Precision contact. Controlled force. Reliable connections.
Engineered canted spring contact solutions for electrical conductivity, mechanical retention and EMI/RF shielding across demanding power, energy and industrial applications.
Also referred to in the industry as canted coil springs, contact elements, contact springs or ring springs.
Canted spring contact elements are precision-engineered spring components designed to maintain controlled mechanical contact while supporting electrical current transfer in compact interfaces.
Unlike conventional compression springs, the geometry of a canted coil allows the spring to generate a controlled force characteristic as it is compressed laterally or within a dedicated groove or housing.
This makes the technology useful where electrical continuity, mechanical contact force, compact packaging and tolerance compensation need to work together.
Many coil turns touch the mating surfaces at once, creating multiple contact points around the interface to support current transfer in compact connector designs.
Current-carrying capability depends on spring geometry, material, contact configuration, temperature and the specific application.
Within a designed groove or housing, the spring can provide controlled contact force and hold mating parts together without additional retaining hardware in selected designs.
Force behaviour is designed around the mating geometry and the intended compression range.
A continuous ring of conductive contact around a joint can help establish electrical continuity between housings and support an overall electromagnetic shielding strategy.
Shielding effectiveness depends on the complete enclosure design and should be confirmed by testing.
Canted spring geometry can be engineered to maintain useful contact force across a defined compression range, helping the interface accommodate dimensional variation and movement.
The usable compression range and force level are set by the spring design and the groove it sits in, so both are specified together.
Contact is shared across many coil turns rather than relying on a single point or line.
Coil geometry can be selected to keep contact force within a useful band as the spring is compressed.
Spring compliance can help accommodate defined dimensional variation and small movements.
A single slim element can fit into tight connector envelopes and grooves.
One element can potentially combine electrical contact with retention or shielding.
Spring dimensions, material and finish are chosen around the actual interface.
Typical application areas are listed below. Not every spring configuration suits every application; suitability is confirmed for each interface during engineering review.
Compact spring contact elements can be considered where controlled contact pressure, repeatable engagement over many operations and mechanical tolerance compensation are required, and may reduce component count in selected designs.
Canted spring contacts can provide multi-point conductive interfaces inside high- and medium-voltage connector architectures. Current transfer, contact resistance, thermal conditions, movement, connector envelope and insulation clearances are engineered together for each design.
Spring contact technology can help maintain conductive interfaces in compact cable and connector assemblies where dimensional variation, assembly force and current transfer must be considered together.
Where electrical continuity must be kept while parts move relative to one another, an engineered spring contact can provide a compliant contact interface. Suitability depends on speed, travel and duty cycle.
Potential applications include battery connectors, busbar interfaces, power modules and removable or serviceable power assemblies.
Potential applications include equipment housings, electronics enclosures, connector interfaces, shield continuity across joints and RF-sensitive systems.
Potential applications include compact industrial power connectors and vehicle electrical interfaces where repeated mating, vibration and space constraints have to be balanced.
Material and surface finish are selected for conductivity, spring properties, temperature and corrosion exposure. Availability depends on configuration and application.
Certification and compliance depend on the selected product configuration and manufacturer documentation.
Canted spring contacts may be supplied or configured as spring rings, straight lengths, housing-mounted or piston-mounted arrangements, or dedicated connector geometries.
The coil is closed into a ring sized to a bore, pin or shaft diameter.
Continuous lengths for linear joints or for forming around custom contours.
The spring sits in a groove in the outer housing and contacts the inserted pin.
The spring sits in a groove on the pin or shaft and contacts the surrounding bore.
Selection begins with the requirements of the joint, not with a catalogue part. These six factors frame every enquiry.
Canted spring contact performance depends strongly on the interface geometry and operating environment.
Haflinger can support customers in defining the application requirements used for spring/contact selection or custom development, and in coordinating that work with the manufacturer.
Defining the electrical, mechanical and environmental requirements of the interface.
Shortlisting spring type, size, material and finish against those requirements.
Coordinating drawings, samples and test planning between your team and the manufacturer.
Supporting custom geometries where a standard spring does not fit the interface.
Local engineering contact through enquiry, design review and supply.
Working with international engineering and manufacturing partners on your behalf.
