Springs - Compression, Tapered

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
70338SCS

70338SCS

Century Spring Corp.

COMP O= .180,L= 1.13,W= .020

418

S-270CS

S-270CS

Century Spring Corp.

COMP O=1.000,L= 5.13,W= .090

1

TA-7064SCS

TA-7064SCS

Century Spring Corp.

LO= 0.85, SO= 0.375, W= 0.042

531

DD-61CS

DD-61CS

Century Spring Corp.

COMP O= .390,L= .38,W= .052

432

11907CS

11907CS

Century Spring Corp.

COMP O=1.140,L= 1.09,W= .064

919

2618CS

2618CS

Century Spring Corp.

COMP O= .219,L= 1.16,W= .036

185

3709CS

3709CS

Century Spring Corp.

COMP O= .219,L= .75,W= .025

607

B10-2CS

B10-2CS

Century Spring Corp.

COMP O= .406,L= .69,W= .064

337

71700SCS

71700SCS

Century Spring Corp.

COMP O= .540,L= .75,W= .067

501

71730CS

71730CS

Century Spring Corp.

COMP O= .600,L= .75,W= .049

3838

S-1306CS

S-1306CS

Century Spring Corp.

COMP O= .296,L= 1.03,W= .038

194

71136SCS

71136SCS

Century Spring Corp.

COMP O= .360,L= 2.50,W= .040

44

10829CS

10829CS

Century Spring Corp.

COMP O= .859,L= 2.50,W= .080

237

71993SCS

71993SCS

Century Spring Corp.

COMP O= .720,L= .88,W= .068

2324

WW-40CS

WW-40CS

Century Spring Corp.

COMP O= .562,L= 1.13,W= .076

119

PP-26CS

PP-26CS

Century Spring Corp.

COMP O= .172,L= .75,W= .008

674

71224SCS

71224SCS

Century Spring Corp.

COMP O= .360,L= .81,W= .051

642

71108SCS

71108SCS

Century Spring Corp.

COMP O= .360,L= .88,W= .038

6653

B10-7CS

B10-7CS

Century Spring Corp.

COMP O= .296,L= 2.09,W= .039

314

W-47CS

W-47CS

Century Spring Corp.

COMP O= .250,L= 1.00,W= .018

471

Springs - Compression, Tapered

1. Overview

Compression tapered springs are helical springs with variable coil diameters, designed to provide non-linear load-deflection characteristics. Unlike uniform-diameter compression springs, tapered springs offer progressive stiffness, enabling compact designs and enhanced load-bearing capacity. Their unique geometry reduces coil contact during compression, minimizing vibration and noise. These springs are critical in applications requiring space optimization, dynamic load management, and shock absorption, such as automotive suspensions, aerospace actuators, and industrial machinery.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

TypeFunctional CharacteristicsApplication Examples
Single Tapered SpringsOne end with smaller diameter, linear stiffness gradientValve systems, electrical connectors
Double Tapered SpringsSymmetrical diameter reduction at both ends, improved buckling resistanceAerospace landing gear, vibration dampers
Composite Tapered SpringsMulti-segment diameter changes, tailored load curvesHeavy-duty truck suspensions, railway shock absorbers

3. Structure and Composition

Compression tapered springs feature a conical helical structure with gradually decreasing or increasing coil diameters. The cross-section typically uses round wire (occasionally rectangular for high-torque applications), manufactured via cold/hot forming processes. Key structural elements include:

  • Variable pitch design to control spring rate
  • Ground ends for uniform load distribution
  • Surface treatments (zinc plating, phosphate coating) for corrosion resistance

Materials commonly include high-carbon steel (SAE 1065-1095), stainless steel (SUS 304/316), and alloy steels (ASTM A231) for elevated temperature environments.

4. Key Technical Specifications

ParameterImportance
Free Height (mm)Determines maximum deflection range
Wire Diameter (mm)Affects shear strength and fatigue life
Material GradeDictates temperature resistance and corrosion performance
Load Capacity (N)Defines maximum operational force
Spring Rate (N/mm)Controls stiffness and energy absorption
Working Temperature ( C)Limits application environments

5. Application Fields

Major industries utilizing tapered compression springs include:

  • Automotive: Engine valve trains, clutch systems
  • Aerospace: Flight control actuators, landing gear dampers
  • Industrial Machinery: Hydraulic cylinder cushions, die springs
  • Energy: Subsea wellhead connectors, wind turbine pitch systems

Example: In automotive dual-mass flywheels, tapered springs absorb torsional vibrations across varying RPM ranges.

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

ManufacturerRepresentative ProductKey Features
MISUMITAPEX SeriesCustomizable taper angles, zinc-nickel coating
Barnes GroupAeroSpring HTHigh-temperature Inconel alloy construction
Lesj forsRailSpring ProEN 14587-2 certified for railway applications

7. Selection Guidelines

Key considerations during selection:

  • Calculate required spring index (D/d ratio) to avoid stress concentration
  • Verify solid height vs. available installation space
  • Account for dynamic loads using fatigue life calculations (e.g., S-N curves)
  • Select end configurations (closed/open) based on load transfer requirements
  • Evaluate environmental factors (temperature, corrosive media)

Example: For a 150mm stroke application with 500N maximum load, select a spring with 1.5 safety factor and 10% greater free height than required stroke.

8. Industry Trends

Emerging trends include:

  • Adoption of composite materials (e.g., carbon fiber-reinforced polymers) for weight reduction
  • Integration of additive manufacturing for complex taper profiles
  • Smart spring systems with embedded strain sensors
  • Development of corrosion-resistant coatings meeting IP68 standards
  • Standardization efforts under ISO 11891 for aerospace applications

Market growth is projected at 4.2% CAGR through 2030, driven by electric vehicle suspension systems and renewable energy equipment demands.

RFQ BOM Call Skype Email
Top