Is your spring at risk of failing due to being overstressed?
By definition, springs are designed to take on a considerable amount of stress. When the spring is used in its intended application, it takes on stress anytime it’s extended or compressed.
As long as the force exerted on the spring is within its elastic range, it should function just fine. But if the spring is under too much stress, it will deform outside of the elastic range and experience plastic deformation. The spring will become permanently deformed and never return to its original shape. When this happens we say that the spring has taken a “set”.
So if you design a spring to compress (or extend) slightly and you compress (or extend) it too significantly, it may never return to its designed height. Some springs are designed to be overstressed and have this factored in, or are never compressed to the point where the spring begins to take a set. If the spring permanently deforms you’ll have a completely different spring that may not function properly, resulting in a risk of application failure that can be costly and even dangerous. A spring that is overstressed and takes a set will not function the same and is often at risk for failure from fatigue.
Fortunately, the team at Orlando Precision has the knowledge to destress your custom springs and prevent spring failure from occurring.
To prevent a spring from becoming overstressed, we first need to know the spring’s functionality and how much it will extend or compress in its end use application.
This information helps us determine if the spring is at risk of plastic deformation. For example, if your spring hits plastic deformation at 75% extension or compression, but you only need it to perform at 25%, too much stress may not even be an issue. It is important to consider how far the spring will compress at all stages, from manufacturing, to the assembly process, then functioning within a final product.
If you don’t know your spring’s degree of extension or compression, we can evaluate your spring design to check for stress at multiple compressed or extended lengths.
If we find that your spring is at risk of plastic deformation, there are several approaches we can take to improve functionality.
Optimizing the spring design is usually the easiest way to prevent too much stress. Sometimes springs aren’t allocated enough space in the design. Other times, the spring itself is the problem.
Typically, we can modify any of these spring characteristics to reduce stress:
Another option is to make the wire itself weaker. Ironically, when you weaken a spring, it actually handles stress better. It’s looser and less locked in, which provides a greater elastic range.
But if you need the spring to be more resistant, the wire should remain thicker, and therefore stronger. Finding the right wire size is a balance between strength and elasticity.
We may suggest changing the spring material to something more ductile that will better equip the spring to handle stress.
We can even prevent unanticipated plastic deformation by intentionally inducing it before a spring is used in the field. This process may sound counterintuitive. But taking the spring to full compression or extension a couple of times until it hits plastic deformation actually prevents it from ever deforming again.
Inducing plastic deformation will change the shape of the spring. But since we know the dimensions our customers need after presetting, we can work backwards to get the spring into the right shape.
Since presetting is a manual process, it’s best used for spring prototyping. In a low-volume production setting, we’d typically recommend design changes instead.
We always heat treat springs after forming them to reduce stress. We place the spring in a high-heat oven for a specific amount of time depending on the material used, then allow it to slowly cool.
Ultimately, we recommend designing a custom spring before designing an entire product. But if you need to optimize a spring design to overcome stress later in the process, the team at Orlando Precision is here to help!
Request a quote today to get the best possible custom springs for your applications!
Thinking about getting a spring prototype made before going into full production? If you need a proof of concept or anticipate design iterations, a prototype is the best place to start.
Whether you know exactly what type of spring you need or have no idea where to begin, spring prototyping provides a great opportunity for collaboration. Customers share their design or describe issues with an existing spring, and we offer our expert recommendations. It’s a chance for us to iterate together and make sure the part can be manufactured effectively and efficiently at higher volumes.
Here’s what to expect when you contact us for prototype spring manufacturing services.
Step 1: Share your design, sample, or idea with us.
Before manufacturing spring prototypes, we first aim to understand exactly what a customer’s needs are. The process begins with reviewing a design, a sample, or even an idea.
Do you have a fully developed drawing of the part?
Do you have a sample of the part that you’ve successfully used in its intended application? What about a sample that’s almost perfect but needs some design adjustments?
Are you starting from scratch, and all you have so far is an idea?
