Coil Spring Tester Guide

What is a Coil Spring Tester?

Coil spring testers are ancillary devices that are designed for measuring the accurate force and length of the coil springs. They are cost-effective alternatives for measuring high-capacity springs. Digital coil spring tester, or spring rater, has an LED display to show the force and length readings. The sturdy frame helps it to provide accurate force results. Most coil spring testers are available for parts up to 6kN. The force can be measured not only in Newtons but in pounds or kilograms. Length, on the other hand, can be measured in millimeters or in inches as required.

What are Coil Springs?

Coil springs feature rigidity and flexibility. They are vital parts of most mechanical designs. For example, they play an important role in engines. The function of coil springs is to oppose and withstand the compression along the axis. Made of elastic materials, when loaded, coil springs are helix-shaped and turn to their original length while unladen. They are parts that can store the energy mechanically and release it subsequently, helping to absorb impact and maintaining the force between two surfaces.

Under compression and bending loads, spring testers are only used for measuring flexible parts such as laminated springs and coil springs. Sensitivity, accuracy, and calibration are greatly controlled in the production process of coil spring testers. As a result, high-degree accuracy and low cost make coil spring tester a significant and suitable solution for a wide range of applications.

Basic Structure of a Coil Spring Tester

Coil spring testers consist of a sturdy two-post steel frame coated with powder, the glass scale and the load cell, and the crank handle. The glass scale is for measuring item length. Some coil spring raters are equipped with digital travel meters to measure spring height accurately. As for measuring the force, the precision load cell is connected with the digital readout, which is available for a capacity of 1000 pounds. The high precision measurement is accurate to 1/4 of 1% of the applied load.

The crank handle keeps the spring coil under pressure while the operator is recording the values or leaves temporarily. Many coil spring testers are designed portable and for indoor use, which makes the size of the device mini and takes little space. With few moving components, coil spring testers can withstand harsh conditions for manufacturers across industries, such as automobiles, race cars, sports equipment, and so forth.
 

Why Use a Coil Spring Tester?

To answer the question, we need to know the significance of coil springs in the manufacturing and automobile industry. Coil springs are compression springs that vary in size and strength. The heavy-duty coil springs are widely used in car suspension. Depending on the trucks or other vehicles they are used on, the coil springs can be rigid or soft, mounted separately, or installed with the shock absorber.

In trucks, coil springs allow smooth loading and unloading work. Once loaded and compressed, the flexible coil springs will become stiff. Thanks to the coil springs, cars bounce less when loaded. For high-performance automobiles, off-road vehicles, coil springs are also helpful for absorbing the bumps and allowing lower body roll. On the other hand, coil springs are also vital for engines.

The springs that connect to the rocker and valve are responsible for closing the valve that feeds the air and discharges the exhaust gasses out from the combustion chamber. As a result, the wear and durability testing of the coil springs is excellently essential with the development in technology and manufacturing that utilizes coil springs. The high precision measurements and simple operation make coil spring testers essential in a wide range of applications.
 

What Affects Coil Spring's Life?

Withstanding the compression over time, the elastic coil spring undergoes torsion. Other factors, such as the working environment, may also affect the life of a coil spring. The primary factors are listed as follows:
 

Corrosion

Corrosion tends to take place in winter or when the temperature is low. It is hard for the drivers to notice the corrosion of the springs. The corrosion ultimately leads to spring failure and causes serious accidents. Therefore, a periodical inspection of the springs is necessary.
 

Weight Reduction

For many vehicle and machine manufacturers, reducing weight is one simple way to cut costs and energy consumption. With the weight of the springs reduced, the structural strength of the springs decreases accordingly. The reduced spring strength further indicates a shorter lifespan of the part.
 

Coatings

To prevent both the corrosion and the rust of metal, the flexible coating is indeed significant for prolonging the spring life. Over time, when the coating is damaged, it is also a proper timing for the users to check the coil springs and replace them if needed.

Need help searching for your next Coil Spring Tester ?

IMTS Exhibition includes manufacturers from around the world. Send us a message with your requirements and our IMTS Experts will happily help you with your questions.

0Inquiry Item Contact IMTS

International Manufacturing Teletrading Sources (IMTS) is your key to unlock the door to the industry from anywhere around the world, at any time.