Lift Springs

Safe and reliable operation of lift equipment is a primary task for organisations involved in the maintenance and servicing of residential and commercial buildings. Springs for lift systems play a critical role in ensuring safety, comfort, and the long service life of lifting mechanisms for various purposes.

Types of Springs for Lift Systems and Their Functions

Modern lifts are complex mechanisms where spring elements are used in various units and systems. Let’s consider the main types of springs and their functional purpose:

Safety and Braking System Springs

• Lift Brake Springs – ensure reliable braking of the car during stops and in emergency situations. Must have stable characteristics and high fatigue strength.
• Lift Buffer Springs – installed at the bottom of the shaft to cushion impacts if the car descends below the lowest point. Absorb significant impact energy.
• Safety Gear Springs – activated when the car speed exceeds limits, ensuring its emergency stop. A key safety element.

Movement and Positioning Mechanism Springs

• Lift Suspension Springs – dampen car oscillations during movement, providing comfort and reducing load on the rope system.
• Lift Counterweight Springs – installed in the counterweight system to compensate for car weight and ensure energy-efficient operation.
• Lift Winch Springs – used in drive systems for smooth starting, precise positioning, and reliable braking.

Door Mechanism Springs

• Lift Door Springs – ensure smooth opening and closing of car and landing doors, and their secure locking.
• Door Operator Springs – used in electromechanical door control systems to provide necessary force and operational safety.

Quality and Reliability Requirements for Lift Springs

Manufacturers of lift springs must adhere to strict quality and safety standards:

• Compliance with Safety Standards – international and national standards for lift equipment.
• High Fatigue Strength – ability to maintain stable characteristics over a long period of cyclic loading.
• Precise Elastic Characteristics – compliance with design stiffness parameters.
• Corrosion Resistance – especially important for springs operating in damp shafts and machine rooms.
• Absence of Permanent Set – maintaining geometric dimensions and elastic properties under prolonged load.

VITUS springs for lifts are manufactured according to all these requirements, ensuring their reliability and durability in the most critical lift equipment components.

Materials and Manufacturing Technologies

Special grades of spring steel are used for the production of lift springs:

• Chrome-Vanadium Steels (e.g., 50CrV4) – for the most critical springs (brakes, safety gear).
• Silicon-Manganese Steels (e.g., 60SiCr7) – for standard applications in lift construction.
• Stainless Steels (AISI 302, AISI 304) – for damp conditions or where increased corrosion resistance is needed.

The manufacturing process includes:

• Material Preparation – control of chemical composition and mechanical properties.
• Spring Forming – high-precision coiling or stamping.
• Heat Treatment – hardening and tempering.
• Shot Peening – to increase fatigue strength.
• Geometry and Mechanical Property Control.
• Protective Surface Treatment – to ensure corrosion resistance.

Maintenance and Replacement of Springs in Lift Systems

Regular maintenance of lift equipment is essential for its safe operation. Springs used for lift maintenance must meet the original technical specifications and manufacturer’s requirements.

Main reasons for replacing springs:

• Loss of elasticity and change in characteristics (material fatigue).
• Mechanical damage (cracks, deformation).
• Corrosion damage.
• Scheduled preventive maintenance.
• Equipment modernisation.

Springs for lift repairs can be standard or custom-made.

Choosing a Lift Spring Supplier

When selecting a supplier, it’s important to consider:

• Experience in manufacturing springs for lift equipment.
• Availability of compliance certificates and quality control systems.
• Technical capabilities for manufacturing various sizes.
• Ability to produce custom springs based on drawings.
• Warranty obligations and technical support.

The price of lift springs is based on material quality, design complexity, and order volume. Saving on quality can lead to serious consequences.

Ordering and Supply of Lift Springs

Lift springs can be ordered directly from the manufacturer or through specialised suppliers. Custom manufacturing ensures components precisely match equipment requirements.

To place an order, provide:

• Drawings or spring samples.
• Technical requirements (material, coating, characteristics).
• Required quantity.
• Delivery deadlines.

Our company, VITUS, offers a full production cycle for lift equipment springs – from design development to manufacturing and supply of finished products with a quality guarantee.