Compression springs are the most common type of springs manufactured by volume. Springs take many forms and their shape and use is exceptionally diverse. For example, most people will only associate a compression spring form alongside springs, but there are actually a huge number of springs that don’t look like this at all. One of these springs is the clock spring, and, although it might seem unfamiliar, it sees use in many applications as the spring types we are more familiar with.
What Are They?
Clock springs are actually just long flat metal strips that are formed at each end. The inner end wound to fit an arbor with the inclusion of a catch piece or formed step to provide the drive. The outer end is fitted with a hook or key hole. The coils are fitted into a retaining band or wire ring to create a very compact and efficient power source. The very act of coiling the spring when it is wound results in it storing rotational energy, and this energy can be used to great effect within a wide range of applications. The distinctive flat ‘spiral’ form of a clock spring also lends itself perfectly to its intended purpose, and because of this purpose they are also referred to as ‘power springs’ within some circles.
What Are They Made Of?
Clock springs need to be manufactured to very precise specifications, just like all springs,and at Airedale Springs we can ensure that each clock spring suits the exact size and end configurations that you are looking for. Airedale Springs are one of a few spring manufactures left that can still manufacture large clock springs by hand in small quantities by highly skilled spring makers. As yet there are no machines that can perform this function. All of our spring materials are invariably of the highest quality, and those we use for clock springs are pre-hardened carbon steels, copper alloys and stainless steels being the most likely materials to be used within our clock spring range.
Where Are They Found?
Despite their name, clock springs are not exclusively used within timekeeping (although they look very similar to the related springs that do fulfil this purpose), and instead they see heavy use in the same sort of capacities as tension springs. Clock springs are used in the medical, entertainment, industrial and automotive industries, and can be found in many products like wind up radios, seat belt tensioners and reels (either electrical or mechanical) or even the wind up children’s toys that many of us know and love. Counterbalancing is another primary use for clock springs particularly in theatres to support scenery, so despite the restrictive sounding name their utility is actually highly varied.
At Airedale Springs, we are famous for manufacturing a wide range of springs, including those which are familiar and those that are unfamiliar, and so we’re ideally placed to meet all of your needs, no matter what springs you might be looking for. For more information, contact our friendly team and we’ll be pleased to help with your enquiry.