HOW TO MAKE A LEAF SPRING

Step 1

Relevant manufacturing details are entered into the items process sheet that will accompany the springs until their completion.

Step 2

The required material size is selected from our extensive spring steel stock and cut by guillotine to the required lengths.

Step 3

The spring end treatment is then applied. This could involve tapering and/or spearing the ends of the spring. An eye is then wound on the ‘main’ leaf, along with the ‘curl’, if required, to the ‘second’ leaf.

Step 4

All our leaf springs are formed hot on our own designed and built forming machines in either complete spring packs or as individual leaves depending on the size of the spring. Once formed the leaf spring is then quenched in oil to produce a hardened spring. The spring once quenched is too hard and brittle for use and must be toughened. This is achieved by re-heating the spring to a pre-determined temperature that produces a finished hardness that will resist sagging, while being ductile enough to avoid breakage. This process is known as ‘tempering’.

Next Steps +

SPRING HARDNESS - A critical parameter

Achieving the correct hardness, measured in Rockwell C, is the most important step in the spring making process. At Industrial Springs we pay very close attention to all our manufacturing processes that will influence the springs final hardness as this will determine the longevity of the spring and how well it resists sagging or breakage.