Custom Fabricated Springs for the Medical Industry

Spiral Torsion Springs

Spiral torsion springs are normally used in applications requiring less than 360 degrees of rotation. They are generally used to obtain a large amount of torque through a small amount of rotation. Spiral torsion springs allow for rotation in two directions and a “return to center” capability, like a dental X-ray head unit. Use spiral torsion springs when you need a spring that easily mounts to many designs.

Power Springs

Power springs, also known as clock springs, are constructed by winding a strip of spring-tempered material on an arbor in a circular case (keeper). The spring stores rotational energy by being stressed when wound around the arbor. The spring delivers rotational energy to the arbor when it rotates, by expanding to the maximum curvature allowed by the keeper.

Custom Mechanical Assemblies

Spring sub-assemblies may call for the use of components consisting of a variety of materials (e.g., molded plastic, machined metal, rubber). In addition to manufacturing springs, JES has the capabilities and capacity to assemble springs and various customer-designated or customer-supplied additional parts into a completed sub-assembly.

Wire Forms

Wire forms are components fabricated from straight wire or wire coils for specific industrial applications. Common medical applications include cardiovascular implants, surgical instruments, guidewires, and catheter components. JES has the experience in tooling, design, and material selection to craft long-lasting wire forms in the required shape and size and with the properties your application needs.

Stampings/Flat Springs

Many medical applications also incorporate custom flat springs of varying sizes and shapes. When compressed by a weighted object, these springs store energy, which they release when the weight is removed. Adjustable hospital beds, overbed tables, lift chair tables, and X-ray devices with articulated arms are just a few of the applications that use these components. JES manufactures flat springs using our state-of-the-art, in-house stamping process, ensuring high-quality, uniform components.

Helical Springs

With the right helical spring design, JES can fabricate extension, torsion, and compression springs for your medical application. Crafted to manage tensile, torque, or compressive forces, helical springs can be found in many diagnostic devices. You’ll find compression springs in tools like medical staple guns and extension springs in stretchers, among other applications. Torsion springs are found in applications that require spring-loaded force to function, such as the mechanical components of MRI machines.

Spring Reels

Spring reels offer constant force uniformly distributed for counterbalancing loads from under one pound to over 50 pounds. They can be commonly found in mechanical equipment, such as operating room monitor stands and medical electronics cabinets.

Shock & Vibration Isolators

Many medical devices and their components are subject to shocks and vibrations during their normal operations and/or due to external conditions. Shocks and vibrations not only reduce their service life but also reduce the efficiency with which they function. Our shock and vibration isolators work for very fragile equipment to heavy equipment, insulating motion control equipment and mobile carts used in patient care.

Torsion Leaf Springs

Torsion leaf springs are used in battery-powered medical devices, providing a physical connection between the battery and the equipment. Readers, thermometers, and gauges are some of the devices that require torsion leaf springs.

Medical Applications

Our components are frequently used in the following medical applications and devices.

Surgical Instruments

Many surgical instruments, from robots to staplers, rely on springs to function. Surgical robots are typically multi-armed, with each limb capable of manipulating various surgical tools and implements. Surgical staplers also rely on compression springs to provide the force necessary to apply staples effectively.

Diagnostic Equipment

Multiple dental devices and tools need springs and wire forms to function. For example, dental retractors and other orthodontic equipment must apply precise forces for tissue retraction or tooth movement. Computer monitors also rely on medical springs. Whether affixed to a wall or attached to a cart, computer equipment must be adjustable for visibility and accessibility.

Medical Devices

Medical springs are frequently used to power insulin pumps, infusion pumps, and other drug-delivery devices that deliver medicines intravenously to patients. Springs are also found in wearable devices and catheters.

Medical Storage Equipment

Spring-loaded mechanisms are crucial to keeping medical devices, equipment, and records safe and secure. Compression springs are ideal for self-closing drawers, cabinet doors, and room doors.

Imaging Machines

Capturing the right medical image of a patient requires imaging devices to have a full range of motion. MRI machines, X-ray units, and CT scanners rely on specific medical springs and wire forms to maximize their adjustability and functionality.

Rehabilitation and Mobility Aids

Adjustable hospital beds and table lifts rely on springs to aid in patient comfort. The flexibility of medical springs is critical in orthopedic braces and supports, as well as other mobility products.

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Equipment

Various pharmaceutical manufacturing devices, from capsule-filling machines to packaging equipment, rely on springs.

Laboratory Equipment

Medical springs are used in large counterbalancing systems to provide the proper tension for accurate weighing.

Factors to Consider When Selecting a Spring Manufacturer for Medical Devices

Given the critical nature of the medical industry, springs for medical equipment and devices must be precision-engineered to exact specifications to ensure error-free functioning. Manufacturing medical springs requires extensive in-house tooling capabilities, a dedicated design engineering department, and custom manufacturing capabilities.

Medical equipment and device manufacturers should also seek spring suppliers certified to ISO 13485:2016, which demonstrates the manufacturer’s adherence to the highest standards for medical device manufacturing.

At John Evans’ Sons, we meet all the above requirements and work with the following medical device spring materials:

• 302 stainless steel
• 316 stainless steel
• T301 stainless steel
• Elgiloy
• Inconel

Your Medical Spring Manufacturing Partner

The John Evans’ Sons engineering department looks forward to discussing your spring requirements, including any device or equipment challenge. We are here to help ensure your design specifications are accurate and complete, reducing research and development costs and lead time. Oftentimes, one of our standard stock springs will work for your assembly, eliminating the need for a custom spring and offering a faster solution. Our sales department is ready to provide more information on John Evans’ Sons’ stock and custom springs.

Our quality assurance team tests at every stage of manufacturing to ensure customers’ requirements are met. Our inspection capabilities are world-class in the spring industry. We provide outstanding customer service from development through manufacturing and shipment of your parts. We’re not just a spring manufacturer; we’re your partner.

Request a quote today to get started on your medical spring project.