Die Spring Characteristics
Century Spring has designed and manufactures a complete line of industrial die springs. Generally used in die machinery, they are well-suited for many applications where high-static or shock-load stresses are required or when maximum cycle-life is important.
Measuring Die Springs
- Measure the Hole Diameter (also known as Outside Diameter)
- Measure the Rod Diameter (also known as Inside Diameter)
- Measure the Free Length (no load on the spring)
- Measure the Wire Size (both width and thickness dimensions)
- Use our search feature or catalog to find the correct color code and size for your needs.
For example, if a die spring measures .96″ on the hole dimension, it will fit into a 1″ hole. If it measures .56″ on the rod dimension, it will fit over a .50″ rod. Note: Die springs are manufactured to a “GO/NO-GO” dimension.
Hole and Rod Diameter
The die spring containment hole diameter sizes used in our online and print catalogs must be considered to eliminate possible spring-to-wall friction caused by heat, wear due to fabrication tolerances, and interference from the spring diameter growth due to compression. If the spring is long for its diameter, an internal supporting rod may be required to eliminate spring buckling.
Heat
Thermal effects are frequently ignored in spring failure or load-loss analysis. The maximum rated service temperature for chrome-alloy steel is about 440° F. The following table reflects the approximate load losses due to heat that can be expected with die springs.
Materials & Service Life
All of our die springs are fabricated from the most efficient wire cross section, which is rectangular with rounded corners. The oil-tempered die springs are offered for die sets and general use at a reduced cost. A very long service life may be expected from oil-tempered springs if their maximum deflection is held to about 25% of their length. The highest grade of electrically-furnaced, shot-peened and preset chrome-alloy steel die springs are offered for unsurpassed quality.
Finish
Die springs of oil-tempered material are available as unfinished only. A color coding system is employed for our chrome-alloy line for instant visual identification of the spring’s work range and to prevent errors in spring selection and installation. The color coding is a light coating of water-based paint.
Chrome Alloy Color Code
- Light Duty – Blue
- Medium Duty – Red
- Heavy Duty – Gold
- Extra-Heavy Duty – Green
Chrome Silicon Color Code
- Light Load – Green
- Medium Load – Blue
- Heavy Load – Red
- Extra-Heavy Load – Yellow
