What Is a Canted Coil Spring and How Does It Work?
What is a canted coil spring and how does it work? Learn its structure, working principle, advantages, applications, and why canted coil springs outperform traditional springs in demanding environments.
A コイルスプリング is a specialized type of mechanical spring designed to deliver consistent force, excellent electrical conductivity, and superior durability in demanding applications. Unlike traditional compression springs, a canted coil spring features coils that are angled (or “canted”) relative to the spring axis. This unique geometry allows it to perform multiple functions such as spring force, electrical contact, EMI shielding, sealing, locking, and retention—often within a single component.
Canted coil springs are widely used in industries where reliability, repeatability, and long service life are critical, including aerospace, medical devices, semiconductor equipment, defense, and high-performance electronics.
In this article, we will explore what a canted coil spring is, how it works, its key design features, advantages, applications, and how it compares to conventional springs.
What Is a Canted Coil Spring?
A コイルスプリング is formed by winding a metal wire into coils that are intentionally tilted at a specific angle rather than being perpendicular to the spring’s centerline. These angled coils create a spring that behaves differently under load compared to traditional compression or extension springs.
Key Structural Characteristics
- Angled (canted) coils
- Circular or rectangular wire cross-sections
- Open or closed coil geometry
- Available as linear strips or welded rings
- Can be installed into grooves or housings
Because of this design, a canted coil spring can maintain nearly constant force over a wide range of deflection, making it ideal for applications requiring controlled contact pressure.
How Does a Canted Coil Spring Work?
The Working Principle
When a コイルスプリング is compressed, the angled coils do not simply shorten like a compression spring. Instead, they rotate, flex, and slide relative to each other, distributing stress evenly across the entire spring.
This motion produces several important effects:
- Linear or near-constant force output
- Reduced stress concentration
- Low hysteresis
- Minimal force loss over repeated cycles
As a result, the canted coil spring can withstand tens of thousands—even millions—of compression cycles without fatigue failure.
Force–Deflection Behavior
One of the defining advantages of a canted coil spring is its predictable force-deflection curve.
Comparison of Spring Behavior
| Spring Type | Force Increase with Deflection | Force Stability |
|---|---|---|
| Compression Spring | Steep, nonlinear | Poor |
| Wave Spring | 中程度 | Fair |
| フィンガーストック | Inconsistent | Poor |
| Canted Coil Spring | Near-linear or constant | 素晴らしい |
This behavior is especially important in electrical contacts and EMI shielding, where maintaining consistent pressure is essential for performance.
Key Design Elements of a Canted Coil Spring
Coil Angle
The coil angle determines how the spring reacts to load. A larger angle typically results in lower spring rates and smoother force curves.
ワイヤー径
Thicker wire increases force output and durability, while thinner wire allows for finer force control.
素材の選択
Canted coil springs can be manufactured from a wide range of materials depending on the environment.
Common Materials
| 素材 | Key Benefits |
|---|---|
| ステンレス鋼 | 耐食性 |
| ベリリウム銅 | 高い導電性 |
| エルジロイ | High fatigue strength |
| インコネル | High-temperature performance |
| リン青銅 | Good electrical properties |
Electrical Performance of Canted Coil Springs
Unlike conventional springs, a コイルスプリング can act as both a mechanical and electrical component.
Why Canted Coil Springs Are Excellent Electrical Contacts
- Multiple contact points
- Stable contact force
- Low contact resistance
- Self-cleaning action during compression
These features make canted coil springs ideal for battery contacts, connectors, grounding paths, and EMI shielding gaskets.
EMI Shielding and Sealing Applications
Canted coil springs are widely used as EMIシールド・スプリング due to their ability to maintain uniform contact pressure against mating surfaces.
Advantages in EMI Shielding
- Reliable 360-degree grounding
- Excellent shielding effectiveness
- 長寿命
- Tolerance to vibration and thermal cycling
They can also be combined with elastomers to form hybrid EMI sealing solutions.
Mechanical Functions: Latching, Locking, and Retention
A コイルスプリング can replace multiple mechanical components in an assembly.
Typical Mechanical Functions
- ラッチング
- ロック
- Retention
- Preloading
- Vibration damping
Because the spring can be installed into grooves, it enables tool-less assembly and disassembly, reducing manufacturing time and cost.
Common Applications of Canted Coil Springs
Industry Applications Overview
| Industry | Typical Uses |
|---|---|
| 航空宇宙 | Connectors, shielding, latching |
| 医療機器 | Surgical tools, implants |
| Semiconductor Equipment | Vacuum sealing, grounding |
| ディフェンス | Rugged connectors |
| エレクトロニクス | EMI shielding, contacts |
| 自動車 | Sensors, battery systems |
The versatility of the canted coil spring allows engineers to solve multiple design challenges with a single component.
Canted Coil Spring vs Compression Spring
Although both are springs, their performance characteristics are very different.
Comparison Table
| 特徴 | Canted Coil Spring | Compression Spring |
|---|---|---|
| Force Consistency | 素晴らしい | Poor |
| 電気伝導率 | はい | No |
| Fatigue Life | Very long | Limited |
| EMIシールド | はい | No |
| インストール | Groove-mounted | Requires guides |
For high-reliability applications, a コイルスプリング is often the superior choice.
Installation and Groove Design
Proper groove design is essential for optimal performance.
Key Groove Design Considerations
- Groove width and depth
- Surface finish
- Compression ratio
- Retention method
Canted coil springs can be installed in rectangular, dovetail, tapered, or V-shaped grooves, depending on the application.
Advantages of Using a Canted Coil Spring
Summary of Benefits
- Consistent force over wide deflection
- Long fatigue life
- Compact design
- Electrical conductivity
- EMI shielding capability
- Customizable geometry and materials
These advantages explain why canted coil springs are increasingly replacing traditional springs in advanced engineering applications.
Customization and Manufacturing
Most コイルスプリング are custom-engineered rather than off-the-shelf components.
カスタマイズ・オプション
- Diameter and cross-section
- Coil angle
- Free height
- Load requirements
- 素材とメッキ
This customization ensures the spring meets exact performance and environmental requirements.
結論
A コイルスプリング is far more than a conventional spring. Its unique angled-coil design enables consistent force output, superior fatigue life, and multifunctional performance in mechanical and electrical applications.
By understanding what a canted coil spring is and how it works, engineers and designers can unlock new possibilities for simplifying assemblies, improving reliability, and enhancing overall system performance.
Whether used for EMI shielding, electrical contacts, latching mechanisms, or precision force control, the canted coil spring remains one of the most versatile and high-performance spring solutions available today.
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