Torsion springs are helical springs that exert a torque or rotary force and are subject to bending stresses. Torsion springs should always wind up from the free position – never to unwind from the free position.
Katy Spring Manufacturing – Torsion Spring Manufacturer
Torsion springs exert a torque when they are twisted or deflected. The spring torque and the length of the legs together create a force. Torsion springs can be made out of round, rectangular or shaped wire.
A simple torsion spring has straight, but any bends or shapes can be formed. Double body torsion springs can be used when twice the force is required or when you need an even distribution of torque.
Common Spring materials:
| TTorMaterial | Max. recommended % tensile in bending |
| Music Wire | 80% |
| Chrome Silicon | 80% |
| Chrome Vanadium | 80% |
| 302 Stainless Steel | 60% |
| 316 Stainless Steel | 60% |
| 17-7 Stainless | 75% |
Spring Terms
ID = Inside Diameter
D = Mean Diameter
Dm = Minimum Diameter under deflection
Δ = Deflection angle
d = wire diameter
L = leg length
Na= number of active coils
Nt = number of total coils
R= Spring Rate
P = applied force
M = Moment or Torque
Sb = bending stress
c = spring index
?L = deflection
UTS= Ultimate Tensile Strength
Design Tips
• Torsion springs should be deflected in the direction that closes the coils
• Inside diameters reduce to Dm when deflected. Mandrel size should be larger than Dm
• Na takes into account the material in the legs. If the force is supplied close to the body of the spring Nt is a good approximation
For more information contact Katy Spring today at 281-391-1888