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Compression Springs
Compression springs can be wire springs or gas springs. Metrol, part of Lesjöfors, are one of the UK’s leading suppliers of compression springs, with over 40 years of manufacturing experience.
Our compression spring ranges include alternative compression springs, standard compression springs, conical springs, custom coil springs, and stainless-steel compression springs.
Additionally, our capabilities go beyond standard products; we can design and manufacture a completely custom spring for your application. From length and diameters to materials and finishes, every part of the spring can be tailored to your needs.
Browse our compression spring ranges below, or contact our technical advisors for a custom requirement.
What Is a Compression Spring?
A wire compression spring is an open-coil helical spring designed to resist a compressive force as it attempts to revert to its resting, extended length. As it compresses under force, it stores energy; as it pushes against this force, it will release the energy. These properties make compression springs excellent solutions to absorb shocks. In particular, large, coiled springs are often used in car manufacturing to absorb shocks from bumps in the road, protecting the car from stress and wear.
Compression, tension, and torsion are the three primary spring actions, and each one serves a different purpose:
- Exerting a push force when subjected to compression.
- Exerting a pull force when subjected to extension.
- Exerting a rotational force when subjected to twisting.
How Compression Springs Work: Understanding Spring Rate
Spring rate refers to the amount of force that is required to compress a spring by a certain amount. A higher force will compress a spring more than a lower force will.
There are several factors that determine spring rate. For example, if the compression spring has a thicker wire/coil diameter, the spring rate will be higher. If there are fewer coils, the spring rate will generally be higher, as it will be a ‘harder’ spring. All materials have different strengths, making this another factor affecting spring rate.
If you are unsure what spring is suitable for you, please use our compression spring configurator; it will provide you with a suitable product for your application.
Types of Compression Springs
Standard/cylindrical compression springs: constant diameter and pitch (the distance between two coils).
Conical compression springs: tapered profile that allows the coils to nest into each other, reducing the overall compression height.
Custom coil springs: bespoke dimensions, profiles, and materials for non-standard requirements.
Stainless steel compression springs: ideal for use where corrosion resistance or hygiene is necessary. The spring will not be affected by regular sanitisation or water/ certain chemicals.
Fully custom/made-to-order: suitable where options outside of standard manufacturing is required.
Compression gas springs (NitroSprings): provide a more durable option with a higher level of control over forces, as well as specialist sealing technology to prevent wear and tear from debris and other contaminants.
Compression Spring End Types Explained
Compression spring ends refer to how the wire ends at the top and bottom of a spring. There are four standard configurations, and each one will affect how the spring performs.
Plain ends, also known as open ends, mean the wire at either end of the spring is the same as the rest of the spring. The ends are not squared off, and it will not sit perfectly flat against a surface.
Plain ends ground is similar to plain ends, but the tip of the wire is flat, meaning the spring can sit flush against flat surfaces.
Squared ends, commonly known as closed ends, is when the end coil on both sides of the spring is pressed to sit against the coil next to it, resulting in a flatter and more stable base.
Squared and ground ends is a combination of both end coils being pressed to the coil next to it and then being ground flat. This option provides the flattest and most stable base.
Compression Spring Materials
Our stock compression springs are manufactured from either unalloyed spring steel or stainless spring steel. Our stainless-steel material is perfect for use in corrosive environments, preserving the lifespan of your spring. Our unalloyed steel material is best suited to non-corrosive and standard temperature environments.
Our individual spring category pages and the downloadable product PDFs contain information on suitable working temperatures for each spring, based on their material. This should be considered before placing an order. The compression springs with a wire diameter equal to 2mm will be shot-peened to enhance their resistance to fatigue and stress corrosion failures.
Alternative materials can be discussed for bespoke orders; our technical advisors will suggest the material best suited to your specifications and application.
Browse the wire spring catalogue here.
How to Choose the Right Compression Spring
First, it is important to establish the dimensions you require, including:
- Free length – the length of the whole spring when it is in its resting state.
- Wire diameter – the thickness of the wire that makes the coil.
