Quote:
Originally Posted by sanddrag
I'm not sure you're correct. McMaster defines the "rate constant" whereas century spring defines the "spring rate." Two different things. Is my understanding of this incorrect?
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First, refer back to my disclaimer, I don't know much about springs, but here is what I can gather.
First, you are right, spring rate and rate constant are different. However I suspect that what is shown on the E-41 Spring is in fact the rate constant. After comparing quite a few manufacturers, all of them list a value of ~159 for rate, rate constant, or spring rate for these 36inch pieces of what seems to be spring stock. However at shorter lengths they list a Spring rate instead. I believe the E-41 is the equivalent of the McMaster Part, and the 5518 is a 12 inch spring made out of similar stock.
If the term Rate on the E-41 page is not an error then I am not sure I can explain the physics of that spring as all of the physical characteristic match other parts, but the Rate Constant would be off by a factor of 36.
Long story short, you are definitely right, but I think both parts actually work. But someone may want to confirm with Century Spring if they are going to order from there.