Spring-loaded devices are compact, versatile, and commonly used in workholding applications to position, index, eject, or lock workpieces in place. It’s crucial to select the correct spring-loaded device for your application to ensure precise and consistent motion control and applied force.
Explore the various types of spring-loaded devices available to help you make the right selection for your needs.
Understanding Spring-Loaded Devices and Their Uses
A spring-loaded device is made up of a spring, body, and ball or plunger tip that applies a repeatable end force to position, index, or eject a workpiece or part. Unlike a loose spring, a spring-loaded device’s small, compact body makes it easy to install. The product comes pre-assembled in a functional subassembly, and requires minimal, if any, further assembly prior to installation.
Common Spring-Loaded Device Applications
Spring-loaded devices are essential in many applications. For example, automotive, heavy machinery, aerospace, medical device, and defense manufacturers design components that incorporate spring-loaded devices to provide accurate motion and force control. They are found in products ranging from firearms to seat-adjusting mechanisms.
Manufacturers in nearly any industry can utilize spring-loaded devices in component manufacturing, including integrating them into automated processes as workholding solutions. Common uses include:
- Part positioning
- Component indexing
- Locking or latching
- Product ejection
- Tactile feedback
Key Considerations for Spring-Loaded Device Selection
To select a spring-loaded device that will perform optimally for your application, consider these factors:
- Material: Spring-loaded devices are made with a variety of materials and finishes. Typically, springs are made of stainless steel, while the housing and plunger might be stainless steel, carbon steel, or plastic. Ball plungers may have a nylon or thermoplastic ball. When selecting a material, think about strength, durability, and environmental factors that the device will be exposed to, such as moisture and temperature.
- Size: Consider size factors, such as plunger diameter and thread size of the body. Ensure the device will fit your workholding assembly or workpiece.
- End force: The end force is the force the spring exerts on the workpiece, measured as pound-force or Newtons. Knowing the end force helps you evaluate whether a particular spring-loaded device meets your performance needs.
- Plunger travel distance: The travel distance describes how far the plunger travels from its compressed state to its extended position. It can help you determine whether the device will apply enough force while extended.
- Locking element: Consider if your application calls for a locking element. If so, ensure the spring-loaded device you select has a locking option — if it does, make sure the thread on the device’s locking element matches the corresponding receptacle.
- Installation requirements: Ensure you select the correct plunger for your specific installation needs. Please refer to the product details for the installation guidelines relevant to each item. TE-CO Manufacturing offers a diverse range of plungers, including front-end, back-end, slot drive, hex drive, and press fit options.
Types of Spring-Loaded Devices
There are many types of spring-loaded devices, including:
- Standard ball or spring plungers: Consist of a plunger with a ball-shaped or rounded nose and often feature a locking element for workholding applications.
- Short spring plungers: Offer the same functionality as standard plungers but have a shorter body for applications with limited space.
- Press fit ball or spring plungers: Have a sturdy shoulder and threadless body for uses where it’s impractical to have a threaded hole.
- Hex nose plungers: Perform like standard plungers but havea hexagonal nose for easy installation or removal with a hex wrench.
- Hand-retractable plungers: Feature a knob, pull ring, or L-handle to manually and quickly disengage or reposition the plunger.
- Spring stops: Feature a large square or round contact face and plate mounting, ideal for positioning components in clamping applications.
Selecting the Right Device for Your Application
Take the following steps to ensure you select the best spring-loaded device:
- Define your application’s requirements, such as the end force and materials required.
- Review quality and component specifications to ensure the device features durable materials and meets operational needs.
- Consider installation requirements and how it will integrate with existing equipment or workholding setups.
- Consult the manufacturer for assistance in selecting the right device for your specific application.
You may need a custom spring-loaded device if you have a complex workholding system, limited space, or a uniquely shaped workpiece.
At TE-CO, our experienced engineers can collaborate with you to design and manufacture a custom spring-loaded device that precisely meets your performance needs. We frequently produce custom spring and ball plungers to ensure our products meet specific application requirements and optimize performance.
You can request a custom product quote by completing our special request form or contacting our team at 1-800-543-4071. Note that minimum order quantities may be required.
Contact TE-CO Manufacturing to Learn More
Selecting the right spring-loaded device ensures accuracy, consistency, and durability, whether it’s used for workholding or other applications. Our technical consultants are available to help you make the best choice.
We offer a large, in-stock inventory of American-made spring-loaded devices. Our solutions are delivered with world-class customer service and backed by nearly 100 years of experience designing and manufacturing workholding solutions. Contact us today for more information, pricing, or product availability.
