The basic principles of conical springs explained
A conical spring is a spring with a tapered shape, where the coil diameter gradually decreases from one end to the other. The most common design is the conical compression spring, which absorbs forces under compression. Thanks to this conical geometry, the spring can be compressed to an almost flat height, significantly reducing the required installation height.
In addition to compression springs, there are also conical extension springs, where the tapered shape is combined with tensile loading. This design is used less frequently, but offers clear benefits in situations where controlled stress distribution and high fatigue resistance are required.
Why professionals choose conical springs
Conical compression springs offer specific advantages compared to conventional cylindrical compression springs. The varying diameter creates a progressive spring characteristic, where the spring initially compresses more easily and then provides increasing resistance as the load rises. This makes them particularly suitable for applications where both space savings and precise force control are important.
Thanks to their tapered shape, conical compression springs can be stacked almost flat at full compression, which greatly reduces the free length and makes it easy to integrate the spring into compact constructions. The conical geometry also improves stability under load, significantly reducing the risk of buckling or lateral movement. This not only extends the service life of the spring, but also protects surrounding components from wear.
At De Spiraal, we produce conical springs fully to specification. Material options such as spring steel (C75, 51CrV4), stainless steel (1.4310, 1.4401, 1.4568) and phosphor bronze, in combination with heat treatment and surface finishing, ensure optimal performance and durability under a wide range of operating conditions.
Application areas and sectors for conical springs
- Mechanical Engineering: Used in press machines, clamping systems, CNC installations and automated production lines where controlled force and stability are critical. The progressive spring characteristic ensures the spring initially compresses easily, but provides more resistance at higher loads. This helps prevent damage to sensitive components and contributes to accurate positioning of moving parts. Thanks to the compact design of the conical spring, machine layouts remain flexible, even where installation space is limited.
- Agricultural: Applied in heavy machinery such as ploughs, balers and combine harvesters, where robustness and impact resistance are essential. The variable force build-up helps absorb sudden shocks, for example when driving over uneven terrain or processing hard crops. Conical springs also help reduce vibration in the drivetrain, limiting wear on mechanical components and extending machine lifetime.
- Medical: Used in dosing systems, surgical instruments and precision devices, where consistent and reliable force build-up is indispensable. The compact design enables integration in small housings, while the use of stainless steel or special alloys ensures corrosion resistance in sterile environments. As a result, conical springs can be used over long periods without loss of performance, even under frequent use and strict hygiene requirements.
- Lighting Technology: Applied in adjustable luminaires, spring-loaded hinges and operating mechanisms such as switches and dimmers. The progressive spring behaviour enables smooth and controlled motion, improving both product lifetime and user experience. The compact design also makes it possible to integrate the spring invisibly into the luminaire, allowing aesthetics and functionality to go hand in hand.
Key characteristics of our conical springs
- Technical customisation from design to production: From the design phase onwards, we work with you on material selection, dimensions and spring characteristics, so your conical spring fits the application perfectly.
- Versatile and space-saving: Thanks to the tapered shape, the spring can be stacked almost flat at full compression, making it ideal for compact constructions and applications with limited installation height.
- High stability and progressive force build-up: The conical geometry distributes the load evenly and prevents buckling or lateral movement, while resistance increases in a controlled way as the load rises.
- Flexible production capacity with advanced techniques: From single pieces and prototypes to large series, manufactured using CNC coiling, heat treatment and surface finishing for optimal service life.
- Short lead times and consistent quality: Efficient stock management and streamlined production planning enable fast and reliable delivery, including custom-made and rush orders.
How to order custom conical springs
Are you looking for a conical compression spring that perfectly matches your technical design and functional requirements? De Spiraal supplies custom solutions for both single units and large series. Our engineers are happy to advise you on material selection, dimensions and the optimal spring characteristic.
Contact us directly on +31 (0)74 291 45 08
Or visit our contact page to request a non-binding quotation.
