measuring compression spring

Choosing the right number of coils for your precision springs is just one of the many design factors that must be taken into consideration when placing an order. At The Yost Superior Co., our spring engineering team can help you design the precise spring you are looking for.

To start, we will outline how the number of coils on a spring affects it’s performance.

The Number of Coils on a Spring Matters

Let’s say you are working with compression springs. The number of coils on each spring is a very simple thing to count, but going up or down in number can have drastic effects on spring performance and life. Not single number will work for all products and applications. It’s all about how the spring is being used and in what situations.

Every full rotation around a spring (360 degrees) equates to one coil. There can be partial rotations, which amount to 180 degrees for a half coil and 90 degrees for one quarter of a coil.

How it Plays Into Spring Design

Coil count is a part of the larger equation of spring rate, which also includes the spring diameter, wire diameter and material.

When it comes to compression springs, the number of coils is twofold, it can be divided into active and inactive coils. The active coils are those that handle the stress and load that is applied to the spring. Inactive coils do not support any load. They are usually there to close the spring and bring it to an end.

The more coils added to a spring, the lower the spring rate will be.

The Effect on Torsion and Extension Springs

Torsion and extension springs are also affected by coil count. For torsion springs, active coil count directly affects the free position of a spring. One quarter and half coil counts will leaves the legs at different angles than when the number of coils is divisible by a whole number. A torsion spring’s legs must also be considered as active coils, meaning they will not have inactive coils.

Extension springs are also treated a bit differently. The number of active coils in an extension spring must always be equal to its number of coils.

Let Our Team Help

If you have any questions regarding the number of coils your spring should have, don’t hesitate to contact our team today.