Adding Value to a Spring Through Encapsulation

A Spring-Loaded Device (SLD) or Enhanced Spring is a device that adds value to a spring by encapsulating it in a body and providing a plunger tip or ball on one end—enabling accurate and repeatable end forces.

Not a bolt or a screw, a spring-loaded device should not be subjected to the same installation or fastening forces common with bolts and screws. An SLD does not have the head size of a screw or bolt and it has a (hollow) threaded or push-fit style body in order to encapsulate a spring.

Vlier highly recommends that you read the SLD Installation section before designing SLDs into your product or fixture.

Vlier spring-loaded devices fall into four main categories:

• Standard Spring Plungers Stubby Spring Plungers Ball Plungers
• Quick Release Plungers

WHY USE A SPRING-LOADED DEVICE

Manufacturers choose spring-loaded devices over standard springs and self-manufactured parts for many reasons. The most common reasons are:

• Accurate, repeatable end forces Easier side loading (impossible for springs) Simpler to install than standard springs One subassembly replaces multiple components Repeatable projection time after time
• Minimal spring compression set