A new range of compression springs produced in a plastic composite by Lee Spring mark a breakthrough in spring technology, according to the company. Called LeeP, the units have been developed in response to customer requests for components that combine the strength of metal with the special attributes of high performance engineered thermoplastics.

Manufactured using Sabic’s Ultem PEI (polyetherimide) resin, the 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.

Lee Spring is an ISO 9001-certified manufacturer of stock and custom mechanical wire springs. The company has eight locations in the US, the UK, Mexico and China.