Metal Stampings vs Flat Springs

Although sometimes used interchangeably, there is indeed a difference between metal stampings and flat springs. Metal stampings are components that have been cut, shaped, or pressed into a specific design. They are not usually designed to move flexibly or bend repeatedly, but rather are sturdy.

Flat springs on the other hand, are typically made to be flexible with the intent of returning to their original shape after being bent. They are usually thin, flat pieces of metal that bends when force is applied and releases back to their original shape once the force is removed.

Design

Newcomb Spring is equipped to produce precision metal stamping and flat spring components from sheet material or etched blanks. For high-volume manufacturing runs, we typically utilize hard tooling that can withstand long or repeated production runs. Due to the costly nature of producing these parts, it is often recommended to order a short run of parts to verify the component’s functionality in its application to avoid expensive design errors. Working with Newcomb Spring’s design assistance department can assist in reviewing the part’s fit and assist in avoiding these errors; one important reason to make us your preferred stamping plant.

Production

The extensive variety of equipment we utilize to produce stampings, strip forms, and flat springs, combined with our use of form tools, allows Newcomb Spring to create complex shapes as well as produce die sets that can be used for cutting, etching, extruding, notching, swedging, stamping, and more. Our facilities also offer primary and secondary operation departments, which work to produce short-order flat form components.

Whenever possible, metal stampings and flat springs should be designed to bend against the grain of material (i.e. perpendicular to the grain) to improve the life expectancy and reduce the risk of fracturing. For more guidance on your design, contact us today!