The performance limits of spiral springs are heavily reliant on advancements in materials science and manufacturing processes. Design requires a balance between spatial constraints, required torque, number of working turns, and lifespan. The thickness and width of the strip determine the torque capacity, while the length affects the number of turns and total energy storage. Nonlinear requirements (such as variable torque output) can be achieved by designing non-equidistant spirals or variable cross-section strips, but this significantly increases design and manufacturing complexity.
Material selection has expanded from traditional high-carbon spring steel to precipitation-hardening stainless steel, titanium alloys, and even high-performance composite materials. These materials not only demand higher strength-to-weight ratios but also need to consider environmental resistance, such as corrosion resistance and high-temperature creep resistance. Precision rolling technology ensures strip thickness tolerances at the micrometer level, while computer-controlled winding and shaping processes ensure geometric accuracy and minimize residual stress.
