What are coil springs?

These mechanical devices are shaped like a helix and can be open or closely wound. They are usually made of hardened steel or metals. They can absorb shock and can maintain a force between the two surfaces. The coil springs can work by storing energy and releasing it later.

They are made by wrapping a metal strand around the cylinder. When there is compression or tension, the material of the spring experiences torsion. 

Types of coil springs

The common types of coil springs are:

• Volute: They can be used like a heavy-load compression spring.
• Compression: They are designed such that they can resist compression.
• Tension/extension: They can be used to resist stretching. 
• Torsion: They can endure twisting actions.
• Arc: These are specialised ones where the force gets applied through the spring ends.
• Variable: They have different distances in between their turns.

Applications of coil springs

The coil springs find application across many equipment and general-use products. Some are toasters, garage doors, door handles, clocks, automobiles, toys, gates, etc. They can also be used in Mattress coils, upholstery, buckling springs found in computer keyboards, and vehicle suspension. They can be mounted along with any shock absorber or separately.