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Blog - 3 ways to stack compression springs
In many applications it's impossible to provide the correct forces with just one compression spring. Several compression springs of the same or different dimensions are often used for this to create the right forces. Read more about how you can stack compression springs, and how to calculate the forces of the different stacks.
3 ways to stack compression springs:
In order to be able to supply multiple forces with compression springs, there are three usual spring arrangements.
Calculations stacks of compression springs.
Below is a brief explanation of the circuits and the theoretical calculation involved. The theoretical and measured forces often differ from each other, due to pressure distributions, point of impact and more. Therefore always keep a safety margin for yourself.
Parallel circuits calculation:
In parallel circuits, two or more compression springs are placed under the same pressure plate. This spreads the pressure over the two compression springs. The force of the total spring system is always greater than the spring constant than that of one spring.
The total spring constant is the spring constant of spring 1 plus that of spring number 2, all additional springs must also be added to the formula (c3 + c4 + c5 ect.).
Series circuits calculation:
In series circuits, springs are stacked on top of each other. The spring that is mounted on the lowest level gets a cover plate on top of the spring on which the other spring is then placed. The spring constant of each spring is here smaller than the spring constant of each individual spring. This is because the springs relieve each other in the pressure.
Mixed circuits calculation:
In mixed circuits, a parallel circuits is used in combination with a series circuits. Multiple springs are stacked on top of each other with cover plates and the cover plates can contain multiple springs. The spring constant of the total system lies between the largest and smallest spring constant of the individual springs..
The calculation for mixed circuit:
Alternatives to stack compression springs
Alternatives are also possible when several compression springs are used. The most obvious alternative to compression springs are die springs. The die springs function as heavy compression springs and can replace several compression springs at once with regard to Newton. If, according to the calculations, many die springs must also be used, the use of nitrogen gas springs is a solution. Nitrogen gas springs are suitable for delivering high controlled forces and are the most powerful springs currently available.
Still need a compression spring? Also view the options to have the compression spring produced in a conical, barrel or hourglass shape.
