Die springs are helical compression springs and are made using round or rectangular metal wire. While the springs were originally designed for use in die sets, they are used in many other applications today. However, they are also well-suited for many applications where high-static or shock-load stresses are required, or when maximum cycle-life is important. Rectangular wire is employed to reduce the solid height and increase the space efficiency of the design. Steel and chrome are examples of the more common materials used for these springs. The designs call for color coating the wires. The color of the coating often indicates the amount of compression the spring is designed to withstand. Depending on the intended usage, the wire may be wound clockwise or counter-clockwise. In some applications, the direction will not matter since the spring’s main function is to provide support for a load. If you are not sure which direction would work best, our team will be happy to help you make a decision based on the direction of the spring you currently have in place.
Die Spring Characteristics
Kathysia Industrial 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.
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 Silicon Color Code
- Few Load (JFA) – Yellow
- Light Load (JLA)– Blue
- Medium Load (JMA)– Red
- Heavy Load (JHA) – Green
- Big Load (JBA) – Brown