We can work with whatever you give us, but we provide the fastest turnaround on a quote when we receive a fully developed drawing. No matter where we begin, we’ll always want to discuss your part with you to better understand critical considerations, such as:
Step 2: We review your design and communicate our recommended changes.
During design review or while reverse engineering a sample part, we may recommend design revisions to help improve the functionality of your prototype. A common issue we encounter in spring design assistance is that springs can be overstressed. When a spring is overstressed, its properties change over time, leading the spring to not function as planned or ultimately, to fail.
In addition to correcting functional issues, we may also recommend a different material based on the end use of the part.
Is the spring going to be used in a wet environment? We’ll suggest a material with rust-resistant properties.
Will the spring be used in a high-heat environment? You’ll need a material that can withstand high temperatures.
Before implementing any of your design changes, we’ll clearly communicate our recommendations and send them over to you for review.
Step 3: You approve changes and confirm the order.
At Orlando Precision, we believe that the original designer or engineer is the true expert at assessing end use criteria for part functionality. It’s important for us to give our customers the final say before we proceed with a prototype. As soon as we receive your official confirmation and order, we’ll prepare to run your spring.
Step 4: We run the spring and send it to you for testing and approval.
Once we receive your order, we build a custom setup on our coiling or wire forming machines. We produce the spring in our Garland, Texas custom precision spring shop. The part moves through our QA process, where we verify all critical dimensions. You can provide an application or fixture for us to test your prototype as well.
Once we verify that the spring meets all specifications, we pack it and ship it to you. Depending on the type of spring and your requirements, we may select custom packing methods. For instance, if you have a spring that’s fragile or tangles easily, we’ll pack it accordingly so it won’t get damaged during transit.
We encourage customers to be absolutely certain that their spring prototype functions as intended in its application. If the part isn’t perfect, we can do additional rounds of prototyping. It’s always better to get your spring right in the prototype phase before jumping into a big order!
Spring prototyping is an easy, collaborative way to get the part you need with all the right requirements before making a big investment in a production order. If you need spring prototyping services, get in touch with Orlando Precision today to request a quote!
Does your project require a spring? If you know you need a spring but aren’t sure which type you need, you’re not alone!
At Orlando Precision, we love demystifying the spring selection process for our customers. It all boils down to understanding the three main types of springs: extension, compression, and torsion.
Once you understand the basic functionality of each spring, you’ll be able to choose the right one for your next project. But before we dive into the different types of springs, let’s get on the same page about what a spring actually does:
What Is a Spring?
The fundamental function of a spring is to absorb energy through deflection, then later return that energy. That means a spring is any material that can deform elastically and then return to its initial position.
Believe it or not, a straight piece of material can even be considered a spring in some cases! One of the simplest examples of a spring is a wooden pencil. A pencil is technically a spring because if you bend one slightly, it will deflect and then return (i.e. “spring back”) to its initial shape.
In manufacturing, springs are generally a bit more sophisticated than pencils and are used for movement. They resist force and transfer that force to deflect back to their original shape. When you need a spring for a part, it must be able to handle repetitive motion or continued stress without becoming damaged or damaging the surrounding components.
Orlando Precision manufactures a wide range of custom precision springs. To determine which type of spring your application requires, you’ll need to know the primary differences between the three types of springs.
Extension vs. Compression Springs
Extension and compression springs are made in a similar way. While both work in a linear fashion, they actually serve opposing purposes: one pushes, and the other pulls.
Extension springs do exactly that: they extend. The primary force on an extension spring is a pulling force. As the spring is pulled, it absorbs force by elongating.
The neutral position of an extension spring is closed with no gaps between the coils.
In addition to the spring itself, extension springs are usually made with hooks on both ends that attach to the components pulling the spring. A trampoline is a perfect example: the springs at the edges have two hooks on them: one end connects to the frame, and the other connects to the mat. When someone jumps, the springs resist the tensile force and then contract, returning to their original position.
Extension springs are often external, visible components of products.
Unlike extension springs that expand, compression springs constrict. When you push on a compression spring, it gets shorter or more compact.
