Plastic Spring Suppliers

[sbozy25]

Does anyone know of a good source for plastic compression springs?

I am working on a show model design for a new concept my company has, we want to do a quarter tube display of the idea (large tube with many components), and replace part of the design with plexi-glass so one can see inside. My boss has asked if I can obtain some plastic springs that are a specific colour to replace the metallic ones already there. The idea is to have them not really produce any load, and to just be able to compress, and return to their original length.

Here are the sizes I'm looking for:

Spring 1:
.125”X.375” flat wire
Closed and ground
ID: 4.75”
OD: 5.50”
FL: 4.00”
4.09 total coils

Spring 2:
.656” wire diameter
Closed and ground
ID: 4.213
OD: 5.525”
5.64 total coils

So far I have contacted: Rockford Spring, Sterling Spring, Lee Spring, MW Spring, Advanex, and WB Jones. I have not heard back from Lee Spring yet, and everyone else has passed on the idea.

Does anyone have any ideas of who might be able to do this?

Thanks

Cabbages, knickers, It hasn't got A BEAK!

 

[dgallup]

How would you even make a plastic coil spring? What's wrong with painting a metal spring for a little color?

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The Help for this program was created in Windows Help format, which depends on a feature that isn't included in this version of Windows.

 

[sbozy25]

There are some companies that can mold a plastic spring, and actually have it hit loads. I'm just looking for something that is super light weight that acts like a place holder....

A metallic spring that is painted is the last option my boss wants to entertain. He would rather we use a plastic spring. Unfortunately, I'm pulling up goose-eggs...

Cabbages, knickers, It hasn't got A BEAK!

 

[MikeHalloran]

I doubt you'll find anything commercially.

But it is possible for a modelmaker to, e.g. wrap an ABS bar or tube around a mandrel using a heat gun.

You'll probably need at least 10x the net length of material to work out the process and make a few bad ones along the way, and one set for the modelmaker's resume box.

Alternate methods:
Mill from solid with open ends, then use heat to close the ends.
Pull a rubber mold from a steel spring, and cast a replica in acrylic.

There are probably other ways, too. Take an example and a print to a modelmaker, get him or her talking, and work out a few things to try, and a way for him or her to get paid for the effort.


Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[CoryPad]

Spiral notebooks use plastic "springs" that appear to be wound, no idea who would be a supplier but maybe that is another option to use in an Internet search.

 

[prdave00]

Will a rapid prototype work (SLA, SLS, etc.)?

 

[sbozy25]

Thanks everyone for the ideas...

I think that due to size and time constraints, I am going to go to a prototype house. I'm going to have them wrap a Nylon bar around a heated mandral, and then shape the ends to match the config I need. It won't be perfect, but I think it will get the job done.

Cabbages, knickers, It hasn't got A BEAK!

 

[koza19]

sbozy25

If you are still looking for those plastic springs. Let me know I can have them made on our 3d printing machine. We can offer only ABS plastic. You can call me at 847-671-6767 ask for Chris.

 

[sbozy25]

I appreciate the offer. I ended up doing them myself. I bought some Nylon bar stock, heated it with a heat gun, then wrapped it around the right shape to give me the diameter I wanted. I then pressed down the ends, and ground them off to be square.... We then had them carc painted, and they look great!

Thanks for the offer anyway!

Shawn

Cabbages, knickers, It hasn't got A BEAK!