Ultimate Guide to Using the Online Spring Force Tester (OSFT) for Spring Testing
Attention! Input results shown will be +/- 10% from middle value. Hint: The closer your min and max inputs are, the more accurate your results will be!
Attention! Input results shown will be +/- 10% from middle value. Hint: The closer your min and max inputs are, the more accurate your results will be!
Attention! Input results shown will be +/- 10% from middle value. Hint: The closer your min and max inputs are, the more accurate your results will be!
Ensuring that springs perform reliably under various operational conditions is critical for the safety, efficiency, and longevity of the products they are part of. As technology and design standards advance, the demand for precise and reliable spring testing methods has become more pronounced.
Traditional spring testing methods typically involve physical devices that measure parameters such as spring rate, load capacity, and deflection. These devices, while effective, can be time-consuming, costly, and require specialized equipment and training. The limitations of physical testing methods have led to the development of more advanced, digital solutions that offer greater flexibility, accuracy, and efficiency.
One of the latest innovations in this field is the Online Spring Force Tester (OSFT) developed by Acxess Spring. The OSFT is a cutting-edge, web-based application that allows users to conduct comprehensive tests on their selected springs without the need for expensive and bulky physical testing equipment. This tool revolutionizes the spring testing process by providing an accessible and highly functional platform for simulating real-world operational conditions.
The OSFT offers a range of testing capabilities, including rate testing, travel testing, load testing, and visual simulations. These features enable engineers, designers, and quality control professionals to accurately assess the performance of springs in various applications, ensuring that they meet specific performance standards and operational requirements.
In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the features, applications, and benefits of the OSFT, providing a detailed step-by-step process on how to use this innovative tool effectively. Whether you are involved in the automotive, aerospace, medical, consumer electronics, or industrial sector, this guide will help you leverage the OSFT to ensure that your springs perform optimally under all operational conditions.
The Online Spring Force Tester (OSFT) by Acxess Spring it’s a sophisticated, web-based application designed to simulate and analyze the performance of springs under various operational conditions. This section provides an in-depth overview of the OSFT, detailing its key features, functionalities, and benefits. These features include:
Spring Rate Testing
Spring Rate testing measures the stiffness or spring constant of a spring, which is crucial for applications where precise force measurements are required. The OSFT allows users to perform online spring rate testing by applying incremental loads to the spring and recording the resulting deflections. This data is then plotted on a load vs. distance traveled graph, enabling users to analyze the spring's stiffness accurately.
Spring Deflection Travel Testing
Spring Deflection Travel testing assesses the maximum distance a compression coil spring can compress and determines if a compression spring can reach its solid height safely without permanent set (fully compressed coil bind state). This test ensures that the compression spring can operate within the desired range of motion without experiencing permanent deformation. The OSFT facilitates travel testing by gradually increasing the load applied to the spring and measuring the deflection at each increment.
Spring Load Testing
Spring Load testing determines the maximum load force a spring can bear without failing. This is essential for applications that require the compression spring to support significant weights or forces. The OSFT allows users to specify a range of loads to be tested, apply these loads incrementally, and observe the spring's behavior. This helps identify the maximum load the spring can withstand without permanent deformation or failure.
Visual Spring Simulations
One of the standout features of the OSFT is its ability to provide visual in motion simulations of spring behavior under various conditions. Users can input operational parameters and initiate simulations that display real-time graphical feedback on the spring's performance. This includes data such as load vs. loaded height of the spring. Visual in motion simulations are particularly useful for identifying potential spring failure points and understanding the spring's performance in a real-world context.
The Online Spring Force Tester (OSFT) by Acxess Spring is a sophisticated and user-friendly web-based application designed to simulate and analyze the performance of springs under various operational conditions. This section provides an in-depth look at how the OSFT works, detailing the steps from accessing the tool to running comprehensive simulations and analyzing the results.
To begin using the OSFT, navigate to The Spring Store website and locate the "Spring Finder 5.0" tool, from there you can choose the type of spring you need to test (compression, torsion or extension). The OSFT is integrated within this platform, allowing users to seamlessly transition from spring selection to testing. This integration provides a streamlined workflow, enhancing efficiency and user experience.
Using Spring Finder 5.0, users can input their specific requirements and search for the appropriate spring. The tool allows for detailed criteria inputs for all spring dimensions. Hit the ‘Search’ button and the platform will search among trillions of spring configurations and can choose the springs that meet your needs.
The Spring Finder 5.0 tool features a stock spring tab in orange and a "Discover Similar Springs" tab in blue, displaying a comprehensive list of compression springs that match your criteria. Each listing includes detailed specifications such as outer diameter, free length, maximum load, maximum travel, and price. The algorithm behind Spring Finder 5.0 generates thousands of similar spring designs in real-time on the blue tab, offering both weaker and stronger spring options. With millions of possibilities, Spring Finder 5.0 ensures you will find the right compression spring for your needs.
Spring Finder 5.0 offers powerful filtering tools to refine your spring search results further. You can filter by any spring specification, including maximum load, spring rate, material type, and maximum deflection. These filters are especially useful when you need to narrow down thousands of potential options to the most suitable springs for your application.
Once a suitable spring is identified, its detailed specifications—such as spring rate, maximum load, and maximum travel—are automatically transferred to the OSFT for further testing. Check if your chosen spring matches your criteria. This seamless integration ensures that all relevant spring data is accurately carried over, minimizing the risk of errors.
