Die Springs
Die springs pack maximum force into a standard hole — rectangular wire and controlled stress make them the force standard in press tools.
What are die springs?
A die spring is a heavy-duty compression spring wound from rectangular-section wire, delivering far more force than a round-wire spring of the same envelope. They are standardised by hole diameter, rod diameter and free length, with internationally recognised colour codes for load rating.
Typical materials
Chrome-alloy spring steel, rectangular section, shot-peened; guided on a rod or in a hole to prevent buckling.
Types of die springs
Light / medium load die springs
Higher allowable deflection for stripper and return duties.
Heavy load die springs
Standard press-tool force class.
Extra heavy load die springs
Maximum force, minimum deflection — clamping and forming pressure.
How to select die springs
- Hole diameter and rod diameter the spring runs on.
- Free length and working stroke — respect the class's max deflection.
- Load class (colour) for the required force.
- Guided installation and even pre-load across multiple springs.
Not sure? Send what you have — a part number, drawing or photo — and our engineering team will confirm the selection.
Frequently asked questions
- Why use a die spring instead of a normal coil spring?
- Rectangular wire fills the space better, so a die spring gives substantially higher force from the same hole and allows harder duty cycles — the standard choice inside press tools.
- How long do die springs last?
- Life depends on the percentage of maximum deflection used per stroke: running at reduced deflection multiplies life. For long production runs springs are selected a class heavier and run lighter.
Related components
Coil Springs
Coil springs return plates, strip parts and hold pressure in tools and machines. Standardised load classes make replacement fast — if you match the class correctly.
Gas Springs
Gas springs deliver full force from the very start of the stroke — something no mechanical spring can do — which is why modern forming dies rely on them.
Punches
Punches do the cutting and forming in press tools. Edge life, shank accuracy and coating decide how many strokes a tool runs between regrinds.
Need die springs?
Tell us the specification, quantity and application — or just send the drawing.