The question, “what is a compression spring?” is asked many times by our customers, and is often referred to as a helical spring, a coil spring, or even a “bouncy spring.” The compression of a spring or compression of coil springs is caused by a force that collapses the compression spring coils. The force of the compression is measured as a compression spring constant, usually at a specific height, or load, or in pounds per inch, or rate.
Compression springs, whether they are large compression springs or small compression springs come in endless varieties of shapes and material types, which is why most compression springs that are manufactured are custom springs. Some spring manufacturers offer “stock springs,” which can end up costing more than custom springs due to the time it takes to locate and many times modify the compression spring.