Source: Wikipedia
Springs serve as a key component of virtually every machine and piece of equipment that you use on a daily basis. Not all of them involve the large, tight steel coils that you might imagine when you think of the word spring, however. Conical springs are heavy-duty compression springs in a cone-like shape, while spring rings form the clasps on costumes and pieces of jewelry. Both components have dozens of different uses in day-to-day life, and it always helps to have the best quality of steel possible in their manufacture.
Spring Rings
You can find spring rings in jewelry clasps and devices which use circular fastenings. Spring rings appear most commonly at the ends of necklaces, bracelets, and anklets, where the springs use the tension provided by the rings to hold the jewelry together. Some people also know spring rings as retaining rings, and larger versions of these springs can hold together heavy mechanical components and housing materials. Most spring rings are made of carbon or stainless steel, although heavy-duty springs might be made out of beryllium copper instead, depending on the job in which they are used.
Conical Springs
Resembling the more stereotypical metal spring, conical springs often serve as alternatives to standard compression springs. Named for their cone shape, these springs provide constant power and resistance, making them ideal for battery compartments where they can maintain a continuous connection with the battery while making sure that nothing slips due to movement. Conical springs are typically made out of stainless steel or copper, as their tendency to serve as components in electrical devices means they have to be durable and serves as a good conductor of electricity. These springs can also be used in virtually anything that requires a standard compression spring, as conical springs provide similar function but can fit more pieces in a smaller location.
Metal Spring Clips
Related to spring rings and conical springs in terms of manufacture quality, metal spring clips can be found almost everywhere in modern society. Metal spring clips come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but they all consist of a metal ring with a single clasp that provides enough tension to stay shut unless you are specifically opening it. These metal spring clips usually hold equipment to something else, be it a piece of a keychain, a carabiner attached to a backpack, and much more. Some of these clips are also magnetized to help make sure that they stay attached to whatever they are holding or held to. Aside from recreational uses, these spring clips are also used in medical and industrial equipment, including supplies for endoscopic surgeries.
No matter what kind of spring you need, the most important factor to keep in mind is the quality of manufacture. You should find a manufacturer who provides excellent stainless steel or copper metal for your springs. This helps to prevent corrosion, provide an electrical current if needed, and remain intact and capable of heavy-duty use for many years to come.