More about Torsion Springs

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Torsion springs are designed to maintain a rotational pressure between two surfaces. The shape of a torsion spring is a small, coiled section of wire with two sheered and protruding ends. Clothespins are actually held together by small torsion springs. The springs also provide their clamping ability. Generally, torsion springs should be designed to wind the same direction as the coil, which can be clockwise or counterclockwise. Otherwise, their maximum load is considerably lower.

Torsion springs are made in a variety of materials, often plated metal. Some materials include stainless steel, titanium, carbon, nickel alloys and copper alloys. Urethane and other plastic springs are also available, although they typically provide less force than their metal counterparts. These springs are usually wound around a shaft to enhance stability. Although they are made to spring in a reverse direction to their coil, the multitude of torsion spring designs enable them to fit most applications. By altering, even crossing, the direction of the protruding ends, most angles can be achieved and can be set to meet the requirements of virtually any system. Torsion springs are also fabricated with a variety of end types. Just look at the design of a clothespin spring to get an idea of the many possibilities.

Uses for torsion springs include spring clamps, small door springs (as might be found in a portable CD player) and motor components. In addition to the clothespin, another good example of a torsion spring is the small spring attached to the guillotine arm of a paper cutter. When a pressure is applied to a torsion spring, it forces the coils to wind tighter, storing mechanical energy. When the force or clasp holding the system closed is released, the spring exerts the stored energy. This causes the attached door or part to move. In a paper cutter, it pushes the arm back up. Torsion springs come in two main types: helical and spiral. Helical torsion springs are the more familiar variety, and what has been described, while spiral springs rely on bending.