There are times when "newer" means "better." Advanced Spring Design (ASD) combines the best elements of Spring Designer 2.1 (SD2.1) and Graphical Spring Design Software 5.0 (GSDS5).

SD2.1 gave users the capability to backsolve problems by calculating values from any variety of inputs. On the other hand, GSDS5 brought a systematic approach to spring design. Users were required to input specific values to achieve a design. Both methods have their fans. With ASD, however, users have the option of using either method, or both, in the creation of a spring design.

Advanced Spring Design does exactly what its name implies - it advances spring design. It is a Windows-compatible program (Windows NT/2000/XP) that combines the popular features of both the previous SMI design programs.

ASD6 covers a total of 27 spring types or loading options and includes compression springs, extension springs, spiral forms, torsion springs, washers, beams, and torsion bars.

With ASD, users can create and modify spring designs on a desktop or notebook computer without having to worry about the dreaded security key "dongle."

A Flash presentation demonstrating the features of ASD is available at the top of this page. Click "View ASD Demo." At the conclusion of the demo, you will have the option to request a free trial of the actual software.

ASD is a joint project in which SMI and UTS combined their considerable knowledge and expertise. UTS developed the popular TK Solver software, a simultaneous equation solver that forms the core of the ASD program. SMI, of course, has been authoring spring design software since the 1980s.

One way in which UTS and SMI are advancing spring design with this new software is by saving springmakers time and reducing the margin for human error. The user can choose to operate in one of three modes - Quick Start, Power User or Custom Power User.

In Quick Start, the user selects a spring case and enters values for standard input variables. To design a spring, all the user has to do is fill in the blanks - selecting the desired material, load tolerance and deflection, for example. Some inputs may be chosen from pull-down menus. Once the blanks are filled, the designer can crank out specs for a new spring simply by clicking the "Solve" button.

Not only does ASD have the dexterity to solve marathon equations in moments, but it also has the unique ability to backsolve. This is a feature of the Power User and Custom Power User modes, which allow the user to enter any combination of variables and attempt a solution. Power User gives the designer the freedom to work in any direction to optimize the design, just as was possible in SD2.1.

ASD has been built in a completely graphical environment with convenient and automatic unit conversion as well as easy access to dynamic plots and reports. There are a number of pre-formatted plots and standard reports available, plus you have the flexibility to create custom reports.

ASD also includes a materials database that can be added to by users, a profile system for saving and incorporating frequently used input data sets, and exportable DXF drawings, which can be e-mailed to customers.

Table 1: Advanced Spring Design vs. Spring Designer and GSDS5 features. Note: The calculations for some characteristics were improved in the new software to more accurately represent real conditions encountered by spring designers. Examples: The designer can choose one of four buckling criteria for compression springs that is closest to his application. The conical spring rate calculation accurately represents the spring rate, provided the amount of active material remains constant. Stresses are calculated at three critical points for Belleville washers to help the designer to evaluate load-carrying ability and fatigue life.