Used in a nearly limitless number of applications – from common household goods to vehicles and airplanes to medical devices and beyond – springs play a critical role in ensuring the proper functioning, safety, comfort, and longevity of the products they’re used in.
Before integrating a spring into a design, manufacturers must first validate the spring’s characteristics, including spring rate, strength, elasticity, and load capacity. Mark-10’s force and torque measurement equipment – including test frames, force sensors, grips, and accessories – can be used to help characterize springs at the manufacturing site, during incoming inspection, or as part of a final assembly quality check.
To see how to test springs with the Series F force measurement test frame and IntelliMESUR software, watch the video:
Why Do Springs Require Rigorous Testing?
Springs store and release energy, absorb shock, control torque, provide resistance, and evenly distribute force. They are used in many high-stakes applications, including:
Vehicles
- ✓ Suspension systems
- ✓ Braking systems
- ✓ Seatbelt retractors
Aerospace
- ✓ Landing gear
- ✓ Wing flaps
- ✓ Flight controls
- ✓ Engine components
Medical Devices
- ✓ Orthopedic implants
- ✓ Pacemakers
- ✓ Medicine pumps
- ✓ Surgical tools
Construction
- ✓ Bridge expansion joints
- ✓ Seismic dampers
- ✓ Elevators
Springs used in these critical applications must perform reliably in extreme conditions; if they fail, the consequences can be life-threatening.
To ensure a spring meets specified tolerances, complies with relevant industry safety and quality standards (e.g., ISO, ASTM), and doesn’t fail prematurely, it must be thoroughly tested. Requirements vary by industry and product type, but springs are typically tested during development, manufacturing, and final assembly quality checks.
Common Springs & Tests:
Compression, Tension & Torsion
Compression springs absorb force and are commonly used in suspension systems, pumps, and mattresses.
Compression spring tests are used to measure a spring’s stiffness or spring rate, which is the amount of force per unit of deflection. To conduct a compression test, the spring is placed between two plates affixed to a test frame and compressed. The tester then compares the force readings against the limits established by the designer.
Extension springs resist pulling forces and are used in applications where tension must be controlled, like seat recliners and garage doors.
Tension spring tests measure a spring’s elongation and tensile strength. To conduct a tension test, each end of the spring is held in place by grips or hooks affixed to a test stand and pulled – sometimes to failure or breaking. The tester then assesses the spring’s elasticity and determines whether it adheres to design specifications.
Torsion springs are used in applications with twisting movements, like clothespins and mousetraps.
Torsion spring tests evaluate how a spring responds to rotational force. To conduct a torsion spring test, the spring is held in place by grips and twisted. The tester then determines whether the spring falls within the specified torque range limits
Learn More About Spring Testing
To learn how to configure a spring testing system, read our guide. If you have a question about your spring testing application, speak with one of Mark-10’s knowledgeable product experts.
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