The neutral position on a compression spring is open, meaning that there is always space left between the coils when there is no force being exerted on the spring.
A pogo stick is a great example of a compression spring. To use a pogo stick, a jumper must push their weight onto the spring, causing it to contract. Once the jumper reaches their lowest point, the spring is released, and the jumper is thrust into the air.
Compression springs are usually internal components that are hidden within the product. They typically function with an internal rod, an outer tube, or both.
If you’re deciding between an extension or compression spring for your part, consider the process the spring will assist, and ask yourself these questions:
Keep in mind that if you’ve already designed your part, you may be locked into only one option when it comes to spring selection. That’s why we recommend building in spring considerations as early as possible in the design process.
But what if your part needs a spring that doesn’t push or pull? Rather than using a linear spring (i.e., extension or compression), you may need a torsion spring instead.
Unlike extension and compression springs, torsion springs are not linear. They use rotational force, or torque, to transfer energy.
Torsion springs resist rotational force in both directions. When you open a torsion spring, it will return to the original position. When you try to close it, it will return once again. These springs are used for rotational parts that must return to a neutral position over and over again.
Consider the motion of an airplane tray. You can lower the tray to your lap when you need to use it and raise the tray back up when you’re finished with it. Clothespins work the same way: squeeze to open, release to close.
As with extension and compression springs, the design of your assembly or product will dictate which type of spring is required. Our team is happy to help advise on the type of spring that will best meet your functionality requirements.
Here’s a quick reference to help you keep the three types of springs straight:
If you need to pull two components further apart, choose an extension spring
If you need to push components closer together, go with a compression spring
If you need parts to rotate and return to neutral, a torsion spring is the way to go.
Don’t get stuck with the wrong type of spring! Request a quote and let our precision spring experts help you identify the perfect spring for your next project.
Orlando Spring Corporation, the largest West Coast spring and wire-form manufacturer focused solely on the aerospace and defense markets, is pleased to announce it has received Nadcap Accreditation for Heat Treat.
Nadcap recognizes Orlando Spring for its commitment to continual improvement in aerospace quality. “This is a tremendous accomplishment for our team and speaks volumes to the dedication and hard work put in to achieve this accreditation. This also will allow us to improve our ability to service our customers and allow us to meet their ultimate goals of faster turnaround time and improved deliveries,” said Frank Mauro, President or Orlando Spring.
Orlando Spring received Nadcap accreditation for demonstrating their ongoing commitment to quality by satisfying customer requirements and industry specifications.
“Achieving Nadcap accreditation is not easy: it is one of the ways in which the aerospace industry identifies those who excel at manufacturing quality product through superior special processes. Companies such as Orlando Spring work hard to obtain this status and they should be justifiably proud of it,” said Joe Pinto, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at the Performance Review Institute. “PRI is proud to support continual improvement in the aerospace industry by helping companies such as Orlando Spring be successful and we look forward to continuing to assist the industry moving forward.”
Orlando Spring is grounded in experience and forward-thinking in its approach. Founded in 1957, the company was acquired in 2009 by Crosse Partners, an established and long-term focused holding company concentrating on the aerospace industry, in order to grow and establish Orlando Spring’s exceptional reputation in the industry. Orlando Spring is quickly becoming the leader in vertically integrated, custom spring and wire-form manufacturing for aerospace and defense industries.
Created in 1990 by SAE Inc., Nadcap is administered by the not-for-profit Performance Review Institute. PRI is a global provider of customer-focused solutions designed to improve process and product quality by adding value, reducing total cost, and promoting collaboration among stakeholders in industries where safety and quality are shared goals. PRI works closely with industry to understand their emerging needs and offers customized solutions in response. Learn more at p-r-i.org or contact PRI at PRINadcap@p-r-i.org.
To receive more information please contact Frank Mauro, President, at 562-594-8411 or e-mail fmauro@orlandospring.com.
Orlando Spring Corporation, a leading provider of highly engineered springs, machined parts, wire forms, and other precision components for the aerospace and defense industries, announced today the acquisition of Space Spring and Stamping, based in Brea, CA.