- Outer coil diameter – measured across the outside edge of one coil to the outer edge of the opposite coil.
- Inner coil diameter – measured across the inner edge of one coil to the inner edge of the opposite coil. This is essentially the amount of free space inside the spring.
- Required load – the amount of force needed to compress the spring for it to exert a force back.
- Working deflection – the distance between the spring's free length and the spring when it is compressed.
- Spring rate – how much force is needed to compress or extend a spring by a set amount.
You should also then consider the environment the spring will be in. If it is going to be subjected to wet or moist conditions, opting for a stainless-steel spring will protect its lifespan, ensuring it doesn’t corrode.
The outer coil diameter is extremely important, as this will tell you whether the spring can fit into the available space within your application. If you cannot find a suitable wire spring with the right outer diameter, our NitroSprings may be a better alternative, as they can achieve extremely high forces in a compact design.
Application requirements must be considered together, rather than choosing a spring based on one measurement alone.
Once determining all of this, you can use our wire spring configurator to find the correct spring, or you can work your way through the filters in our product table. Alternatively, you can download our wire spring catalogue, or if you are unsure of your requirements, please use our live chat service where our team is ready to assist you.
Compression Spring Applications & Industries
Wire compression springs are everywhere in everyday applications, including pens, battery holders, and door locks. Compression springs are also commonly used in the following industries and applications:
Automotive – suspension components, valve assemblies, clutch and seating mechanisms. A wire spring’s ability to absorb shocks and provide continuous forces under repeated use makes it essential to both the performance and safety of vehicles.
Rail – suspension systems and vibration-damping mechanisms.
Robotics & Automation – sensors, automated assembly equipment, and robotic actuators.
Electronics – electrical connectors, switches, battery contacts, and battery-powered devices.
Energy – valves and control mechanisms.
Manufacturing – tooling, jigs & fixtures, and assembly equipment.
Plant & Machinery – conveyor systems, hydraulic equipment, industrial machinery components.
Medical – surgical devices, diagnostic equipment, mobility equipment and other medical devices. Stainless steel compression springs are ideal for the medical industry because they can withstand regular sterilisation.
Marine – hardware, valve and control mechanisms, and fastening systems.
Agricultural – planting equipment, harvesting machinery, and vehicle components.
Shopfitters – display fittings, drawer mechanisms, cabinet systems, sale equipment.
Compression Springs vs Tension & Torsion Springs
Compression springs, tension springs (commonly known as extension springs), and torsion springs work differently from each other. A compression spring resists being pushed together, a tension (extension) spring resists being pulled apart, and a torsion spring resists twisting/rotation.
Custom & Made-to-Order Compression Springs
For a bespoke compression spring or other custom wire spring orders, please provide our designers with a technical drawing or specifications. Our team will review your requirements, advise on the design, and provide you with a quote. We offer trade accounts for business customers who wish to repeat or bulk order.
Why Choose Metrol for Compression Springs?
Metrol offer in-house support, offering you specification and spring-rate guidance. Our position within Lesjöfors, a leading spring manufacturer, provides us with endless bespoke spring capabilities.
With rapid turnaround times, hundreds of springs are leaving our facility each day, with next-day delivery options available. We also offer trade accounts for specific customers who want to place regular repeat orders or buy our products in bulk.
Browse our downloadable wire spring catalogue to begin the process of finding the perfect solution for your application.
Buy Compression Springs Online
Shop standard, conical, custom coil, stainless steel, and completely bespoke compression springs online today. Our wire spring configurator and catalogue are available to assist you in choosing a suitable product. If you require custom specifications, please get in contact with our technical designers here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a compression spring?
An open-coil helical spring that resists a compression force, exerting a pushing force back.
What's the difference between a compression spring and a tension spring?
Compression springs resist being pushed together; tension or extension springs resist being pulled apart.
What materials are compression springs available in?
Unalloyed spring steel and stainless spring steel are standard options, with alternative materials available for custom orders.
Can I order a custom compression spring?
Yes.
What end types are available on compression springs?
Plain, plain ground, squared and squared and ground configurations.