Canted Coil Springs
by Sara McCaslin, PhD Sara McCaslin, PhD No Comments

Harnessing Precision: Canted Coil Springs for Electrical Connectivity

In high-reliability environments, a single faulty connection can bring an entire system to a halt. Consistent electrical connectivity is non-negotiable, whether you’re designing a surgical device, an electric vehicle battery, or a satellite communication module. That’s where canted coil springs—also known as slant coil springs—come into play. These precision components deliver mechanical integrity and electrical conduction in a single compact, customizable form.

This article examines how canted coil springs function, their unique suitability for electrical conduction, and the diverse industries that benefit from their performance.

What Are Canted Coil Springs?

Canted coil springs are helically wound springs with a distinctive slanted coil geometry. Canted coil springs deflect with a predictable radial force rather than compressing along a single axis like traditional springs. This unique construction allows them to maintain uniform, controlled contact pressure—ideal for applications where reliability is key.

Unlike flat or conical springs, canted coil springs generate contact at multiple points along their circumference. This design makes them incredibly versatile. In fact, engineers commonly used canted coil springn applications requiring precise force control, EMI shielding, secure mechanical latching, and, crucially, electrical conduction.

Canted Coil Spring and Electrical Connectivity: How It Works

An electrical connectivity application typically places a canted coil spring between two conductive surfaces, such as a connector housing and contact ring. The spring’s slanted coils deflect slightly, pressing outward or inward to maintain multi-point contact between the mating surfaces.

This contact redundancy provides a consistent low-resistance electrical path, even under vibration, thermal cycling, or slight misalignment. The result is a stable current transfer mechanism with excellent signal fidelity and minimal wear.

By distributing the conduction path across many points, the spring avoids the pitfalls of single-contact systems, such as localized arcing or overheating. Engineers can tune the spring to achieve desired contact forces and electrical resistance values, tailoring performance to the specific demands of the application.

Why Canted Coil Springs Outperform Traditional Contact Solutions

Compared to conventional conduction components—like pin contacts, blade terminals, or rigid busbar interfaces—canted coil springs offer distinct advantages:

  • Multi-point redundancy: Reduces the risk of contact failure due to contamination, vibration, or misalignment
  • Consistent contact force: Prevents arcing, overheating, and wear at the contact interface
  • Flexible integration: Adapts to tight design envelopes and dynamic mating conditions
  • Long service life: Durable construction and reliable deflection characteristics extend operational lifespan

These factors make canted coil spring conduction particularly attractive for mission-critical applications where downtime or signal loss is unacceptable.

Industries and Applications 

The versatility of canted coil spring conduction spans multiple sectors:

  • Medical Devices: Reliable electrical contacts in surgical tools, implantables, and diagnostic equipment
  • Aerospace & Defense: EMI-shielded connectors and vibration-tolerant current paths in avionics and satellites
  • Electric Vehicles: High-density spring contacts in battery modules, charging systems, and control electronics
  • Industrial Automation: Rotating interfaces and slip rings in robotic arms and sensors
  • Telecom & Data Centers: Compact, high-frequency electrical connectors for server and communication hardware

Each industry depends on secure, repeatable electrical connections in environments where failure is not an option. Advanced EMC canted coil spring products can benefit each one.

Conclusion

Canted coil springs provide more than just mechanical support—they deliver consistent, low-resistance electrical conduction in compact, high-performance applications. Their multi-point contact design offers superior reliability, adaptability, and durability when compared to conventional contact solutions.

For engineers and decision-makers across various industries, canted coil spring conduction provides an innovative, scalable solution for meeting challenging electrical interface requirements. Explore Advanced EMC’s complete line of slant coil spring technologies to discover how precision connectivity can elevate your next project.

by Brandon Pascual Brandon Pascual 5 Comments

Spring-Energized Seals: Technical Mastery in Challenging Applications

When it comes to critical industrial applications, the smallest component can make the biggest difference. Advanced EMC Technologies’ spring-energized seals are at the forefront of sealing technology, engineered to thrive in some of the harshest environments. Here, we delve into specific use cases that illustrate the technical challenges our seals overcome and the innovative design features that make them indispensable.

Tackling Extreme Pressure and Temperature in Oil and Gas Downhole Tools

In the oil and gas sector, downhole tools are subjected to pressures exceeding 30,000 psi and temperatures that can fluctuate drastically between the surface and deep subterranean environments. These tools must also contend with corrosive fracking fluids and abrasive particulates that can compromise seal integrity.

