large coil spring 12 to 14" dia.

[tili4me]

I want to have a coil spring made lightweight that is 12"to 14" in Dia. That will expand to 14 to 16"inches. It will not be load bearing, how hard is it to make this item? And what would be the right material for the job? I am thinking thin wire? 20gauge would be good. The spring would be stretched out looking with only a few lazy circles over the entire 14 inch distance. Any ideasor help?
thaank you Linn Avattar

 

[Pud]

Hi,

You need to talk to sprimg makers (metal variety) - plastics not good for springs....


Rgds

Harry

 

[patprimmer]

As Pud says, spring steel is really good for springs.

The best thermoplastic spring material is Acetal Homo-polymer, but the mould would be very expensive and spring performance poor when compared to steel.

Fibre glass or carbon fibre reinforced Thermosets resins can make reasonable springs.

You might be able to buy some pre-impregnated rovings and wind them around a mandrel, then cure in an oven.

Regards

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