Power springs
Power springs, also known as flat spiral springs, are tightly wound strips of spring material designed to store and release rotational energy. They release steady torque for winding and return in compact mechanical assemblies. When mounted between a shaft (arbor) and a housing (case), the spring produces controlled, consistent torque as it is wound and unwound. This design enables precise, repeatable retraction and long cycle life. Power springs are ideal for retractable mechanisms, counterbalances, and constant-torque applications where smooth performance and space efficiency are critical.
At Lesjöfors, power spring manufacturing focuses on application needs. We tailor design, materials, and dimensions for durability, long life, and fast development.
Technical specifications
- Types:
Available in conventional and pre-stressed configurations
- Strip thickness:
Up to 2 mm, depending on design
- Features:
Delivers steady torque and smooth retraction over multiple cycles
- Materials:
Stainless steel & carbon steel with protective finishes

What are power springs?
Power springs are flat, spiral-shaped springs made from coiled strip material. Designed to store and release energy and deliver controlled torque, they enable smooth winding and return in compact assemblies. The torque-deflection characteristics of a power spring are nonlinear. This is due to changing amounts of active material during operation, inter-coil friction and hysteresis effects within the assembly.
Positioned between a shaft and a housing, they generate torque as either the arbor or the case rotates, ensuring smooth, repeatable retraction across numerous cycles. Standard models typically support around 20 turns, while prestressed variants can reach up to 50 turns, depending on the strip size and available space.
Product range & stock availability

Stock power springs
Lesjöfors offers a wide selection of stock power springs and flat spiral springs through its online shop and global distribution network. Standard sizes are ideal for applications such as cable reels, hose reels, and safety belts. Each spring is engineered for consistent torque delivery and a compact footprint.
To simplify your experience, we provide local support, CAD resources, and strategically located warehouses, ensuring quick assistance, seamless ordering, and fast delivery.

Custom power springs
Custom power springs are built to match each project. We look at torque, turns, space, duty cycle, and target life. Engineers then adjust strip width, thickness, and length to suit, with material choice depending on performance needs and required cycles.
Prototypes are built quickly, tested against clear standards, and refined. With support from our global engineering teams at every stage, Lesjöfors delivers custom springs that ensure smooth retraction, consistent torque, and long-lasting reliability.
Types of power springs
We offer several types of power springs to suit different applications:

Conventional power springs
Flat strip wound in the flat state for stable, predictable torque. Designed for long service life where steady retraction matters.

Pre‑stressed power springs
Cross‑curved and back wound to raise torque and working turns. Ideal for tight packages that still need smooth, controlled retraction.

Cross‑curved power springs
Formed curvature that matches torque‑rotation targets with high efficiency. Available as stocked options for fast builds and reliable performance.

Advanced power spring manufacturing
Our power springs are precisely engineered to deliver consistent torque, even under demanding conditions. Each design follows a rigorous manufacturing process, with defined quality checks to ensure reliability, durability, and safety. Every component and material is carefully selected to match the application’s torque requirements, rotation range, spatial constraints, and duty cycle.
Key technical features include:
- Application‑driven coiling methods for accurate torque and turns
- Tight dimensional control of strip width, thickness, and length
- Certified quality systems: ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001

How do power springs work?
Power springs store and release energy in a tightly wound strip of spring material, releasing it as controlled torque to rotate an arbor or housing. Installed between a central shaft (arbor) and an outer case, the spring winds tighter as one component rotates, building torque in the process.
When released, it unwinds smoothly to deliver consistent, repeatable retraction across multiple turns. This precise motion drives compact retraction mechanisms where steady torque and reliability are essential. These mechanisms include cable reels, hose reels, and safety belts.

Power spring materials
Power springs are crafted from materials and finishes specifically chosen to meet performance requirements, environmental conditions, and service life expectations. Each selection is made with care, considering factors such as corrosion resistance, load demands, and exposure to harsh elements. The result is consistent torque delivery and a reliable cycle life you can count on.
Common materials and finishes include:
Trusted in ergonomic and medical devices

Lesjöfors in Hollywood
Explore our long-standing relationship with Easyrig and our involvement in the development of products that offload heavy cameras, using power springs, gas springs, tension springs and compression springs.

Exact dosing in drug delivery devices
Learn how our power springs are used in autoinjectors, drug delivery devices & pen injectors to deliver exact dosing and high levels of safety.
Related products
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Formed from strip material up to 12 mm thick, for rotational torque applications.
Compression springsCompression springs
Cylindrical springs in wire diameters of 0.03 - 80 mm.
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