Go to the fourth tab to access the Online Spring Force Tester. In the OSFT interface, users are prompted to input the specific load requirements for their test. This involves:
- Load Requirements: Specify the load or range of loads that the spring will be subjected to during testing. This helps in evaluating the spring's performance under different weights or forces.
- Load Height Requirements: Specify the loaded height or range of loaded heights that the spring will be subjected to during testing. This helps in assessing the spring's behavior and performance across different weights or forces during its travel.
This setup allows the OSFT to tailor the testing conditions to the specific requirements of the application, ensuring accurate and relevant results.
Once the parameters are set, users can initiate or pause the simulation. The OSFT provides real-time graphical feedback on the spring's performance in motion, displaying data such as load vs. distance travel and spring rate consistency. This visual representation is crucial for understanding how the spring will behave under actual working conditions and for identifying any potential issues.
Rate testing measures the stiffness or spring constant of a spring. This parameter is essential for applications where the spring’s resistance to compression must be precise. The OSFT allows users to perform rate testing by applying incremental loads to the spring and recording the resulting deflections. The tool then plots these values on a load vs. distance traveled (also known as deflection), enabling users to analyze the spring's stiffness accurately.
Procedure:
- Input the initial and final load values.
- Set the increment steps for the load application.
- Start the simulation and observe the load vs. distance traveled animation.
Analysis:
The visual in motion representation of the load vs. deflection represents the spring rate.
Travel testing assesses the maximum distance a compression spring can compress before reaching its solid height (fully compressed state). This test ensures that the spring can operate within the desired range of motion without experiencing permanent deformation.
Procedure:
- Apply a gradually increasing load, on OSFT, until the spring reaches its maximum load.
- Record the deflection travel at each load increment.
Analysis:
- Compare the maximum safe travel with the design specifications.
- Ensure that the spring can reach the required load safely and that the load is within the springs maximim load and maximum travel numbers.
Spring Load testing determines the maximum load a compression spring can bear without failing. This is essential for applications that require the spring to support significant weights or forces.
Procedure:
- Specify the range of loads to be tested.
- Apply the loads incrementally and observe the spring's behavior.
- Monitor for signs reaching maximim load or maximum deflection
Analysis:
- Identify the maximum load the spring can withstand without permanent deformation or failure.
- Compare this value with the required load capacity for the application.
The Online Spring Force Tester (OSFT) is not just a basic testing tool, but a comprehensive solution designed to provide detailed insights and precise data about spring performance. It comes packed with advanced features that enhance its functionality and make it an indispensable tool for engineers, spring designers, and quality control professionals. Below are some of the key advanced features that set the OSFT apart:
The OSFT, through Spring Finder 5.0, is integrated with an extensive database of spring designs, which allows for quick and easy access to detailed information about a wide range of millions of spring configurations. This database includes parameters such as dimensions, material properties, and performance metrics. The integration of this database ensures that users have all the necessary information at their fingertips, streamlining the spring testing process and enhancing the accuracy of simulations.
One of the standout features of the OSFT is its ability to provide real-time spring data analysis. As tests are conducted, the tool generates immediate feedback on the spring's performance, displaying data in an easily interpretable format. This includes real-time load vs. deflection animations, failure alert, and performance data. Real-time analysis allows users to make quick adjustments and decisions, optimizing the design and functionality of the springs.
The OSFT features a user-friendly interface designed to simplify the spring testing process. The intuitive design ensures that users can easily set up tests, input spring parameters, and analyze results without needing extensive technical expertise. The interface includes clear instructions and prompts, making the tool accessible to both novice users and experienced professionals.
The visual simulation capabilities of the OSFT are particularly advanced. Users can input operational loads and initiate simulations that display real-time graphical feedback on the spring's behavior. The visual feedback helps in identifying potential failure points and understanding the spring's performance in a real-world context, providing a deeper insight into how the spring will function under different loaded conditions.
The OSFT is designed to integrate seamlessly with Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software. Users can download 3D Stock or Custom Spring CAD models of their springs and import them directly into their design software. This integration streamlines the workflow, allowing for easy incorporation of spring data into broader design projects. It also enables users to conduct precise fitting and simulation tests within their design environment, ensuring that the springs meet all necessary specifications before production.
The OSFT comes with a comprehensive set of help and support resources. These include detailed user manuals, tutorial videos, and an extensive knowledge database section. Additionally, users can access live support from Acxess Spring’s technical team for assistance with any issues or questions. These resources ensure that users can effectively utilize the tool and troubleshoot any problems that arise.
The OSFT is designed to be compatible with mobile devices, allowing users to conduct tests and review results on the go. Mobile compatibility enhances flexibility, enabling users to access the tool from tablets or smartphones, which is particularly useful for fieldwork or when immediate data access is required outside the traditional office environment.
Don’t let outdated spring testing methods hold you back. Embrace the future of spring testing with the OSFT. Visit The Spring Store website today to access the OSFT and start optimizing your spring designs. Experience the efficiency, precision, and flexibility of the OSFT. Join the growing number of professionals who are transforming their spring testing processes.
Contact Us
For more information or assistance, contact Acxess Spring’s customer support at 951-276-2777. Our team of experts is ready to help you make the most of the OSFT.
Test with confidence. Test with the OSFT.
Created by Luis Enrique Rayas
Spring Designer in Spring Calculation at Acxess Spring