Coil springs are used to store and release energy, absorb shock, and maintain forces between two surfaces. You may have also heard people calling them helical springs, due to their helix form, which returns to their natural length when unloaded. Helical springs are used in virtually endless applications, from mattresses and garage doors to medical devices. But they also play a very important part in the manufacturing of automobiles—from the transmission and doors to the suspension system. Without helical springs, there would be no vehicles on the road.

Types of Coil Springs

It’s important for automotive purchasing managers to know that there are three broad types of coil springs they can choose from when buying them, and each of these types will have subtypes as well. Torsion springs absorb energy by acting in a rotational manner. Compression springs are used to resist being compressed by force—these are used in the automobile’s suspension system. Extensions springs are created to resist stretching and they typically have hooks on each end.

Custom Designs Are Vital

In order to perform properly, these types of springs must be designed with extreme precision. Size and material are both factors that need careful consideration. Attention to detail is vital at this point. Simply buying standard springs won’t cut it in the automotive industry. If a coil spring is not designed for the specific application you have in mind, it won’t function effectively. That’s why custom designs are so important.

The Right Manufacturer for the Job

Automobile purchasing managers who don’t have a lot of experience with designing and manufacturing springs should look for a manufacturer with design experts on staff to help. The design stage of the process is simply too vital to the functionality of the final product to be taken lightly. For example, do you know which type of material would lead to better longevity? Do you know which type of coil spring you’re going to need and how much force it will need to maintain? If you don’t know the exact specifications you’ll need—down to the fraction of the millimeter—you will be doing yourself a favour by choosing the right manufacturer that can help you every step along the way.

Working with the wrong manufacturer, one that doesn’t have customer service at the top of its priority list or one that doesn’t have experienced and skilled design engineers on staff can lead to wasted time and money, and ultimately, a product that won’t work at maximum efficiency, or even not work at all.

Consider All Factors

Automotive purchasing managers who are seeking to get helical springs designed and manufactured have a big project on their hands. There is a lot to consider when it comes to purchasing coil springs, and any misstep at any point of the process can be detrimental for your budget, timeline, and vehicles. To make this purchase easier, automotive purchasing managers should know the differences between the types of coil springs, carefully consider exact specifications during the design phase, and most importantly, get the right manufacturer for the job.