Despite high-quality construction, metal springs can experience wear and tear over time, and this can be caused by several factors. This is especially the case if your springs are used frequently on a daily basis, under high load capacities or within harsh environments. To avoid replacement or costly repairs, there are several steps you can take to protect your springs.
In this guide, we’ll be sharing spring maintenance tips that help extend the working life of your springs. Backed by decades of manufacturing expertise at Airedale Springs, these tips will help you get the most out of your components in the long run.
Everyday Factors that Shorten Spring Lifespan
A well-manufactured spring is a good starting point. However, springs are often under constant stress, moving millions of times over their lifetime. Environmental exposure, overload, and improper handling can all have an impact on their performance. There are several common factors that can shorten spring lifespan, especially when unnoticed:
- Corrosion from moisture, chemicals, or salt in the air.
- Contamination from dust, grease, or debris.
- Mechanical fatigue due to repeated stress or misalignment.
- Overloading beyond the spring’s intended capacity.
- Incorrect lubrication, or none at all.
- Improper storage in humid or corrosive environments.
Even in controlled environments, these factors can creep in over time, making preventative maintenance essential.
Environmental Protection for Springs
Springs used in marine, oil, and gas environments are exposed to harsh surroundings, which makes them especially vulnerable to corrosion and fatigue. To combat this, when initially designing your spring choose corrosion-resistant materials, such as stainless steel, nickel alloys, or metals with protective coatings. Metals like nickel alloys contain elements such as cobalt or chromium, which makes them more resistant to wear and tear, providing protection in extreme environmental conditions. When designing springs with us, you will have the expert guidance of our engineers, who can advise you on which metal is most appropriate for your application.
Beyond having the right material, there are several ways to help protect your springs against the environment, including installing seals or covers, and applying anti-corrosion sprays and lubricants regularly. If your springs operate in enclosed systems, ensure that the area is properly ventilated to reduce the amount of moisture build-up. Equally, if your springs operate in these kinds of environments, be sure to regularly inspect them for any early signs of rust or damage to avoid suffering the consequences of spring failure.
Avoid Spring Overload
Overloading a spring, even temporarily, can cause permanent deformation or early fatigue. As an operator, it’s crucial to keep an eye on your springs for any signs of overload. Some signs of this can include:
- Visible stretching or compression beyond design specifications.
- Uneven coil spacing or warping.
- Creaking or grinding sounds during operation.
- Inconsistent performance.
To avoid spring overload, ensure that you understand clearly the maximum weight or force the spring can handle, and stick to these specifications. Excessive loads or unexpected forces cause springs to exceed their limits, resulting in them becoming broken in the future. As with protecting your springs against corrosion, be sure to conduct regular inspections to check that all aspects of your springs are in good condition. Of course, a safe way to ensure that your components will continue to perform reliably over time, is by using a trusted, high-quality springs supplier.
Cleaning, Storage, and Preventive Maintenance
Even when they’re not being used, springs need proper care to preserve their performance. When cleaning your springs, use mild solvents or degreasers and avoid harsh chemicals that can corrode the metal. Use soft brushes or cloths to gently remove debris, and always make sure your springs are thoroughly dry before putting them away. For storage, keep springs in a dry, temperature-controlled space where possible, ideally in sealed containers that protect them from moisture and contamination. Document any changes in spring behaviour and replace components at the first signs of fatigue to avoid any costly system failures.
Proactive maintenance does not require complicated tools or hours of labour, just consistency and knowledge. At Airedale Springs, we take pride in delivering precision-made springs that are built to perform, and with the right maintenance, their lifespan can be protected over time.
We design and produce a variety of different springs, from compression springs to custom solutions. Our springs are made sustainably and from the highest-quality materials, so you can rely on them in your chosen application. Need guidance on spring care? We’re here to help. Please contact us with any questions.