SMI | Spring Manufacturers Institute

SMI's next Spring Design Webinar, 203: Torsion Spring Design, is on Thursday, December 19, 2024. The webinar will take place via Microsoft Teams from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. EST. Spring Design 203: Torsion Spring Design combines instruction on basic spring design fundamentals, along with the opportunity for hands-on use of SMI’s world-famous Advanced Spring Design 7 (ASD7) software. The course is designed as a focused, real-world spring design training session. For more information or to register, email [email protected]. #SpringDesign #Manufacturing #SpringManufacturing

#TechnicalTuesday Conical springs are also called cone springs because of their shape. Unlike standard compression springs, these are designed with a tapered shape, allowing coils to nest inside each other when compressed. Conical springs are often found in valves, battery contacts, and heavy machinery. #Conicalsprings #Springs #Springdesign #Manufacturing

A new episode of the #SpringsAreEverywherePodcast is now available! This episode explores training, a vital element to the future success of any business, especially for those in manufacturing. The first segment features Rodney Poore, a seasoned professional in CNC spring machine manufacturing and technical training with over 45 years of hands-on experience. He’s an adjunct instructor at McHenry County College, where he teaches courses that emphasize machine shop safety, technical skills, and quality assurance. In addition to this, Rodney works in an engineering role at SMI member company Perfection Spring & Stamping Corp. The second segment of the podcast focuses on leadership training with Raquel Chole, president and CEO of Global Leadership Resources. Her passion for leadership originated from her time in the spring industry, and for more than 20 years, Raquel worked in global business development for an automotive component maker. In addition, she has been a regular contributor to Springs magazine. Listen today! #SpringsAreEverywhere #newpodcastepisode #listennow Spotify: https://buff.ly/4eP9yXU YouTube: https://buff.ly/49nQBuF Apple Podcasts: https://buff.ly/4944cad The Springs Are Everywhere podcast is sponsored by our Platinum Sponsor, Gibbs Interwire (www.gibbswire.com) and our Silver Sponsor, Automated Industrial Motion (www.aimcoil.com).

#SpringsAreEverywhere With a few weeks of fall left, there's still time to go apple-picking! Apple harvesting machines use spring mechanisms to collect fruit. Tension springs in the machine’s mechanical arms help gently shake tree branches, causing ripe apples to drop without damage. Are there any last activities you want to complete before winter sets in?

#TechnicalTuesday Not all springs have evenly-spaced coils! Variable pitch springs are a clever solution for applications that need non-linear force distribution—like office chairs or recliners. A variable pitch spring creates an office chair's tilt mechanism by initially offering low resistance when you first lean back. As you recline further, the spring progressively increases tension to provide controlled support. What other applications could this spring be in? Let us know in the comments below!

#SpringsAreEverywhere Next time you flip open your spiral-bound notebook, take a moment to appreciate the spring that holds it together. The metal or plastic coil on the spine is a spiral spring, which allows the notebook to open smoothly and lie flat for easy writing. This simple yet clever design keeps everything secure and functional, page after page. #SpiralBoundNotebooks #NotebookDesign #SpringsInAction #FunctionalDesign

#TechnicalTuesday A wave spring is a type of compression spring made from flat wire, featuring multiple waves per turn. This design allows the wave spring to generate the same force as a coil spring, but in a much smaller form. As a result, wave springs are ideal for applications in compact electronics, such as smartwatches, aerospace equipment and medical devices.

#SpringsAreEverywhere Did you know that the pop-up thermometer in your Thanksgiving turkey uses a tiny spring to make sure your bird is perfectly cooked? These handy gadgets are simple but effective: inside the thermometer, there’s a spring attached to a small piece of soft metal. When the turkey reaches the right internal temperature, the metal softens and releases the spring, causing the thermometer to “pop up.” Are you excited for the upcoming holidays? What's your favorite Thanksgiving dish?

There’s only a few more days to register for SMI’s upcoming Springs Design Class! 202: Extension Spring Design is on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024. The webinar will take place via Microsoft Teams from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. EST. For more information or to register, email [email protected].

#TechnicalTuesday Springs have been around since the Bronze Age! Simple leaf springs were used in chariots as far back as 1300 B.C. Today, leaf springs support the weight of cars and trucks, help maintain tire grip on the road, and regulate wheelbase length.