What is the difference between constant rate and variable-rate coil springs?

Linear or constant-rate springs deflect force at the same rate because they are designed with equal distances between the coils. With progressive or variable-rate springs, the rate of deflection changes during compression because the distance between the coils is uneven.

Do coil springs have a variable-rate?

A coil spring with only a single rate will ride rougher down the road. Progressive-rate coil springs are also called variable-rate coils springs, and have a spring rate that increases as the coil compresses from free length (unloaded).

What’s better linear or progressive springs?

So, Generally speaking, a progressive rate spring will be the better choice for a car that is going to see any time on surface street as it is better set up to deal with the demands of street driving, but if you’ve got a trackday-only toy, linear is a great way to go.

What is meant by the term variable pitch in reference to coil spring?

Variable pitch springs are springs that do not have constant coil spacing. This type of coiling design offers a number of advantages, and a wide range of products depend on variable pitch springs to deliver optimal performance.

What advantages are there to variable rate springs?

Variable rate springs have the potential of improved ride quality over a wide load range, provided an adequate total deflection can be accommodated on the vehicle and the springs are designed correctly, with specifications which include control for manufacturing to obtain desired spring rates.

What advantages are there to variable rate springs and when are they used?

Variable rate springs provide a lower spring rate under unloaded conditions offering a smoother ride, and a higher spring rate under loaded conditions, resulting in more support and control.

Are Swift springs progressive or linear?

Swift springs are linear, unfortunately they don’t make progressive springs.

What is a dual rate coil spring?

Dual-rate: a spring combination that utilizes two springs in a series to achieve a softer initial rate. Once the Secondary Spring goes to block or the slider hits the stop ring (called Transition Point) the load deflection characteristic changes solely to the rate of the Primary Spring.

How do variable force springs work?

Variable Force Springs are recommended for applications where a stronger force is initially required to move the product. As the product is removed, the variable force spring automatically adjusts to the lighter load, which provides smooth product transition.

How do constant force springs work?

It is a pre-stressed flat strip of spring material which is formed into virtually constant radius coils around itself or on a drum. When the strip is extended (deflected) the inherent stress resists the loading force, the same as a common extension spring, but at a nearly constant (zero) rate.

How does the variable rate spring operate?

Variable rate springs provide a lower spring rate under unloaded conditions offering a smoother ride, and a higher spring rate under loaded conditions, resulting in more support and control. Coil springs require no adjustment and for the most part are trouble-free. The most common failure is spring sag.