Canted coil springs, also known as slant coil springs, may be small in size, but their impact on engineering performance is substantial. Designed for multifunctionality, these springs serve critical roles in sealing, conductivity, mechanical latching, and load management. Flexforce, a proprietary line of canted coil springs offered by Advanced EMC Technologies, stands out for its exceptional precision, reliability, and adaptability across high-performance applications.
This article examines the distinctive features of Flexforce springs and what distinguishes them in various industries, including aerospace and medical devices.
What Are Canted Coil Springs?
Canted coil springs are composed of coils that are slanted (or canted) relative to the spring’s longitudinal axis, creating a unique geometry that enables uniform load behavior, consistent deflection characteristics, and multiple functional capabilities. Unlike more traditional springs, canted coil springs can maintain contact under highly variable tolerances and can be engineered for precise load-deflection profiles. Their design allows them to serve in sealing systems, act as conductive elements, enable mechanical locking mechanisms, and support high-cycle dynamic motion.
Defining the Flexforce Canted Coil Spring Difference
What makes Flexforce canted coil springs different? Here are five specific areas where the Flexforce makes a significant difference.
Precision Engineering and Manufacturing
Flexforce canted coil springs are produced with attention to consistency and quality. Advanced EMC Technologies employs precision manufacturing methods that ensure uniform coil spacing, tight dimensional tolerances, and high precision. This level of control is essential for mission-critical industries such as aerospace and medical devices, where even minor performance variation can result in system failure or safety risks.
Exceptional Load Control and Deflection Behavior
One of the key differentiators of Flexforce springs is their ability to maintain a nearly constant load across a wide range of deflection. This load-deflection stability enables engineers to design systems with predictable force behavior, whether under static compression, dynamic cycling, or thermal expansion. Flexforce springs can also be tailored to specific load profiles, ensuring optimal functionality in high-precision assemblies.
Multi-Functional Capabilities
Flexforce canted coil springs serve multiple roles within a single system. They provide spring-energizing force in sealing systems, enhancing the performance of PTFE and other polymer-based seals in extreme conditions. Additionally, they enable electrical conductivity, critical in applications such as EMI/RFI shielding and battery grounding. Their design also supports mechanical retention and latching, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly in components requiring secure but removable connections.
Customization and Material Versatility
Flexforce springs are available in a range of materials, including stainless steel, Elgiloy®, Hastelloy®, and other high-performance alloys. These materials offer varying levels of corrosion resistance, strength, and temperature tolerance. For applications requiring electrical conductivity or specialized environments, coatings can be applied to enhance performance. Flexforce also offers custom spring geometries and load curves to meet the unique demands of each application.
Design and Integration Advantages
Flexforce springs are designed with integration in mind. Their compact size and flexible design parameters allow engineers to incorporate them into existing designs without extensive modifications. Assembly is simplified, resulting in reduced labor time and costs. Additionally, their high reliability lowers maintenance needs and extends service intervals, which is particularly important in industries where downtime is costly.
Flexforce Canted Coil Spring Performance in Critical Industries
Medical Devices
In medical technology, miniaturization and reliability are non-negotiable. Flexforce springs meet these demands with high precision and cleanliness. Their ability to function reliably in compact designs with low particulate generation makes them suitable for use in surgical robotics, implantable devices, diagnostic tools, and precision instruments. Biocompatible materials and cleanroom-friendly manufacturing further position Flexforce as a leader in medical spring solutions.
Aerospace and Space Exploration
Flexforce springs are engineered for the extreme conditions of aerospace and space applications. They operate reliably under vacuum conditions, extreme temperatures, and mechanical vibrations. In spacecraft and satellite systems, they are commonly used in spring-energized seals, electrical connectors, and latch mechanisms. Their high cycle life and performance under thermal and mechanical stress ensure continued operation in environments where failure is not an option.
Renewable Energy and EV Applications
In the renewable energy and electric vehicle (EV) sectors, Flexforce springs are utilized to manage electrical pathways, ensure electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, and support mechanical functions in high-vibration environments. Their resistance to fatigue and consistent load behavior make them ideal for dynamic systems, including battery packs, connectors, and control units. As EV and renewable energy technologies continue to advance, the demand for robust, multifunctional spring components, such as Flexforce, will only increase.
Why Engineers Choose Flexforce Canted Coil Springs
Engineers and OEMs choose Flexforce canted coil springs due to their proven performance and adaptability. Advanced EMC supports its Flexforce product line with engineering consultation, custom design services, and rigorous quality assurance. Whether the need is for a high-reliability seal in space or a low-resistance conductive spring in a medical device, Flexforce provides a dependable solution that can be tailored to meet exact specifications.
Conclusion
Flexforce canted coil springs are more than just components—they are enablers of performance, reliability, and innovation across high-stakes industries. Their precision construction, multi-functional capabilities, and customizability set them apart in the world of engineered spring solutions. For engineers seeking consistent performance under extreme conditions, Flexforce delivers. Contact Advanced EMC Technologies to learn how Flexforce springs can elevate your next high-performance design.