Difference between Helical Spring vs Coil Spring.

The terms “helical spring” and “coil spring” are often used interchangeably, but they can have specific meanings depending on the context. Generally, both refer to springs formed by coiling wire, but there are some distinctions:

Helical Spring:

A helical spring is a broader term that encompasses various types of springs with a helical (spiral or coiled) shape.
It includes compression springs, extension springs, and torsion springs, all of which fall under the category of helical springs.

Coil Spring:

A coil spring, on the other hand, specifically refers to a type of helical spring that is designed to resist compressive forces (compression spring) or extend under tensile forces (extension spring).
Coil springs are characterized by their cylindrical or conical shape formed by winding a wire into a coil.
In summary, while “helical spring” is a more general term covering various spring types with a helical shape, “coil spring” is a more specific term referring to a helical spring designed for compression or extension applications. In everyday usage, these terms are often used interchangeably, but in technical discussions, the specific type of helical spring may be highlighted based on its application and design.