Torsion Springs and Their Benefits
Contents |
Introduction
Torsion springs are widely used in many different industries, from construction and rail to architecture and aerospace. Their helical design allows them to exert rotary force and is ideal for when there is a need for angular movement with the legs of the spring attached to other components.
What are Torsion Springs?
These springs can store and release angular energy or just hold a mechanism in place. They are made to provide or maintain a rotational pressure between two surfaces by allowing components to rotate around the centre of the spring, which attempts to push them back to their original position. In a general manner, torsion springs should be created to spring in the opposite direction as the coil, as they will not be able to withstand heavier weights if otherwise.
However, because there are so many different designs, they are capable of meeting many different requirements and fit a wealth of applications.
Materials Used for Torsion Springs
A lot of materials have the ability to bend without breaking, while others do not. It is crucial that the materials chosen for springs, including for torsion springs, can flex without breaking. Some of the most common materials for springs include (but are not limited to):
- High carbon steels – the most common materials for springs. They might need extra corrosive protection like pre-galvanised coating.
- Stainless steels – perhaps the most important alloy steel for springs, stainless steel has a high degree of corrosion and heat resistance.
- Alloy steels – common alloy steels include chrome vanadium and chrome silicon. They’re suitable for shock loads, such as engine valve springs.
- Non-ferrous alloys – these alloys are best suited for applications that require good electrical conductivity.
- High-temperature alloys – metals like cold drawn nickel and chromium alloys are suitable for applications that need good corrosion resistance at elevated temperatures.
Applications of Torsion Springs
Torsion springs can be used in a wide variety of circumstances, objects and mechanisms. They are common in everyday objects as well. Amongst some of their most popular applications are clothespins, door hinges, paper cutters, vehicle suspensions, watches, clipboards, mousetraps, switches, and much more.
Advantages of Torsion Springs
Torsion springs provide many benefits to the objects and mechanisms they are used in, which adds to their popularity. Key benefits of these springs include:
- Durable – they last for a long time and provide good value for money
- Easy to use – for example, torsion springs can be adjusted easily in vehicles
- Small – the relatively small size of torsion springs allows them to fit many applications, even with limited space
Find Out More
Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Compression springs.
- Flat springs.
- Key Qualities of Springs.
- The Importance of Gas Springs.
- Large and Hot Coiled Compression Springs
- Springs in Structures
- The Multiple Uses of Compression Springs
- The Properties of Die Springs
- Tension springs v torsion springs
- The Difference Between Tension and Torsion Springs
- Torsion.
- Types of spring.
Featured articles and news
Government consultations for the summer of 2025
A year of Labour, past and present consultations on the environment, the built environment, training and tax.
CMA competitiveness probe of major housing developers
100 million affordable housing contributions committed with further consultation published.
Homes England supports Greencore Homes
42 new build affordable sustainable homes in Oxfordshire.
Zero carbon social housing: unlocking brownfield potential
Seven ZEDpod strategies for brownfield housing success.
CIOB report; a blueprint for SDGs and the built environment
Pairing the Sustainable Development Goals with projects.
Types, tests, standards and fires relating to external cladding
Brief descriptions with an extensive list of fires for review.
Latest Build UK Building Safety Regime explainer published
Key elements in one short, now updated document.
UKGBC launch the UK Climate Resilience Roadmap
First guidance of its kind on direct climate impacts for the built environment and how it can adapt.
CLC Health, Safety and Wellbeing Strategy 2025
Launched by the Minister for Industry to look at fatalities on site, improving mental health and other issues.
One of the most impressive Victorian architects. Book review.
Common Assessment Standard now with building safety
New CAS update now includes mandatory building safety questions.
RTPI leader to become new CIOB Chief Executive Officer
Dr Victoria Hills MRTPI, FICE to take over after Caroline Gumble’s departure.
Social and affordable housing, a long term plan for delivery
The “Delivering a Decade of Renewal for Social and Affordable Housing” strategy sets out future path.
A change to adoptive architecture
Effects of global weather warming on architectural detailing, material choice and human interaction.
The proposed publicly owned and backed subsidiary of Homes England, to facilitate new homes.
How big is the problem and what can we do to mitigate the effects?
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
A number of cool guides to help with the heat.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.