Among the most important classical design elements are springs, in which the elastic properties of materials are exploited for energy storage and conversion. Without springs – in whatever form – no mechanical or electro-mechanical system would operate. The main functions of engineering springs are:

• absorbing impacts and vibrations
• distributing and counterbalancing forces
• maintaining pre-tensioning
• maintaining a defined position or attitude
• measuring and regulating forces and moments.

Rapid technical advance has led to a significant increase in the demands placed on the accuracy and durability of springs. The corollary of this is greater demands on manufacturing accuracy due to ever-smaller dimensional, form and positional tolerances, with similarly enhanced requirements for testing technology. Zwick supplies special solutions for a wider range of spring systems.