A LeeP in spring technology

A new suite of compression springs manufactured in a plastic composite by Lee Spring mark a breakthrough in spring technology. Called LeeP the springs have been developed in response to customer requests for springs that combine the strength of metal with the light weight, non magnetic and recycling attributes of high performance engineered thermoplastics.

Manufactured in Ultem PEI (polyetherimide) resin produced by SABIC Innovative Plastics IP BV, different formulations will be used to meet or exceed performance criteria. LeeP plastic composite springs will be available in a variety of standard sizes and six colour coded strengths: red, orange, yellow, green, blue and violet, the strongest. Custom design options to meet precise performance requirements will also be offered.

Plastic composite springs offer many advantages including stability of physical and mechanical properties up to 170oC (340oF), high strength to weight ratios and excellent corrosion resistance. Additionally they are non-magnetic, offer dielectric insulation, low flammability and are recyclable as well as RoHS and REACH compliant.

Applications are expected in medical products and apparatus, imaging and X-ray equipment, food processing and packaging machinery as well as in the aerospace, marine, electronics, electrical, water purification, chemical, automotive, semi-conductor, instrumentation and communications sectors.

To meet miniaturisation requirements Lee Spring has also introduced Bantam Mini compression springs. Manufactured in Elgiloy® a cobalt-chromium-nickel alloy known for its high strength, the springs exhibit superior corrosion resistance and perform well in temperatures up to 454°C (850°F). The smallest spring features a wire diameter size of 0.102mm (0 .004ins), just slightly thicker than a human hair.

Applications will include medical devices and pharmaceutical delivery products plus petrochemical processes, aerospace and marine industries.