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