Design Of Springs Made Principally Of Plastic

Design Of Springs Made Principally Of Plastic

Springs are mechanical components that store mechanical energy when they are compressed or stretched. They are used in a variety of applications, including automobiles, aircraft, and appliances, where they provide critical functionality by absorbing shocks, storing energy, and maintaining tension. Traditionally, springs have been made using materials such as steel, titanium, or copper alloys. However, with the advancement of plastic technology, springs are now being made principally of plastic. Designing a spring made of plastic presents several challenges, which if overcome, can result in a high-performing and cost-effective component. One of the primary challenges in designing a spring made of plastic is ensuring that the plastic material selected has high elasticity and strength. Polyurethane, nylon, and PEEK are the most commonly used plastic materials for making springs due to their high strength, elasticity, and durability. The design of a plastic spring should take into account the expected range of load and deflection. The shape, thickness, and geometry of the spring must be precisely defined to ensure optimal performance. Another important factor to consider in the design of a plastic spring is the coefficient of thermal expansion. The coefficient of thermal expansion is the measure of how much a material expands or contracts in response to temperature changes. Plastic materials have a higher coefficient of thermal expansion than metals, which can cause the spring to deform or alter its characteristics when the temperature changes. To mitigate this, the designer should select a plastic material with a low coefficient of thermal expansion or design the spring in such a way that it accommodates the expected thermal expansion. Lastly, designers of plastic springs must consider the manufacturing process. Plastic springs can be injection-molded or extruded, which requires different design considerations. An injection-molded spring may require multiple cavities or core pins, resulting in unique features and a more complex design. An extrusion process may require a spring with uniform geometry, thickness, and shape, resulting in a simpler design. A good design should take into account the manufacturing process and the capabilities of the manufacturer to ensure that the spring can be manufactured correctly and efficiently. In conclusion, designing a spring made of plastic requires careful consideration of the material properties, the coefficient of thermal expansion, and the manufacturing process. A well-designed spring should have high strength and elasticity, account for thermal expansion, and be manufacturable with a high degree of repeatability.

Plastic springs, Polyurethane, Nylon, PEEK, Coefficient of thermal expansion, Injection molding, Extrusion

— Christopher Taylor