VDI/VDE 2255 Blatt 3:2016-02

Springs or spring elements made of elastomers or plastics are increasingly used for industrial applications, particularly for precision engineering equipment. They offer many advantages over conventional metal springs, deriving from material properties, possible component designs and plastic-specific manufacturing procedures. In comparison to metal springs, the material-specific properties such as creep, temperature dependency of material parameters, load duration and strength, or low softening temperatures result in significant differences for the calculation and the design of plastic springs. In the context of this standard, the following classification is made: traditional plastic springs, bent moulding elements, film hinges and elastomer springs. The classification considers specific application areas and the processed material.