Typically, extension springs are made from materials such as steel, but there can be situations where other materials like rubber, plastic, or different metals are preferable. These less traditional materials prove useful when steel wouldn't adequately perform, particularly in highly corrosive environments. In such cases, plastic, for instance, would often deliver more longevity. This article will discuss these non-traditional materials in detail, focusing on their attributes, applications, and the factors to take into account when choosing them in spring design.
Rubbers
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Elastic Properties : Owing to their molecular structure, rubber springs show significant elasticity. When subjected to a force, these springs undergo deformation, and upon removal of the force, they regain their initial form. Car suspension systems provide an instance of this, as they employ such springs to manage the impact of uneven road surfaces.
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Vibration Dampening Characteristics : Rubber exhibits good vibration dampening attributes. This property is particularly useful in machinery operating with high oscillation rates, reducing potential harm from vibration. Nonetheless, in situations with exceptionally high frequencies, the dampening capability of rubber might get reduced.
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Corrosion Resistance : Resistance to water, oils, and specific chemicals, makes rubber springs applicable in humid or outdoor settings. Of note, the degree of resistance is not uniform among all rubber types: synthetic rubbers display better resistance to oils and certain chemical substances compared to natural rubber.
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Variability in Hardness : It's possible to adjust the hardness of a rubber spring during production. This adjustment impacts the spring's capacity to bear load. As an instance, machinery that needs efficient shock absorption could use a rubber spring of higher hardness. The hardness of the spring must be tailored to the load requirements and environmental variables of the intended use to maintain equilibrium between performance and longevity of the spring.
Plastics
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Lightness : Plastic springs weigh less than metal springs. This is useful in industries such as aerospace where decreased weight can improve performance. For example, lighter plastic springs in satellites can reduce launch costs.
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Corrosion Resistance : Plastic does not corrode easily when exposed to moisture or chemicals. Therefore, plastic springs are a good option in environments exposed to such conditions, like marine engineering or chemical plants. Nevertheless, UV light or some chemicals can degrade plastic over time. Consequently, for outdoor applications or environments with aggressive chemicals, it's wise to apply a protective coating to plastic springs.
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Electrical Insulation : Because plastic is non-conductive, plastic springs can be employed where electrical conduction is undesirable, like in electronic devices. However, this non-conductive property means plastic springs don't dissipate heat as well, which might pose a problem in high-temperature or high-frequency use scenarios.
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Material Diversity : Various types of plastics are available for spring design to meet diverse needs. For example, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is rigid and cost-effective. Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) is tough and rigid. Polyethylene is resistant to wear, making it suitable for applications with high numbers of cycles. Engineers, therefore, have many plastic materials to use for their spring designs.
Conclusion
Exploring various extension spring materials can offer tailored benefits for different applications. Beyond the common use of steel and stainless steel, alternative materials may provide unique qualities to fulfill certain requirements. By considering non-traditional materials such as rubbers, selected plastics, and specific metals, properties like tensile strength and heat resistance become available and can be utilized based on the specific needs. Remember to examine the needs of your application when selecting an extension spring material. Such a selection process can extend the lifespan of your spring applications.