Advanced EMC Technologies developed a custom slantcoil spring design that maintains a consistent sealing force across a wide deflection range, crucial for ensuring reliability in dynamic pressure conditions. By integrating PTFE blends specifically formulated for high-pressure and high-temperature applications, these seals resist chemical attack and provide low friction, reducing wear and extending service life.

Our seals have been successfully deployed in deep-sea drilling operations, where they have demonstrated superior durability and reliability, minimizing downtime and maintenance costs. The ability to maintain seal integrity under such extreme conditions has solidified our reputation as a leader in sealing solutions for the oil and gas industry.

Ensuring Integrity in Aerospace Cryogenic Systems

Aerospace cryogenic systems, particularly those handling liquid oxygen, require seals that can perform at temperatures as low as -320°F without becoming brittle or losing elasticity. The challenge is compounded by the need to ensure that these seals do not outgas or introduce contaminants into ultra-clean environments.

Our cantilever beam spring seals, crafted from proprietary PTFE blends, offer the flexibility and resilience needed to maintain a tight seal at cryogenic temperatures. These seals are engineered to provide a constant sealing force, compensating for any thermal contraction or expansion of the surrounding hardware. Additionally, the materials used are selected for their low outgassing properties, ensuring that the stringent cleanliness requirements of aerospace applications are met.

In liquid oxygen systems, our seals have proven their ability to prevent leakage and maintain system integrity, even under the mechanical stresses encountered during aerospace operations. This reliability is critical not only for the performance of the systems but also for the safety of the personnel and equipment involved.

Enhancing Durability and Precision in Semiconductor Manufacturing

Semiconductor manufacturing involves the use of highly corrosive chemicals and demands seals that can function in ultra-clean environments without introducing contaminants. The seals must also withstand the rigors of high temperatures and fluctuating pressures during processes like chemical vapor deposition (CVD).

Advanced EMC Technologies’ helical spring seals are designed to provide a robust sealing solution that can endure the harsh chemical environments typical in semiconductor manufacturing. Our seals are made from specially formulated PTFE blends that offer exceptional chemical resistance and low friction, crucial for maintaining precision and reliability in CVD processes.

Our seals have been instrumental in enhancing the longevity and performance of semiconductor manufacturing equipment. By reducing the frequency of seal replacements and minimizing contamination risks, we have helped our clients achieve higher yields and improved process stability.

Delivering Precision and Reliability in Medical Devices

In the medical field, particularly in implantable devices like pumps and valves, seals must not only provide reliable performance over long periods but also be biocompatible and resistant to the sterilization processes required for medical-grade components.

Our slantcoil spring seals are specifically designed for medical applications, offering a gentle but effective sealing force that prevents fluid leakage in delicate, high-precision devices. These seals are manufactured from biocompatible materials that withstand repeated sterilization without degrading, ensuring long-term reliability.

In implantable medical pumps, our seals have demonstrated exceptional performance, maintaining their integrity and functionality over extended periods. This reliability is critical for patient safety and device efficacy, making our seals a trusted choice in the medical industry.

Conclusion

Advanced EMC Technologies’ spring-energized seals are more than just components—they are critical to the success of some of the most challenging industrial applications. By understanding the specific demands of each industry and application, we engineer solutions that not only meet but exceed expectations, providing reliability, durability, and peace of mind.

If you are facing a sealing challenge in your industry, reach out to our team to discover how our advanced sealing solutions can drive your success.

FAQs:

What makes spring-energized seals superior for extreme applications?
Spring-energized seals are designed to maintain a constant sealing force, even under extreme pressure, temperature, and chemical conditions, making them ideal for harsh environments.

How do spring-energized seals perform in cryogenic temperatures?
Spring-energized seals, especially those made from PTFE blends, retain their flexibility and sealing integrity at cryogenic temperatures, preventing leakage and maintaining performance.

What industries benefit most from spring-energized seals?
Industries such as oil and gas, aerospace, semiconductor manufacturing, and medical devices greatly benefit from the reliability and durability of spring-energized seals.

Can spring-energized seals be customized for specific applications?
Yes, Advanced EMC Technologies offers customization of spring-energized seals to meet the unique requirements of specific applications and industries.

What materials are used in spring-energized seals for chemical resistance?
Advanced EMC Technologies uses specially formulated PTFE blends and other high-performance materials to ensure chemical resistance and longevity in harsh environments.