One of the most unique spring designs produced by Vulcan is called a twin spring. Its name is derived from the characteristic of having two springs formed from the same strip of stainless steel material. These custom springs are intended to work together, in unison, doubling the force of a single spring. Twin springs are…
Our last blog discussed the two main types of Constant Force Spring; linear force and torque. Vulcan is able to change the force of the spring over the travel length to match customer requirements. These springs are referred to as Gradient Positive and Gradient Negative springs.
What differentiates the constant force spring from the conventional extension and compression (round wire) spring? Hooke’s Law states that the extension of a spring is directly proportional to the load applied to it. Therefore, the further an extension spring is extended, the greater the force.
A common practice for mounting Constant Force Springs is to utilize two or more springs to gain more force in a small space. This might be required if the diameter or width of a single spring exceeds the allotted space but there is room to add multiple smaller springs. A much smaller spring design may…
Power Springs are formed by winding strip material on an arbor and into a case or retaining ring. Power springs store and release torque through a central arbor or through the case that it is retained in. Pre-stressed power springs (Conpower®) undergo additional processing to yield a slightly flatter torque curve and increase the available…
Vulcan Spring has produced flat steel constant force springs since 1967. Vulcan has also produced power springs, twin springs and constant torque springs, all made from the same flat steel. Vulcan is now able to produce two new products: Spiral Torsion Springs and Wire Forms.
It’s time for FIRST robotics to kick-off and, as of Tuesday, the robots are finished and waiting for the first competition of 2012. Vulcan Spring has sponsored Team 1218 of FIRST Robotics for the last few years. We see this as a great way to help schools train kids to thrive in the STEM areas…
A frequently asked question concerns the life cycle rating of a Variable Force Spring. In this blog, we will focus on this discussion and how the life cycles are analyzed. Let’s first give a brief description of what a variable force spring is and what it looks like.
When designing a Constant Force Spring one must begin by taking a hard look at life cycle requirements. This decision will have an effect on every other decision made and ultimately could lead the design down the wrong path. If done correctly, the design can fall into place and allow for a successful project. First,…
One of the most common questions about Constant Force Springs concerns the mounting of the spring on a spool. For starters, the spring doesn’t have to be mounted on a spool; it can be placed in a cavity or on an undersized bushing or pin. There are differences in the performance of each design so…
