Frequently Asked Questions: 

• How are springs made?

There are many types of springs, the most common of which are posted on the Products page of this web site. Each are manufactured in a different manner.  For the typical coil springs, wire is constantly fed out around an arbor to create a coil, which is cut to the specified length.

 

•  Why do a couple of springs cost so much?

Ebsco Spring Company uses automatic coilers to manufacture springs. The coiling machine takes from a couple of hours up to a couple of days to set up depending on the intricacies of the spring.  This set up cost is passed along in the price of the spring. When purchased in large quantities, this cost is spread out across all of the springs and becomes less significant.  When purchasing small quantities, it greatly increases the price of the spring.

 

•  I only need one or a few springs. Is Ebsco the best place to fill this type of order? 

Ebsco Spring doesn't keep an inventory of springs stocked, which generally makes small orders not cost-effective for you. Instead, there are catalog spring companies that keep stock of various sizes of springs.  They would be your first source.  Another possibility would be to find a machine shop that can “Hand Coil” springs with very basic requirements.

 

• What size springs does Ebsco manufacture?

Ebsco manufactures springs from .004” up to .625” wire.

 

• What’s the difference between hard drawn and music wire?

Hard drawn wire is the most common and affordable steel wire available. It has a lower tensile than music wire, which makes hard drawn ideal for low-stress applications but unsuitable for the high-stress and repetitive uses that music wire is often used for. 

 

• How can I decide what material my spring should be? 

The proper material for a spring is determined primarily by the environment the spring will work in. At Ebsco Spring, we offer guidance for deciding between stainless steel and carbon steel and other design choices. Contact us for help diagnosing the spring needs of your project.  

 

• What are “Hot Wound” springs?

Hot Wound is a manufacturing process that uses heat to help shape the wire as it is coiled.  This is typically done for larger sizes of wire over .625” diameter and helps to ensure the consistency and quality of each spring. 

 

• What other processes does Ebsco Spring offer in spring manufacturing?

Ebsco offers several in-house processes including, passivate, grinding, shot peening, de-burr, chamfering, heat treating, pre-setting, heat setting, vibrating and custom processes.  In addition, we have partnered with other specialty companies to provide services such as mag particles, liquid penetrant, specialized coatings and many others. 

 

• Do I want to have my springs shot peened?

Shot peening is a process used on spring wire that increases fatigue strength and will drastically increase the life of a spring in most cases.  Some coated wires should not be shot peened, however, as it will damage the coating. Tensile strength of the wire also must be taken into consideration.  For more specific information contact our engineer, Paul Lord, through our contact page on this web site.

 

• What’s the difference between pitch and the space between the coils?

Spring pitch is the calculated distance between centers of fully pitched coils, as opposed to the distance from the wire of one coil to the adjacent coil. Engineers often note the number of active coils used in a spring to help alleviate any confusion. 

 

• What's the difference between a spring's 'rate' and a spring's 'load'? 

Rate refers to how much weight, or force, needs to be applied to compress a spring an inch. Rate is a measurement of the softness of the spring. 

Load refers to how much weight, or force, needs to be applied to compress the spring to a certain height. Load is an engineering consideration because a customer can specify how much weight a spring needs to be able to carry while at a specified height and Ebsco Spring then engineers a spring for that use. 

 

• Does EBSCO Spring supply material certifications or conformance certifications?

Both options are within our capabilities, but those projects require an additional charge. 

 

• Is there an option to expedite my order? 

We attempt to meet all special requests from our customers whenever possible. Ebsco Spring is able to expedite orders when our current work load and machine availability allows. Be sure to check with our sales department for your order. 

 

• What is Ebsco Spring's return policy? 

Returns are accepted in the rare situations when parts used prove to be defective or do not meet the customer's agreed upon specifications. 

  

• What is Ebsco policy regarding the environment?

Ebsco has its environmental policy posted here on this website. We have a detailed Environmental Management Program that complies with the standards of ISO 14001.

 

• What contingencies does Ebsco Spring have in the case of a disaster that would render their facilities inoperable? 

Ebsco is in the process of completing a business continuity plan that address ALL aspects of our business including supply and distribution.  The Ebsco Business Continuity Management System is designed to comply with ISO 22301.

 

 If you have a question that isn't answered here, call or email us and we'll be happy to help.