Extension Spring Tension
Applications using extension springs choose the correct spring based on both physical dimensions, such as outside diameter, wire diameter, length inside hook, etc and they also have force dimensions such as rate, load, initial tension, etc. If you have an existing extension spring and are looking to increase or decrease the strength, this article will help you. This will also be important information if you are designing a new extension spring application.
Where to Start?
Step 1: Measure your existing dimensions to use for step 2. If you are beginning a new project you will need to know the dimensions you need the spring to fit within.
Step 2: Determine the rate of your existing spring. Enter the dimensions you measured in step one into the Spring Creator Calculator.
Manipulating the results you received from the Spring Creator Calculator:
Once we have the rate on the extension spring we are looking to modify, we will need to determine if we would like the spring to be stronger or weaker. The most useful way to present this to a spring engineer is in percentage. For example, you want your new extension spring 50% stronger than your original extension spring.
Example Calculation Stronger Spring:
Original Compression Spring Dimensions:
PE095-1000-10895-MW-2750-CO-N-IN
Cross Over Hooks
Wire Diameter: 0.095 inch
Outside Diameter: 1.000 inch
Length Inside Hook: 2.750 in
Wire Type: Music Wire
Using the stock spring for reference in the Spring Creator Calculator the calculated rate is:
14.490 pounds/inch
For this example we want to increase this spring rate by 50%
Formula (2 Steps)
Step 1:
Rate * percentage in decimals = amount to increase
Step 2:
Amount to increase + original rate = New Stronger Rate
Step 1:
14.490 lb/in * 0.5 = 7.245 lb/in
Step 2:
7.245 lb/in + 14.490 lb/in = 21.735 lbs/in
See chart below for percentage to decimal conversion
Search for that your new spring in our search finder.
Enter an acceptable range for outside diameter, length inside hook, and your new rate.
For example:
Outside Diam: 0.9 in to 1 in
Free Length: 2.5in to 3.5 in
Rate: 20 lbs/in to 23 lbs/in
Number of Results: 2
If this is too many you can narrow your results by narrowing the search fields
Choose the spring that works best for you, add it to cart and buy directly online.
Example Calculation Weaker Spring:
Original Extension Spring Dimensions:
PE095-1000-10895-MW-2750-CO-N-IN
Cross Over Hooks
Wire Diameter: 0.095 inch
Outside Diameter: 1.000 inch
Length Inside Hook: 2.750 in
Wire Type: Music Wire
Using the stock spring for reference in the Spring Creator Calculator the calculated rate is:
14.490 pounds/inch
For this example we want to decrease this spring rate by 40%
Formula (2 Steps)
Step 1:
Rate * percentage in decimals = amount to decrease
Step 2:
Original rate - Amount to decrease = New Weaker Rate
Step 1:
14.490 lb/in * 0.4 = 5.796 lb/in
Step 2:
14.490 lb/inch - 5.796 lb/in = 8.694 lbs/in
See chart below for percentage to decimal conversion
Enter an acceptable range for outside diameter, free length, and your new rate.
For example:
Outside Diam: 0.9 in to 1 in
Length Inside Hook: 2.5in to 3.5 in
Rate: 8 lbs/in to 10 lbs/in
Number of Results: 7
If this is too many you can narrow your results by narrowing the search fields.
Choose the spring that works best for you, add it to cart and buy directly online.
You can apply these same formulas to any spring design you come up with. If you need any further help please email us at sales@thespringstore.com with your dimensions and needed changes. We would be happy to help you with finding the new spring that works for you.
The spring store is perfect for prototyping any compression springs for application improvements. You can add as many springs to cart to meet the $40 minimum order requirements. Once you know which spring works best for you please come back to use to get impressive discounts on production quantities.
Percentage to Decimal Conversion Chart
| Percent to Decimal Conversion | |
|---|---|
| Percent | Decimal |
| 0.1% | 0.001 |
| 1% | 0.01 |
| 2% | 0.02 |
| 3% | 0.03 |
| 4% | 0.04 |
| 5% | 0.05 |
| 6% | 0.06 |
| 7% | 0.07 |
| 8% | 0.08 |
| 9% | 0.09 |
| 10% | 0.1 |
| 20% | 0.2 |
| 30% | 0.3 |
| 40% | 0.4 |
| 50% | 0.5 |
| 60% | 0.6 |
| 70% | 0.7 |
| 80% | 0.8 |
| 90% | 0.9 |
| 100% | 1 |
| 200% | 2 |
| 300% | 3 |
| 400% | 4 |
| 500% | 5 |
Enhance your projects with Spring Creator 5.0
Precision is crucial in spring design, and with Spring Creator 5.0, you can achieve it with ease. Our tool allows you to design different types of springs and offers advanced features such as instant quotes and real-time simulations with the Online Spring Force Tester. Register now and access all the benefits of our platform. Create the perfect spring and take your projects to the next level!
Created by Alfonso Jaramillo Jr
President Acxess Spring
Over 40 Years of Experience in Spring Engineering and Manufacturing