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How are springs manufactured?
Learn about the manufacturing process for various types of springs – from wire cutting to final processing. Find out the details in our article!
What are the types of springs and their applications?
Types of Springs and Their Applications: Learn how different types of springs work and where they are used in industry and everyday devices.
Spretech J.K.
Oct 22, 2025
These are mechanical components widely used in industry as well as in many everyday objects and devices. Their functions include damping vibrations, storing potential energy, and controlling the motion of various mechanisms. It is important to note that "spring" is a very broad term, as numerous types exist. In this article, we will describe the most common types and provide examples of their applications. We invite you to read on!
Classification of Spring Types by Construction
Although various types of springs are available on the market, they can all be classified into two primary groups. This distinction is based on the material's cross-section: even though they are always made of metal (typically spring steel, carbon steel, or stainless steel), the material can have a round cross-section or a flat cross-section.
In the first case, the material is wire, with its length and diameter determined by specific technical requirements. After being cut to length, a specialized machine coils it, forming a helix that resembles a screw thread. This process creates round-wire springs, which include the following types:
- Compression
- Extension
- Torsion
- Guard
Additionally, there are wire forms, which are also made from wire but are not coiled into a helical shape.
The second main group consists of flat-section springs, which are manufactured from steel strip. This category primarily includes spiral springs (which are wound horizontally) and disc springs (which are formed using presses).
Characteristics and Applications of Round-Wire Springs
Although these components appear similar, they differ in details that significantly impact their functionality. The basic types and applications of round-wire springs are presented in the table below.
| Type of Round-Wire Spring | Properties | Example Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Compression Spring | Designed to operate in an axial direction. A compressive force exerted on its open coils causes it to compress, storing potential energy. | - Shock absorbers - Valves and pumps - Ballpoint pens |
| Extension Spring | Also operates axially, but in this case, potential energy is stored by stretching (extending) it. The ends are finished with loops or hooks that allow attachment to other components. | - Door locks - Trampolines - Return mechanisms (e.g., door handles) |
| Torsion Spring | The coils are designed to be twisted. These springs are used in rotational mechanisms—their "legs" (ends) are attached to components that rotate. | - Clock mechanisms - Hinges - Electrical switches |
| Guard Spring | It is placed over other components (e.g., cables, hoses) to protect them from mechanical damage or kinking. | - Cables and wires - Pipes - Hoses |
What are the applications of wire forms?
These types of components are characterized by highly diverse shapes. They are typically manufactured to individual order, as their form is tailored to a specific mechanism. Wire forms have an extremely wide range of applications and are used primarily in various precision devices, specialized machinery, and the automotive industry.
Characteristics and Applications of Flat-Section Springs
From this group of components, spiral springs are the most common. Various types exist, differing in size and number of coils. However, their most important feature is that they can operate bi-directionally. They are most often found in precision mechanisms, including:
- Clocks and watches
- Measuring instruments
- Components used for balancing
In turn, a disc spring (also known as a Belleville washer) is a conically shaped disc which, when appropriately formed on a press, can then be compressed. Despite a relatively small deflection (travel), it is capable of handling enormous loads. It is used primarily in the broadly defined automotive and mechanical engineering industries.
All Types of Springs are Available from the Manufacturer Spretech!
Regardless of the type of spring you need or its intended application, you can order the best versions from Spretech. We specialize in the production of these components, which we manufacture from carefully selected materials using modern machinery. Contact us to learn the details of our offer—we guarantee efficient order fulfillment and competitive pricing!