Canted Coil Springs | Electrical, EMI Shielding & Retention Solutions

Canted coil springs are a high-performance spring technology designed to provide consistent force, multi-point contact, and reliable functionality in demanding environments. They are widely used in applications requiring stable electrical conductivity, effective electromagnetic shielding, and secure mechanical retention.

What does a canted coil spring do?

  • Shields against EMI/RFI
  • Centers/aligns parts
  • Mechanically connects
  • Conducts electrical current in high shock/vibration
  • Manages thermal dissipation
Handa Canted Coil Springs

Handa Canted Coil Spring Orientation

Canted Coil Spring Design

Handa Shielding® canted coil spring can be designed with coils that deflect in an axial or radial orientation.
This makes it possible to optimize the direction of the force in your design, ensuring effective, long-term service. For housing or piston mounted designs, aradial spring orientation is typically recommended. Axial springs are often specified for face mounted installations.

Handa Canted Coil Spring Orientation-Axial SpringHanda Canted Coil Spring Orientation-Radial Spring

Custom Manufacturing

Custom Canted Coil Springs

The performance of a canted coil spring is defined by several key parameters, including wire diameter, coil height, coil width, spacing, and coil angle. These variables can be precisely engineered to control contact force, electrical resistance, and mechanical behavior. You can provide the relevant data as shown in the picture on the right, and we can customize the product according to your needs.

  • Adjustable force range: from light contact to heavy retention
  • Configurable as radial or axial spring designs
  • Available in welded rings or continuous lengths
  • Optimized groove design for specific applications

Request a Custom Quote

Custom Handa Canted Coil Springs Drawing - Handa Shielding

Three Core Engineering Functions in One Component

Unlike conventional springs, canted coil springs combine multiple functional capabilities into a single engineered component.

  • Mechanical Retention & Connection | Canted coil spring | Handa Shielding

    Electrical Conductivity

    • Low contact resistance (< 10 mΩ)
    • Multi-point contact ensures stable current transfer
    • Ideal for connectors, battery contacts, and grounding systems
    Learn more about Electrical Contact Springs
  • Mechanical Retention & Connection | Canted coil spring | Handa Shielding

    Mechanical Retention & Connection

    • Controlled insertion and retention forces
    • Excellent elastic recovery for repeated cycles
    • Suitable for locking, latching, and connector applications
    Explore Retention & Connector Spring Solutions
  • EMI/RFI Shielding | Canted coil spring | Handa Shielding

    EMI/RFI Shielding

    • Continuous conductive path for effective EMI suppression
    • Maintains grounding integrity across interfaces
    • Performs reliably under vibration and dynamic conditions
    View EMI Shielding Spring Solutions

How Canted Coil Springs Work

Each coil is angled to act as an independent spring element, creating multiple contact points along the interface. This design enables consistent force over a wide deflection range and ensures reliable performance even under mechanical variation.

Near-Constant Force for Reliable

The near-constant force characteristic ensures stable contact pressure across varying tolerances, maintaining shielding effectiveness over time.

Canted coil spring constant force ensuring stable EMI shielding contact

Why Engineers Choose Canted Coil Springs

Since it generates a near constant spring force vs. deflection range, the canted coil spring can often deliver longer service life than similar components. As hardware surfaces wear, the spring’s individual coils deflect independently to compensate for angular misalignment and hardware surface irregularities. This translates to more reliable conductivity in electrical applications, and higher cycle counts in mechanical applications.

The spring also reduces contamination by incorporating chemically compatible, wear-resistant wire base materials and platings. This lessens the possibility of premature degradation, and minimizes the potential for shedding.

  • Near-constant spring force across wide deflection range
  • Multi-point contact ensures reliable conductivity
  • Compensates for misalignment and surface irregularities
  • Excellent performance under vibration and dynamic conditions
  • Long cycle life with minimal compression set
  • Compact design for space-constrained applications
Handa Canted Coil Springs Manufacturing

How to Select the Right Canted Coil Spring

Selecting the correct spring depends on your application priorities:

1. Functional Requirement

2. Force Requirements

  • Light force for sensitive contacts
  • Medium force for general applications
  • Heavy force for secure retention

3. Material Selection

  • Beryllium Copper → high conductivity
  • Stainless Steel → corrosion resistance
  • Elgiloy → extreme environments
  • Inconel → high temperature & corrosion resistance

Materials

Handa Canted Coil Springs contact elements are precision manufactured from high quality copper alloy and stainless steel base materials, selected for their excellent combination of mechanical and electrical properties. Our copper alloys are sufficiently conductive to be used in many applications without the need for plating. Our stainless steel material offers higher specific compression force values than copper for the same spring size and can be enhanced by plating with more conductive metals.

Plating - Handa Canted Coil Springs

  • Stainless steel

  • MP35N

  • Elgiloy

  • Other

  • Beryllium copper alloy

  • Platinum Iridium

  • Hastelloy

  • Zirconium Copper

  • Titanium

  • Inconel

Plating

Handa Canted Coil Springs plating is a crucial process that enhances the performance and longevity of canted coil springs. By applying a protective coating, it increases resistance to corrosion, wear, and electrical conductivity. This process is vital for ensuring reliable connections in demanding applications, such as aerospace, medical devices, and industrial machinery.

Proper plating enhances the spring’s durability and conductivity, leading to improved performance and extended service life. Trust our expert plating services for superior quality and precision in every application.

Plating - Handa Canted Coil Springs
  • GOLD – high reliability applications
  • TIN – cost-effective solution
  • SILVER – best electrical conductivity
  • CUSTOM
  • NICKEL – wear and corrosion resistance

Technical Advantages in EMI & Electrical Applications

  • Continuous conductive path improves EMI shielding effectiveness
  • Multi-point contact minimizes resistance fluctuation
  • Stable force ensures long-term grounding reliability
  • Suitable for high-frequency and precision electronic systems

Typical Applications

  • Aerospace and defense systems
  • Medical and surgical equipment
  • RF and telecom enclosures
  • Industrial connectors and automation systems
  • Energy and power applications

Request Engineering Support

Need help selecting the right solution? Our engineers can support your project from design to production.

  • ✔ Send your drawings for review
  • ✔ Get custom design recommendations
  • ✔ Request samples for testing

Contact Handa Shielding today to start your project.

Ask an Expert

FAQ

What makes canted coil springs different from traditional springs?

Unlike traditional springs, canted coil springs provide near-constant force and multi-point contact, improving reliability in electrical and mechanical applications.

Can one spring perform multiple functions?

Yes, canted coil springs can simultaneously provide electrical conductivity, mechanical retention, and EMI shielding.

What industries use canted coil springs?

They are widely used in aerospace, medical, telecom, industrial, and energy applications.

Are custom designs available?

Yes, all springs can be customized based on application requirements, including size, material, and plating.