Space Spring and Stamping is a family owned business that has been proudly serving the Aerospace, Defense and Medical industries since 1962. They feature a wide array of quality custom springs including Compression Springs, Tapered Springs, Torsion and Double Torsion Springs, Extension Springs, Wire Forms, and Metal Stampings.
“The Space brand has an excellent reputation for quality, customer service, engineering expertise, and on-time delivery. By joining the family of companies which comprise Orlando Spring, currently including Fibreform Precision Machining and Orlando Spring, Space Spring will be able to offer customers a broader base of products, both now and in the future,” explains Frank Mauro, President, Orlando Spring Corporation.
Space Spring will relocate to the larger Orlando Spring facility in Huntington Beach in the near future.
Orlando Spring is grounded in experience and forward-thinking in its approach. Founded in 1957, the company was acquired in 2009 by Crosse Partners, an established equity partnership, in order to grow and establish Orlando Spring’s exceptional reputation in the industry. Orlando Spring is quickly becoming the leader in vertically integrated, custom spring and wire-form manufacturing for aerospace and defense industries.
Since 1958, Fibreform Precision Machining has become one of the leading Precision Machining companies for the aerospace and defense industries. With its ability to meet tight tolerance applications through advanced manufacturing techniques as well as jig bore capability, Fibreform is one of the top supply chain partners to OEMs, Tier I, and Tier II organizations.
Please contact your current customer service contact or you can also reach the front desk at the following:
Phone: 562-594-8411
E-mail: osc@orlandospring.com
To receive more information, please contact Frank Mauro, President, at 562-594-8411 or e-mail fmauro@orlandospring.com.
Orlando Spring Corporation, the largest West Coast spring and wire-form manufacturer focused on the aerospace and defense markets, is pleased to announce that it has purchased a new state of the art 5 Axis CNC spring coiling machine. This latest technology includes full integration of a spring length measuring and sorting device as well as full compression and torsion capability.
With a consistently growing backlog, it was necessary for Orlando Spring to expand on this technology to include this new CNC machine, which is capable of higher accuracy as well as faster setups. This will allow Orlando to remain on the cutting edge of technology and assure we can continue to service the Aerospace and Defense markets with the highest quality product in the market place today.
“This new purchase along with previous additions of new heat treat equipment and new measuring equipment continues to show the commitment our ownership has to service the Aerospace and Defense markets,” says Frank Mauro, President at Orlando Spring. “This CNC technology offers unlimited capabilities that conventional spring making machinery cannot, including unlimited feed capacity. This and the multiple options for cut-off and pitch axis produce the quality and specifications demanded by today’s precision spring requirements. This machinery is a completely integrated work center that includes the material pay-off system which is controlled by the programming of the set up for each spring as well,“ adds Bob Dominguez, Engineering Manager.
Orlando Spring is grounded in experience and forward-thinking in its approach. Founded in 1957, the company was acquired in 2009 by Crosse Partners, an established and long-term focused holding company concentrating on the aerospace industry, in order to grow and establish Orlando Spring’s exceptional reputation in the industry. Orlando Spring is quickly becoming the leader in vertically integrated, custom spring and wire-form manufacturing for aerospace and defense industries.
To receive more information, please contact Frank Mauro, President, at 562-594-8411 or e-mail fmauro@orlandospring.com, or Rovalier Thompson, Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Business Development, at 714-898-9641 or email rthompson@fibreformprecision.com.
Huntington Beach, CA (May 12, 2015) – Fibreform Precision Machining, a premier supplier to the aerospace and defense industries, successfully completed its first deliveries on the Joint Strike Fighter Program for Northrop Grumman, the fifth largest defense contractor in the world.
The Joint Strike Fighter Program will provide the next advanced systems of fighter, strike, and ground attack aircraft for the Navy, Air Force, Marines, and other U.S. allies. Fibreform Precision Machining worked closely with Northrop Grumman’s engineers to ensure a successful outcome. This achievement followed the previous Boeing DPD/MBD approval to further affirm Fibreform’s dedication to meet and exceed customer expectations.
