Did you know there are different types of springs in Inventor? Spring style is determined by the coil shape, size and ends. We’ll explore how to get started, different types of coils and the unique features for each.
Getting Started
First, start with a new part then click start 2D sketch. I’m going to sketch on the YZ plane.
We’re going to make a smaller spring so I’m going to create a circle 1” from the intersection a ¼” and finish the sketch.
Once that is created, click the + next to the Origin folder to get access the planes and axis. We are going to right click the Y axis and turn on Visibility.
Now that you have the circle created and Y axis Visibility turned on, it should look like this:
Creating the 3D Model
To start creating the spring, on the Create panel click Coil button.
After clicking the coil command, it will open a feature box and bring you to the Coil Shape tab. It should automatically with the circle as its profile. Now you need to select the Y axis for the coil to revolve around. The axis button changes the direction the coil will climb, up or down. Under the Output option, you can choose a solid coil or just the surface. The Rotation command lets you choose clockwise or counterclockwise. Lastly, on the Coil Shape tab, you have the option to Join, Cut, Intersect or make New solid – choose whichever one applies to your model.
Under the Coil Size, you can set Pitch, Revolution, Height and Taper of your Coil. There are 4 different Types of coils: Pitch and Revolution, Revolution and Height, Pitch and Height, and Spiral.
Pitch and Revolution
With Pitch and Revolution Type, the Pitch controls distance that 1 revolution takes, whereas the Revolution controls how many times it’s going to revolve around the axis. Taper controls the angle at which the coil follows.
Revolution and Height
When using the Revolution and Height Type, you set the Height of the coil and the Revolutions for how many times you want it to revolve in said Height. Taper controls the angle at which the coil follows.
Pitch and Height
When using Pitch and Height Type, you set the Height of the overall coil and then use the Pitch to control the Height of the revolution. Taper controls the angle at which the coil follows.
Spiral
The Spiral Type is used to make a flat coil. When using the Spiral Type, the Pitch controls how far out the Spiral goes to finish 1 Revolution. Then you set how many revolutions you want in the Revolution box.
Coil Ends
Coil Ends can be added to all the Coil Types except the Spiral Type since it is only a flat coil to begin with. Coil Ends lets you choose flatten coil or leave at a natural end. Natural ends on a coil start ascending/descending right off the sketch, but the Flat end come straight off the sketch and stays flat then start ascending/descending. Transition Angle defines how sharp the coil starts off the Flat Angle. The Flat Angle is how long the coil will stay flat before it starts to ascend/descend. The Flat Angle can only go around to the point where its about to hit itself, if you try to go past this point you will get an error when you click ok to finish the coil.
Quentin Worm
AEC Technical Specialist
About Quentin
Quentin has an associate degree in Drafting and Design and 2 years Construction experience. Couple that with his newfound experience in 3D scanning, he has a good understanding of the building process. He takes joy in creating custom furniture and Revit families. He also has 2 years’ experience as a drafter in the Oil field designing part for frac pumps.
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