An important step towards easier spring design

In a previous blog post, my colleague Markus pertinently pointed out the importance of spring design from the viewpoint of final product functionality and cost efficiency. It is reasonable indeed to start design well in advance. If the dimensions and properties of the end product encompassing the spring have been established to a large extent, the spring design will be complicated. After all, designing a product around a spring is easier than the other way around.

Nevertheless, spring design is often overlooked until the very end, since many designers are not familiar with it. If spring design is delayed, it may lead to problems with spring functionality and development of more expensive solutions may be required. How about making spring design easier from the very start and avoiding additional costs in the process?

Prompt testing

I often discuss with our customers the ways we at Meconet could facilitate spring design and streamline the customers’ purchasing process. Based on these discussions, we started developing a special Spring Store on our website. The purpose of the Spring Store is to speed up the design process, combat excessive problems and reduce design-related costs.

The Spring Store includes 3D models of all our standard springs that customers can download to their design programs free of charge. Alternatively, we can send them by e-mail. With the help of the 3D models, the designer can test spring compatibility with the end product quickly and conveniently. If a spring suitable for the assembly is found from the Spring Store, a prototype series can be ordered at a cheaper price as compared to tailored springs and the spring can tested and manufactured more quickly. Thus, the time spent on testing and the expenses can be minimized.

Next time, take the spring store route

Whenever a customer sends us a design drawing of the spring required, we always manufacture it in the tailored mode, which is a solution more expensive as compared to standard products. Therefore, we encourage the designers to visit the Spring Store first and to check if a suitable spring can be found there. Despite the name, Spring Store is not an actual store but a more interactive product catalogue. If a suitable spring is found among the models, a prototype series can easily be ordered from us. Naturally, we will also gladly help you with other spring design-related matters.

Getting to know the Spring Store is worthwhile for the following reasons:

1. The 3D models available at the Spring Store facilitate and speed up design work.
2. Standard springs available from the Spring Store provide for prompt testing.
3. Standard spring prototype series can be ordered cost-effectively.
4. Quicker testing means shorter delivery times.
5. The Spring Store reduces e-mail correspondence in the first stages of design.
6. Data on spring materials are available from the Spring Store, which facilitates ordering.

The standard coil springs in our Spring Store are made of either music wire or stainless steel. If you need a spring for especially difficult operating environment, in which case it must be made of some particular material, contacting us is a good idea. Even if the correct solution cannot be found among the standard products, the dimensions of any spring can be determined faster than usual with the help of the Spring Store.

Check out our Spring Store and tell us what you think! We are constantly improving the Spring Store and thus welcome any feedback allowing us to meet the needs of the designers even better. I will gladly answer any other questions regarding the Spring Store as well.

We also recently published the Coil Spring Design Guide, in which you can find specific tips regarding spring design.

Do you want to hear more about spring design? Download our guide!