“We consider getting onto this program and successfully delivering parts 100% to quality and on time first pass, as a significant achievement. We are proud to be a supplier to this prestigious long running fighter program. This achievement was a great test of our new processes, equipment, and systems that have been put in place over the last six months in aide to support such work,” said Frank Mauro, Chief Operating Officer.
“We are grateful for Northrop Grumman’s cooperation throughout the process. With their assistance, our highly experienced team at Fibreform was able to fulfill the requirements for all of the JSF’s part numbers without any complications,” said Johnnie Leatherwood, Quality Manager.
“The successful delivery of Northrop Grumman’s JSF’s parts is further evidence of Fibreform’s commitment to excellence in order to support the prime and tier one Aerospace and Defense contractors,” said Frank Mauro.
A combination of decades of experience and a high functioning system enables Fibreform Precision Machining to maintain a customer satisfaction rate of 99.6% quality and 98.8% delivery. This commitment to customer service excellence is evident in the successful completion of the parts for Northrop Grumman’s JSF program. Other customer approvals include Boeing, DRS Technologies, Raytheon, Baker Hughes, Triumph, and Lockheed Martin.
About Fibreform Precision Machining
Since 1958, Fibreform Precision Machining has become one of the leading precision manufacturers for the aerospace, defense, oil and gas, and commercial industries. Fibreform will continue expanding its capabilities to meet the latest industry’s standards, and to remain as one of the top supply chain partners to OEMs, Tier I and Tier II organizations.
Orlando Spring Corporation, a leading certified precision spring and wire form manufacturer, is the latest recipient for the Recognition of Service Excellence Award, presented by ShinMaywa Industries, Ltd, a Boeing’s Supplier of the Year.
Every year, Boeing honors its top aerospace suppliers in a variety of categories with the Supplier of the Year Award. ShinMaywa was selected as the winner of the Major Structures category, and Orlando Spring is proud to have been a part of this major milestone in ShinMaywa’s history.
“Orlando Spring has been very helpful and dedicated to support Shinmaywa’s quality and delivery requirements. We appreciate all the help and cooperation that Orlando Spring has provided us, and hope to keep continuing further business with the company,” said Jackson Liu, Purchaser at ShinMaywa.
“ShinMaywa’s recognition is another testament to the quality of service and delivery that Orlando Spring provides its customers,” said Frank Mauro, President of Orlando Spring.
Orlando Spring continues to strive for performance excellence by achieving and maintaining numerous certifications and registrations, including ISO 9001:2008, EN/JISQ AS 9100:2004, Nadcap process, DDTC for ITAR, Boeing-AQMS, and D6-82479. In addition to ShinMaywa, other prestigious customers who have entrusted the task of manufacturing complex precision and aviation springs and wire forms to the Company include: Honeywell, Moog, Eaton, Parker Hannifin, Woodward, ITT Aerospace, Pattonair, and KLX Aerospace (Aerospace Fasteners).
As one of the top suppliers for highly engineered and customized precision springs and wire forms, Orlando Spring delivers precision parts that require the highest quality with minimal and demanding tolerances. Over the past 50 years, Orlando Spring’s focus has remained on quality and customer service excellence, as evident in the list of certifications acquired and the partnership with some of the top aerospace companies. Going forward, Orlando Springs aims to continue building upon its existing relationships, as well as fostering new connections in the defense and aerospace industries.
To receive more information, please contact Frank Mauro, President, at 562-594-8411 or fmauro@orlandospring.com.
Huntington Beach, CA (March 18, 2015) – As a leading certified supplier of the aerospace industry, Fibreform Precision Machining, Inc. successfully obtained the DPD/MBD approval from Boeing, one of the world’s largest aero-structure manufacturers, after a rigorous auditing process. This approval is the latest milestone in the 57-year history of constant improvement at Fibreform Precision Machining.
