0.30 to 7.48kg (0.66 to 16.50lb). Lengths vary from 356 to 1524mm (14 to 60in), thicknesses from 0.10 to 0.51mm (0.004 to 0.020in) and widths span the range 6.35 to 31.75mm (0.250 to 1.250in).
Wave springs perform a similar function to compression springs but they take up approximately 50 percent less compressed height space due their sine wave design which allows tangential contact. These springs also offer greater control of axial movement and consistent load transfer. Produced in stainless steel type 17-7 PH, Lee Spring's wave springs offer optimum performance in static or slightly dynamic applications where space is critical or where radial and axial tolerances are tight. Stock sizes range from rod sizes of 6.35 to 25.40mm (0.250 to 1.0 in) to suit hole diameters from 9.53 to 31.75mm (0.375 to 1.250in) and in spring rates from 0.81 to 5.33kg/mm (45 to 298lb/in).
