Hot Products
China Suppliers Factory: Friction Springs (Ring Springs) for Efficient Energy Absorption in Compact Designs
Description
Considerations
Design Considerations
The inclination angle of the contact surface can be up to 12° in calculation, but it should be noted that depending on the surface finish, the rings may often get caught and not return to their original height. The friction angle changes depending on the surface finish and the lubrication method, and therefore it must be decided in consideration of the manufacturing finish. As a guideline, it is recommended that the plate thickness be 16% to 20% of the outer diameter of the outer ring. In addition, it is said that the gap between the rings when no load is applied should be about 25% of the plate thickness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q
What makes friction springs different from conventional springs?
Friction springs (ring springs) absorb energy through friction generated between the inner and outer rings during compression. Unlike conventional springs that store energy elastically, friction springs dissipate a significant portion of energy as heat, making them ideal for heavy-duty shock absorption and vibration damping applications.
Q
What is the recommended inclination angle for the contact surface of a friction spring?
The inclination angle of the contact surface can be up to 12° in calculation. However, this must be chosen carefully in consideration of surface finish and lubrication method, as the friction angle varies depending on these factors. A poorly chosen angle may cause the rings to get caught and fail to return to their original height.
Q
What plate thickness is recommended for friction spring design?
As a general guideline, it is recommended that the plate thickness be 16% to 20% of the outer diameter of the outer ring. Additionally, the gap between rings when no load is applied should be approximately 25% of the plate thickness to ensure proper performance and return behavior.
Q
Can SMS Spring manufacture custom friction springs in small quantities?
Yes. SMS Spring supports design and production for small lots, including orders for as few as one or two springs. Our "complete custom-made production & high-mix, low-volume manufacturing" system has been a core part of our operations since the company's founding, making us uniquely capable within the spring industry.
Q
How does SMS Spring ensure quality for large load friction springs?
SMS Spring uses a load tester capable of handling up to 300 tons to confirm and guarantee the specifications of our friction springs — including those with operating loads exceeding 100 tons. Every spring undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it meets the required performance standards before delivery.
Q
What environmental conditions can SMS Spring friction springs withstand?
Our friction springs are engineered to perform in a wide range of demanding environments, including high temperatures (100°C or above), low temperatures (-20°C or below), exposure to seawater, and exposure to industrial water. SMS Spring conducts daily verification tests to ensure consistent performance across all such conditions, offering heat resistance, corrosion resistance, and long-term durability.