Extension springs are in more places than you might realize, both indoors and outdoors. When applied for outdoor uses, those who use them may face different challenges in maintaining the reliability of the springs to avoid them becoming unusable.
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What are Extension Springs?
Extension springs commonly consist of a metal coil with two ends that can hook or attach to two objects. The ends are pulled apart by an applied pulling force that stretches the spring, causing what is called elastic deformation. Thanks to the elasticity of the springs' structure, the spring can in most instances return to its original form once the force is released, with little to no permanent deformation.
Because of some of the challenges and inherent weaknesses of metal extension springs, companies like 3X Springs have pioneered the invention of elastic extension springs, a product capable of doing many of the same jobs of standard extension springs. Elastic extension springs are made from rubber or latex and constructed by attaching end pieces to an elastic band.
Some of the more well-known applications of extension springs include garage doors, large swings, and swinging doors. However, there are numerous ways in which they are used in industrial applications and various processes in various industries.
What Happens to Springs Outdoors?
When springs are applied to situations outdoors, they can be exposed to environments and elements that could gradually or even rapidly be a detriment to their usability.
Here are a few things that can affect your extension springs when applied outdoors:
Weather
Adverse weather conditions, especially conditions that may change a lot, can cause varying effects to your extension springs. Changing temperatures do different things to metal and synthetics, and overtime, these effects can break down the durability of your springs and necessitate replacement rapidly.
In many parts of the U.S. where industry thrives, not only does the general climate include a wide presence of all four seasons, but there are period os the year when weather conditions can change rapidly. Some spring or fall days can go from 40 degrees to 80-85 in the same day. This environmental change will alter how your springs perform and how stable they are when doing their jobs.
Rust
Speaking of weather, there is more than just temperature that an outdoor climate can bring to threaten the safety of your springs. Rainy or snowy conditions can create problematic amounts of rust and corrosion on metal springs. Rust, the sworn enemy of all metal objects, will weaken the structure of extension springs rapidly and cause major hazards when it comes to safety and performance. Many of the other problems or threats that can come up with metal springs starts with and is exacerbated by the presence of rust.
The nature of extension springs and how they used infers the fact that every bit of the metal makeup of the spring's structure contributes to its strength. This is why springs are sold in such a vast array of size, thickness, material, and so on.
If rust becomes a factor, every bit of pure metal that rust eats away, turning it into a flaky powder, drastically decreases the spring's ability to perform the job it's being used for and makes a break or an inelastic change in structure more likely.
Harsh Environments
Across various industries, tools and appliances used by laborers and machines can vary. This leads to different challenges in the working environment, and some can be harsher than others. In agriculture, for example, the dirt, dust, and various particles in the air during crop harvests can clog up systems and machines and cause problems with function.
Using extension springs outdoors, carries with it the risk and understanding that the harsh elements of outdoor life can act on them in different ways. The springs will be exposed to dust, dirt, grime, insects, weather, sun damage, and much more.
Extreme Temperatures
Whether in the heat of summer or the bitter cold of winter, extension springs made from either metal or synthetics will face functional challenges against severe temperatures.
In standard conditions where the temperature remains between 32°F and up around 90°, you can likely have peace of mind knowing that your springs will work properly with negligible effects. However, it's important to understand that springs typically become more rigid in cold temperatures and weaker in hotter temperatures.
The extremes of either hot or cold can cause adverse effects on springs, particularly if the springs are applied to devices or processes that leave them out in the open.
Heat in metal causes thermal expansion in the molecules, leading to an expansion of the spring. This makes the spring more susceptible to extending beyond its recommended length and potentially losing its elasticity.While major changes in the spring's behavior likely wouldn't occur at even the highest outdoor temps, functions of spring applications requiring technical exactness can certainly be affected by the critical part becoming more pliable on a hot day.
Similarly, in extreme cold environments like sub-zero or below-freezing temperatures, the opposite effect takes place, rendering the extension spring to be more rigid. This increases the possibility that the spring my break in response to stress previously held normally
Humidity
Humidity can adversely affect extension springs in the sense that the results of humidity are often rust or moisture saturation.
In humid conditions, mold and mildew growth can occur on the springs, potentially affecting their functionality. Especially if your outdoor springs are in a customer-facing area, the presence of substances known to deteriorate structures can harm client trust in your company.
UV Exposure
Exposure to ultraviolet, or UV, rays from the sun may not seem like much of a factor to consider when using extension springs, and in many cases, it isn't. Metal reflects light, including UV light, very well, so UV tends not to affect it. There are two situations in which UV exposure can be a problem and should be observed with care:
1. You have the presence of rust already on your springs. If rust has already formed, UV exposure is notorious for speeding up the process of corrosion, hastening the downfall of your systems.
2. You are using non-metal springs. If you're making use of synthetics such as our elastic extension springs, there isn't any metal to reflect the UV away. Those sun rays can be especially harmful to the rubber or latex, drying it out and causing cracks and tears to form quickly. This is why having some form of covering on the body of the elastic spring is so crucial, keeping the body shielded from direct sunlight.
Prevention Tips
Inasmuch as there are a number of things that can damage extension springs when used outdoors, prevention of damage and proper maintenance is not complex. Properly taking care of extension springs, just like with any other part that you use, will ensure that your springs have a long life, keep their strength, and stay durable for as long as possible.
Here are a few things you can do that will help you maintain your extension springs:
1. Make sure it's the right fit.
Extension springs come in an almost limitless number of sizes and ranges for a reason. The need for the product spans numerous industries and countless applications. Therefore, when looking for extension springs, it's critical to measure and evaluate your exact needs for sizing, strength, length, and more to determine the extension spring that will best serve your purpose.
The best thing you can do to ensure your extension spring has the right measurements for the job is to consult an expert or a sales rep who can evaluate your needs and will have a better knowledge of their catalog.
To get expert advice on the 3X Springs range of products, visit this page to get in contact with a representative.
2. Inspect and maintain frequently
Extension springs need consistent care as much as any other mechanical device, so it's important to inspect them regularly and take necessary actions to clean and upkeep them.
Metal extension springs actually work best when they are lubricated a few times a year, preferably once every three months or so. This helps the spring to be more averse to the buildup of dirt or rust on the surface.
Speaking of rust, the sooner you find it, the better off you are. Unaddressed rust will lead to premature failure faster than almost any other issue.
With synthetic springs made from rubber or latex, regularly check the body of the spring for tears, cuts, or any kind of abrasion in the structure.
3. Safeguard from breakages
After all you can do, there is still the possibility that an extension spring could break while in use. Safety in these circumstances cannot be understated. Whether metal or synthetic, if an extension spring breaks while it's bearing that potential energy from the stretching, an abrupt release of stored energy makes an unsecured springs into a super-speed projectile, risking damage to environment or other equipment, or worse, injury to you or your employees.
With metal springs, it's worth it, if possible, to install safety cables in your springs. These are metallic or wire cables that pull through the length of the spring and are bolted on each end to ensure the spring, if it does break, will not whip outward.
For elastic extension springs, 3X Springs offers the protection of a safety sleeve that is wrapped around the band-like portion of the spring. This device reverses the idea of a safety cable, providing the needed protection by encasing the spring entirely on the outside instead of trying to secure it from the inside.
Wrapping It Up
There are a number of things to consider when purchasing and installing extension springs. The most important things to know are what to look out for and what you can do to properly maintain them and protect your devices, yourself, and your business.
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