“By achieving this approval, Fibreform has strengthened its relationship with Boeing. The approval is a demonstration of the value we place on the relationship with each of our customers, and the commitment to quality that we make to each of them,” said Frank Mauro, Chief Operating Officer. “Quality is all about assuring that all customer specifications are met and/ or exceeded. The DPD/ MBD approval is just another step to ensure that products produced at Fibreform meet these specifications,” said Johnnie Leatherwood, Quality Manager at Fibreform.
“The management at Fibreform has made the decision to invest in this process to enable us to remain committed to Boeing’s evolving request for process modernization, and the resulting approval opens up potential for Fibreform to get involved in other programs,” said Alex Hoggan, Principal of Crosse Partners.
Boeing’s DPD/ MBD approval is a testimony to Fibreform’s ability to deliver on its manufacturing services. Fibreform Precision Machining has long achieved a remarkable customer satisfaction rate of 99.6% quality and 98.8% delivery. This is a direct result from the company’s almost six decades of experience, a high performing precision manufacturing system, and a dedication to meet and exceed customer expectations.
The DPD/MBD approval from Boeing is the most recent addition to the list of certifications, registrations and approvals that Fibreform Precision Machining has gained throughout the years. Included in the list are the certifications and registrations for ISO9001: 2008, AS-9100C, ITAR, as well as customer approvals from DRS Technologies, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, Baker Hughes, Triumph, and Lockheed Martin.
About Fibreform Precision Machining
Fibreform Electronics, Inc. is a premier precision manufacturer for the aerospace, defense, oil and gas, and commercial industries. From 1958, Fibreform has placed significance on quality and customer service excellence through the accumulation of several certifications and approvals. As one of the top supply chain partners to OEMs, Tier I and Tier II organizations, Fibreform will continue to invest in its system and capabilities to ensure compliance with the industry’s latest standards.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Huntington Beach, CA (March 13, 2015) – Fibreform Precision Machining expanded its capabilities with the procurement of Kubotek validation software and Catia Cad software. The move followed the Company’s earlier acquisition, the Global Performance 9.12.8 CMM running PC-DMIS CAD++, as the next step toward the most up-to-date model-based product inspection methods.
The significant investment in Kubotek and Catia software evidences Fibreform’s commitment to stay in front of the latest model-based inspection techniques. The Catia software suite is used in conjunction with Kubotek and PC-DMIS CAD++ to ensure that full product definition is captured and any errors due to translation are eliminated.
“The acquisition of Kubotek and Catia is aimed at making the interface between customers and Fibreform much easier,” said Frank Mauro, Chief Operating Officer. “Customers can be assured that they are getting exactly what the original CAD design specifies. Kubotek can work with all major CAD platforms, thus simplifying customer interaction,” said Josh Ziegelhoefer, Manufacturing Engineer at Fibreform.
With a customer satisfaction rate of 99.6% quality and 98.8% delivery, Fibreform Precision Machining consistently looks to implement new capabilities that would enhance the interface with their customers. Fibreform’s competitive advantage lies in its ability to incorporate the latest advancements in precision machining and inspection into its core capabilities.
About Fibreform Precision Machining
Fibreform Precision Machining, LLC. was established in 1958 as a leading precision manufacturer for the aerospace and defense industries. Over a span of 57 years, the Company has served clients such as Raytheon, DRS, Northrop Grumman, FLIR Systems, Lockheed Martin, and Boeing, while developing relationships with prospective customers such as Triumph, Baker Hughes, Del Mar, and Rockwell Collins. Committed to systematic investment and capital expenditures, Fibreform is fast evolving into a worldwide supply chain partner that excels in both traditional and leading-edge precision machining technologies.
You have been redirected to this site because Gifford Spring has been acquired by Orlando Precision as of August 2024.
Gifford Spring is now part of the Orlando Precision family, continuing to provide the same high-quality products and services you trust.
For more information about this transition and our expanded capabilities, feel free to explore our site or contact us directly.
You have been redirected to this site because Fibreform Precision has been acquired by Orlando Precision.
Fibreform Precision is now part of the Orlando Precision family, continuing to provide the same high-quality products and services you trust.
For more information about this transition and our expanded capabilities, feel free to explore our site or contact us directly.
