{"id":3751,"date":"2026-04-16T15:45:46","date_gmt":"2026-04-16T07:45:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.handashielding.com\/?p=3751"},"modified":"2026-04-16T15:46:10","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T07:46:10","slug":"how-to-select-the-right-helical-spring-compression-tension-torsion-explained","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.handashielding.com\/de\/how-to-select-the-right-helical-spring.html","title":{"rendered":"Wie Sie die richtige Schraubenfeder ausw\u00e4hlen: Kompression, Spannung und Torsion erkl\u00e4rt"},"content":{"rendered":"

Learn how to select the right helical spring for your application. Compare compression, tension, and torsion springs, understand key design parameters like wire diameter, spring rate, and material selection, and avoid common mistakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Introduction: Why Spring Selection Matters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Helical springs <\/a>are everywhere \u2014 from ballpoint pens and garage doors to automotive suspensions and semiconductor handling equipment. Yet selecting the wrong spring type or size can lead to premature failure, inconsistent performance, and costly redesigns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This guide explains the three main types of helical springs \u2014 compression, tension (extension), and torsion \u2014 and provides a practical framework for choosing the right spring for your mechanical application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What Is a Helical Spring?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A helical spring<\/a> is a mechanical device made from wire coiled into a helix (spiral) shape. When a force is applied, the spring stores mechanical energy by deforming elastically; when the force is removed, it returns to its original shape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"EMI-Schraubenfeder-Handa<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Helical springs are classified by the direction of the primary load<\/strong> they resist:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feder Typ<\/th>Primary Load Direction<\/th>Typische Anwendungen<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Compression spring<\/strong><\/td>Axial pushing force<\/td>Valves, shock absorbers, push buttons<\/td><\/tr>
Tension spring (Extension)<\/strong><\/td>Axial pulling force<\/td>Garage doors, trampolines, balancing mechanisms<\/td><\/tr>
Torsion spring<\/strong><\/td>Rotational (torque) force<\/td>Clothespins, hinge mechanisms, mouse traps<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Understanding which type fits your application is the first step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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1. Compression Springs \u2013 Pushing Force<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Compression springs are designed to resist axial compressive loads<\/strong>. When you push on a compression spring, it shortens and stores energy. They are the most common type of helical spring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wesentliche Merkmale<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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  • Wire spacing<\/strong>: Coils are typically spaced apart (open pitch) to allow compression.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • End types<\/strong>: Closed (squared), ground, or open ends affect how the spring sits in its housing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Force behavior<\/strong>: Force increases linearly with deflection (Hooke\u2019s law), unless designed with variable pitch.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    When to Choose a Compression Spring<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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    • You need to push a component back to its original position (e.g., valve return)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • You want to absorb shock or vibration (e.g., automotive suspension)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • You require a spring that operates inside a bore or over a rod<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Static or dynamic loading with moderate to high cycle life<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      Design Parameters for Compression Springs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
      Parameter<\/th>Symbol<\/th>Typical Range \/ Importance<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
      Drahtdurchmesser<\/td>d<\/td>0.1 mm \u2013 20 mm; determines strength<\/td><\/tr>
      Outer diameter<\/td>OD<\/td>Must fit inside housing<\/td><\/tr>
      Inner diameter<\/td>ID<\/td>Must clear the rod if used over a shaft<\/td><\/tr>
      Free length<\/td>L\u2080<\/td>Length when uncompressed<\/td><\/tr>
      Solid height<\/td>L\u209b<\/td>Length when fully compressed (coils touching)<\/td><\/tr>
      Spring rate (stiffness)<\/td>k<\/td>Force per unit deflection (N\/mm or lb\/in)<\/td><\/tr>
      Number of active coils<\/td>N\u2090<\/td>Affects spring rate and stress<\/td><\/tr>
      Material<\/td>-<\/td>Music wire, stainless steel, Inconel, etc.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      Example Calculation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      A compression spring with k = 10 N\/mm will produce 100 N of force when compressed 10 mm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      2. Tension Springs (Extension Springs) \u2013 Pulling Force<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      Tension springs are designed to resist axial tensile loads<\/strong>. They have hooks, loops, or threaded ends to attach to components. When you pull on a tension spring, it stretches and stores energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Wesentliche Merkmale<\/h3>\n\n\n\n