New high performance battery springs, larger size REDUX wave springs and more designs of Lite Pressure stainless steel compression springs were announced by stock and custom spring specialist Lee Spring Limited at the Southern Manufacturing & Electronics Exhibition at Farnborough 11-12 February 2009.
Battery springs provide fast, efficient and reliable contacts in applications where portable power is required, for example, in battery compartments. Manufactured from beryllium copper, one of the hardest, strongest and most hard wearing copper alloys, the springs feature a silver coating that enhances electrical and thermal conductivity performance -raising it to 65 to 70% that of copper – and makes them easy to solder.
These new springs supplement an existing stock range
[Battery springs|http://www.leespring.co.uk/pages/battery.html] which is manufactured from nickel coated music wire to match the nickel plated containers used by most alkaline batteries. The use of similar materials removes the possibility of galvanic corrosion and enhances resistance to wear. Additionally, nickel helps to break down the oxide that can form on battery contact surfaces while offering excellent corrosion resistance and electrical conductivity.
Both ranges are designed to adjust to varying battery lengths and provide secure, low contact resistance and dependable connections with the four most popular battery sizes: AA, AAA, C and D. Four mounting configurations are offered – interior, exterior, adjustable, double – and custom designs are possible.
These high performance battery springs will appeal to engineers who are developing devices where exceptional endurance and ruggedness are key requirements.
Over 200 new sizes of REDUX wave springs have been added to Lee Spring’s range [Wave springs|http://www.leespring.co.uk/pages/reduxspring.html] extending the maximum hole diameter in which they will operate to 44.45mm (1.75ins). Wave springs perform a similar function to compression springs but they take up to approximately 50% less compressed height. Manufactured in stainless steel type 17-7 PH the wave springs offer optimum performance in static or slightly dynamic applications where space is critical or where radial and axial tolerances are tight.
Similarly, more stock sizes of the company’s Lite Pressure compression springs
[Lite Pressure springs|http://www.leespring.co.uk/pages/litepressure.html] in Type 316 stainless steel have been added to the portfolio. Designed to meet demands for compression springs combining low spring rates with large diameters these high index springs deliver from 7 to 35kPa pressure @ 80% deflection. Typical applications include valves, pistons, syringes, motor brushes, dispensers, contacts and toys.
All these spring products will feature in the new Lee Spring stock spring catalogue due to be published in April 2009.