Within the intricate machinery of sealing systems, there’s one component that significantly influences efficiency and reliability – the spring that provides the necessary force to energise that seal and keep it doing its job effectively.
Given that it’s such a small part, it’s unsurprising that the importance of the spring is often overlooked. At Clifford Springs, we have been manufacturing springs for more years than we care to think about and are passionate about sharing what we know about them.
Seal energising springs are made to make your seals seal, so let’s take a look at some of their unique characteristics:
Helical Springs
- Very high load, small deflection
- Perfect for compact spaces requiring high sealing forces without the need for significant deflection/compression of the spring body
Meander / Cantilever V&U Springs
- High load, greater deflection
- Unique ability to place the load very close to the seal lips, and also generate high forces over a greater deflection range
Canted Coil
- Linear load, generous deflection range
- The jewel in the crown of seal energiser springs, where seal lips never need to be overloaded in order to compensate for the later life as seal lips/rods and bores wear
Whilst traditional compression springs have been the staple in valve and actuator mechanisms for many years, canted coil is emerging as a viable alternative in so many sealing applications due to the controlled force behaviour and long service life.
Evaluating needs around load capacity, operating conditions and space constraints is vital when it comes to selecting which spring will offer the best outcome. At Clifford Springs, just as we manufacture different types of springs, we manufacture all of those spring types in different sizes (including industry standard sizes) and materials – stainless steels, exotic alloys and PEEK™ – so that they can do the best job possible in the specific environment they’re needed for.
Collaboration between the spring manufacturer and seal designer is crucial to optimising performance. Working together ensures customised solutions that meet the application requirements. It ensures that springs are not just components but are integral to the system’s efficiency and reliability.
This is where Clifford Springs excels. We are one of the few spring manufacturers in the world that can produce canted coil. We are proud of our in-house knowledge and experience and our collaborative approach to advising and innovating with our clients. It’s what’s led to some great client relationships and even better products.
Want to know more? Speak to Clifford Spring’s Technical Sales Manager, Graham Fowler, on +44 (0) 1527 62876, or email him at graham.fowler@cliffordsprings.co.uk.