aluminum spring 1

[JJJackbk612]

Hello, I am trying to find some aluminum spring material. The shape of the spring needs to be rectangular (1 ½”L x 3/8” W x 1/16” D). I don’t know the spring constant at this point but it has to be higher than what you get from typical material machined out of stock from the hardware store.

The spring will be held at one end and the other end will be moving in an arc. I don’t know the spring constant but I know what displacement I need from the high tension position to the low tension position and that’s about 5/8”.

My question is: does anyone know where I could purchase such a material even if it was not that exact profile that I need I could machine it.
Thanks,

Jacques

 

[SwinnyGG]

If you use multiple leaves you do not want to bond them- multiple leaves work to increase deflection by reducing strain, as the leaves are allowed to slide against each other. You need lubrication between the leaves, not adhesion. If you bond them together you get the same stresses and strains as you would with a full section.

 

[JJJackbk612]

Yes of course, good point.

 

[Maui]

If the parts must be food grade compatible and recyclable, I don't see why stainless steel would not be acceptable. It would make a MUCH better spring than aluminum.

 

[WKTaylor]

This sounds like an application for 'Belleville-style' stacked spring-disks... or perhaps bellows-style/stacked/welded spring disks.

These could be from punched/formed from thin aluminum high strength aluminum sheet blanks assuming a suitable corrosion protective mechanism.

Regards, Wil Taylor

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