There are three main types of flat springs: leaf or beam springs, flat coil springs and flat spiral springs. Different types of springs are suitable for different applications. While leaf springs find many applications in the automotive industry due to their flexibility, flat spiral springs find application as a source of power for clocks and other office and industrial equipments.

Manufacturers make springs from different metals, as per the operating environments. Conventional materials are spring steel and stainless steel, however, now they also produce springs made of alloys and precious metals.

Important points to consider before buying a flat spring are:

1. Type of function that a flat spring needs to perform
2. Required energy that a spring needs to absorb
3. Operating environment in which the spring will function

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy flat springs from a reliable flat spring manufacturer

After doing your research, you can go to the right manufacturer and compare various products and pricing. You can buy from a manufacturer that offers standard products or you can also go to a custom manufacturer that offers customized products designed as per your specifications.

I recommend: Request a quote from different manufacturers on IndustryNet. MacRAE’s BLUE BOOK is another good source to get quotes from a large number of flat spring manufacturers. For custom-made flat coil and spiral springs, go to Peninsula Spring Corporation. Associated Spring offers a wide range of spring types of steel flat springs such as compression, extension and torsion springs.

Shop for leaf type flat springs

Different types of leaf flat springs are mono-leaf, multi-leaf and parabolic springs, which are the most common.

I recommend: At Dayton Parts, you can find leaf springs suitable for any type of vehicle. Get a quote for a quality flat spring for your automobile requirements at Zenith Spring Company. They also make custom leaf springs and you can order from anywhere in the US.

Shop for spiral flat springs

The amount of energy that needs to be stored by a spiral spring is the main characteristic you need to know before buying one. You can buy a flat spiral spring by contacting a manufacturer that can also assist you in choosing a spring of the right dimensions.

I recommend: Mid-West Spring and Stamping provides a wide range of flat springs including flat spiral springs. You can get a quote on a wide range of spiral springs at All-Rite Spring Company, which also specializes in power springs, also called clock springs.

Shop for flat coil springs

Most manufacturers produce both compression and extension types of coil springs. According to your needs, you can contact a manufacturer to pick one with the right progression characteristics.

I recommend: Ashfield Springs provides a large variety of springs including flat coil springs. You can choose custom flat springs or stock flat springs as well as indicate the desired wire form. The Hurley Manufacturing Co. provides a wide range of compression, extension and torsion springs including flat coil springs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Check the useful life of flat springs before buying one.