To make a spring softer and reduce its force, you generally have a few options:
Decrease Wire Diameter:
- Reducing the wire diameter of a spring reduces its stiffness, which means that the spring requires less force to achieve a given amount of deflection or compression.
Increase the Coil Diameter:
- Increasing the coil diameter of a spring can make it softer because it alters the geometry of the spring, leading to a reduction in the spring constant or stiffness, this will also increase the deflection/compression.
Increase the Number of Coils:
- Increasing the number of coils in the spring can make it softer. This is because adding more coils increases the overall length of the spring and the number of turns, which can result in a lower spring rate. This will also increase the deflection/compression.
Use a Softer Material:
- Choosing a material with a lower modulus of elasticity or a lower tensile strength can make the spring softer. However, changing the material may also affect other properties, so it’s crucial to consider the overall impact on performance.
Alter End Configurations:
- Changing the end configurations of the spring, such as using a different type of end or modifying the hooks, can influence the spring’s behaviour. However, this might have a more subtle effect compared to adjusting wire diameter or coil count.
Heat Treatment:
- Subjecting the spring to a heat treatment process, such as annealing, can help relax the material and reduce its stiffness. Be cautious with this method, as excessive heat treatment may affect other material properties.