There are many different types of mechanical springs including compression springs, extension springs, torsion springs, constant force springs and belleville springs. Each style of spring experiences a change in shape or size when a load is applied to it. Energy is stored in the spring in the form of potential energy until the load is removed.

The most simplistic spring is the tension bar, which absorbs a force uniformly through its structure and deforms only slightly. Compression springs are mechanical springs that oppose compression forces. Typically they squeeze together to absorb the force and expands once the load has been removed. Compression springs are used for car suspensions and switches. Extension springs are mechanical springs that stretch beyond their rest positions when a load is applied. After the load is removed, they contract back to their original size. In most cases an extension spring has a loop at each end to attach to objects like screen door hinges or garage door hinges. Torsion springs are mechanical springs that rotate around an axis to create a load. As the load is released, the spring rotates back to its starting position. A type of spring that releases a controlled amount of energy, instead of the quick burst associated with torsion springs, is the constant force spring. Generally, it is wrapped around itself in the shape of a spiral. A torsion spring is capable of producing a rotational force that lasts over a long period of time.

The mechanical springs that are found in clocks and wind-up toys are typically constant force springs. Constant force springs can unravel dramatically if they are removed from their structure, since they contain a lot of stored energy. If an application requires more power, a constant force spring can be designed to work over a fewer number of rotations. This type of spring is typically used in the reclining mechanisms of car seats. The belleville spring, also known as the belleville washer, is a flat, disk-shaped spring with a hole in the center. It is typically used with a bolt to maintain pretension, which reduces the stress on the bolt when a load is applied. When stacked on top of each other, several belleville springs can generally accommodate higher loads.

Allied Titanium has the capability to manufacture pretty much any spring you require, so if you don't see what you need amongst our product lists, please feel free to call or email.