Products > Ibexactor / Powerspring
PowerSpring is a high-strength elastic tension spring with a natural rubber core and braided fibre inner and outer covers.
It can be used in a wide variety of applications, often as an alternative to a conventional steel extension spring over which it has a number of advantages. PowerSpring can be manufactured with different fibre sheathing/ coverings and a variety of end fittings suited to individual applications and the environment in which it is used. If used in place of a steel extension spring a variety of advantages can be gained.
- Characteristics
- Compact and lightweight with non-rotating torque balanced construction.
- Strong and flexible.
- Excellent elastic properties and long life.
- Varied and customised termination options for special applications.
- Aesthetic and high-performance cover options.
- Resistant to many chemicals.
- Operates over a wide temperature range.
- Non-magnetic fabrication.
- Non-ferrous construction if required.
A patented termination ensures a premium product that is utilised in a wide variety of industries including automotive, aerospace and the construction industry.
| mm | inches |
|---|---|
| 12.5 | 0.49 |
| 16 | 0.63 |
| 19 | 0.75 |
| 22 | 0.87 |
| 26 | 1.02 |
| 32 | 1.26 |
Marine and Crash Test
The Powerspring is made from heavy duty shock cord to BS 3F70:1991 aerospace standard shock cords introduced into crash test rig design. Ibex manufacture diameters from 12.5 mm to 40 mm and offer bulk or cut length options. Cover is normally high tenacity polyester although alternatives including cotton are available. All Powersprings can be supplied with ends whipped or as required.
Specifying PowerSpring
PowerSpring is available in six diameter:
At each of these diameters any length is available, from 100 millimetres to 100 metres. Length is subject to a tolerance of +/- 1% or 5mm.
PowerSpring can be specified in a similar way to a steel extension spring. A typical specification chart is shown in the accompanying table. The load at any extension can be calculated using the formula:
Load = S x E + F0
(Where S = Spring rate, E = % extension and F0 = initial tension)
| Cord diameter mm (in.) |
Maximum load N (lb) |
Initial tension N (lb) |
Pre-load N (lb) |
Nominal free length |
Spring rate N (lb) |
Maximum extension % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
12.5 (0.49) 16 (0.63) 19 (0.75) 22 (0.87) 26 (1.02) 32 (1.26) |
487 (109) 826 (186) 1152 (259) 1565 (352) 1957 (440) 3326 (747) |
135 (30) 190 (43) 248 (56) 367 (82) 538 (121) 782 (176) |
174 (39) 261 (59) 348 (78) 500 (112) 696 (156) 1065 (239) |
Any Any Any Any Any Any |
3.91 (0.88) 7.07 (1.59) 10.04 (2.26) 13.31 (2.99) 15.77 (3.54) 28.27 (6.35) |
90 90 90 90 90 90 |
Pre-load = load at 10% extension.
Initial tension - calculated value that assumes the modulus is constant all the way to zero extension
The maximum useable extension depends on what life is required.
As a standard covering, PowerSprings have inner and outer braided covers made from high-tenacity polyester. This is recommended for most applications as it affords superior protection for the natural rubber core. However, other materials can be used as covering as necessary to meet specific standards i.e. BS3F70:1991 or performance criteria.
PowerSpring is usually supplied with end fittings, made in either aluminium alloy to British Standard 6082 (HE30) or cold drawn steel to British Standard 3602 (DIN 2391). Stainless steel can also be used where application conditions demand.
For special applications Ibex’s design teams will support external designers and specifiers to enable specific requirements to be met. Working closely with customers, customised end fittings fabricated in a range of materials can be provided.
Wide operating temperature range and high chemical resistance
The normal operating temperature range for a PowerSpring is -10°C to 75°C. Below -10°C the rubber undergoes crystallisation and becomes less elastic, causing the response time to be reduced. Depending on the temperature, this effect may not be noticeable for days or weeks; when the spring is warmed, the elasticity returns. If the PowerSpring is undergoing load cycles, there is little effect on the performance at temperatures below -10°C. The natural rubber core has excellent resistance to water and many chemicals, although mineral oils and ozone affect it. Where contamination is a possibility, the core must be protected. When protection is required a sealing coat, such as latex, can be applied to the outer braid.
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