Flat springs

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We supply millions of chemically etched flat springs each month for engineering applications that require absolute precision. Our chemical etching processes have enabled us to become the world’s largest manufacturer of etched flat springs and flexure springs.

Flat springs are used in many applications where space is incredibly limited or in a place where the spring is used as part of a mounting assembly. The design of a flat spring allows for the manufacturing of specific features and profiles for all unique applications.

Strip or flat springs can be made in a variety of designs, sizes and materials and are used across automotive, aerospace, electronics, military, medical, telecoms and more.

Typically small but highly precise, flat springs are often produced by stamping or laser cutting, but these processes can have limitations.

Whilst stamping can deform spring steels, laser cutting also leaves a rough edge that could fatigue fracture. We understand that flatness, recoil and fatigue strength are attributes that must not be compromised during flat spring manufacturing – which is why we invested in processes that bypass these issues.

How our services are revolutionising flat spring production

We employ our chemical etching capabilities and other class-leading metalwork services to make sure there is no compromise or sub-optimal results.

Our flat springs etching service

Our non-contact, non-heat inducing chemical etching service does not alter the mechanical properties of spring materials – bypassing the limitations of conventional production methods such as stamping.

Photochemical etching ensures burr and stress-free flat springs can be manufactured with zero distortion or material degradation.

Volume versatility and co-development service

Our flat springs are used diverse range of applications and industries, including:

• ABS braking systems
• Gasoline direct fuel injection
• Catalytic converters
• Satellite cryogenic coolers
• Microphone diaphragms
• VCM camera springs
• Cochlear implants

Many of these spring applications started life as co-development projects, with customers benefitting from the low barrier to entry of chemical etching, our material expertise and design support, and almost 60 years of chemical etching know-how.

Fast, low-risk prototyping

Through the use of digital tooling, we are able to keep set-up costs low and design iterations are created quickly – with parts often supplied within just a few working days.

In either prototype or production quantities, our etching service is more competitive than stamping and laser cutting thanks to its numerous benefits including zero tool wear.

Spring material grades

Regardless of hardness, chemical etching is suitable for all flat spring steel grades.

We supply flat springs from specialist grades, such as Chromflex springs steel from Sandvik, as well as more traditional 301 and 17-7 PH stainless steels.