Manufacturer of roller springs, return springs, and worm springs
Simply Consistent: Custom-Made Return Springs for Smooth Retraction
Whether as a classic coil spring or in a helical spring design, we manufacture long spring assemblies that offer impressive constant tension and exceptional durability. These specialty springs are designed to precisely overcome mechanical resistance and ensure a reliable return force throughout their entire service life.
This is where our wire-formed springs help
avoid effort and follow-up costs
Sun Protection & Insect Protection
From roller shades to venetian blinds to insect screens: Roller shade springs ensure smooth, automatic retraction—durable and without any loss of function.
Automotive Industry
From trunk covers to sunshades: Return springs perform precise retraction and covering functions in the vehicle interior.
Building Systems
From gate openers to spring-loaded shaft systems: Return springs ensure reliable automatic operation in permanently installed building systems.
The Manufacturing Process for Return Springs and Roller Springs in Detail
Return springs and roller springs are coiled spring elements made of spring steel wire that are manufactured as a long spring strand and can be mounted, for example, on a spring shaft. Their function is to automatically generate a defined retracting force after being deflected, thereby automatically retracting the rolled-up element—whether it be a roller blind, venetian blind, cover, or roller shutter.
In practice, return springs are frequently used, for example, as roller springs in spring shafts, return springs in covers, or worm springs for shaft seals. The requirements—spring length, wire diameter, eye shape, and winding direction—are determined by the installation situation and the desired retraction behavior. That is why Alfred Weigel always manufactures return springs on a project-specific basis.
Our return springs and roller springs are characterized by:
- Simply precise: Manufactured in accordance with DIN 2097 and DIN 2194 from a wide variety of materials as a long spring strand for spring shafts
- Easy to integrate: wound clockwise or counterclockwise, with a wide variety of eyelet shapes or hooks at the ends, and easily mounted as a long spring strand for spring shafts
- Simply reliable: Maximum process stability and dependable standards thanks to our ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications
- They are used in assemblies where consistent retraction force, reliable automatic retraction, and consistent quality throughout the entire production run are critical. This helps to permanently reduce assembly costs and the risk of customer complaints.
Standard vs. Custom Return and Roll Springs
Your Benefits at Alfred Weigel Federfabrik
Standard solution
- Predefined spring lengths, wire diameters, and eyelet shapes
- Limited adaptation to the available installation space and mechanical mounting
- Limited selection of materials for standard environments
- Frequently, compromises must be made regarding the required recoil force or the effective spring length
Weigel Spring Factory
Custom Roller Springs from Alfred Weigel
- Design exactly according to drawings, samples, or functional requirements
- Optimal adaptation to the housing, guides, and the specific installation space
- Careful selection of materials for specific environmental conditions, such as corrosion protection or heat
- A wide variety of hook and end designs for easy assembly and consistent production quality
- Consistent quality from small-scale prototype production to mass production
A custom design of return springs and roller springs offers advantages in many applications, especially when:
- Operating conditions such as UV exposure, temperature fluctuations, or humidity influence the choice of material.
- Frequent load cycles require a specified fatigue strength.
- The spring length and tension must be precisely matched to the mechanism and the desired return action.
Thanks to the project-specific design, requirements are taken into account early on, thereby avoiding design changes later in the project. You’ll gain planning certainty for development, procurement, and mass production.
Manufacturing Specifications for the Production of Roller Shade and Retraction Springs
The Alfred Weigel Spring Factory manufactures return springs and roller springs as long spring coils in a wide range of wire diameters. Thanks to modern manufacturing processes and our in-house toolmaking department, we are able to provide customized solutions:
- Simply precise: Custom-made quality through manufacturing in accordance with DIN 2097 and DIN 2194 to ensure the reliable operation of your retrieval systems.
- Simply flexible: With or without pitch (spacing between turns), right- or left-hand winding
- A perfect fit: A wide variety of eyelet shapes or hooks at the ends, made exactly according to your drawing
- Simple testing: Spring force and torque testing available upon request
- Easy to store: Heat-treated (tempering) upon request to improve elasticity and fatigue strength
- Easy to combine: Also available as a worm spring for shaft seals or integrated into complex spring-shaft assemblies
Selected Applications in the Manufacture of Roll-Up Springs and Return Springs
Prototyping and Sample Production
For return springs and roller springs, it is crucial to verify the spring length, tension, and return force early on in the intended installation scenario. Thanks to our in-house tooling department and our capability for specialized handcrafting, we can support this process flexibly and quickly. Sample and prototype production can be an integral part of your project workflow.
- Based on your drawing, a sample, or technical specifications, we manufacture initial return springs or roller springs that can be tested in their actual installation in the spring shaft. Feedback from assembly, testing, or endurance tests is directly incorporated into the optimization process before series production begins.
This structured approach reduces the need for adjustments during production, minimizes rework, and provides planning certainty for subsequent mass production. The transition from prototype to production parts is traceable and stable.
Additional Services Related to the Manufacture of Return Springs and Roller Springs
In addition to manufacturing individual return springs and roller springs, we also support you with complementary services that simplify their use in mass production and reduce interfaces. Our goal is to provide a solution that is not only technically suitable but can also be efficiently integrated into your processes. These services include, among others:
Combination of return springs with spring shafts, stamped and bent parts, or other functional components.
We can handle even small quantities or special requirements.
Packaging solutions tailored to logistics, assembly, or further processing.
For A-tier customers: Predictable supply, reduced effort in purchasing and warehousing.
All services are provided on a project-by-project basis and upon request. This ensures you receive exactly the scope of services that makes sense for your application.
Upload drawings, illustrations, or functional descriptions directly through our contact form.
We will work together to determine the installation space, load, material, and operating conditions.
We’ll advise you on prototype manufacturing and plan the next steps.
Transition to mass production following technical approval.
Inspection of manufactured parts for quality characteristics, as well as outgoing goods inspection to ensure consistent quality.
Reliable delivery with dedicated contacts.
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Here at Federn Weigel, we manufacture the right technical springs for you. Custom-made to meet your requirements.
Have flat springs and coil springs manufactured now at
Are you planning to use return springs or roller springs?
We make it easy for you. The following information will help us quickly prepare a detailed quote:
- Drawing or sketch of the return spring / roller spring
- Sample or reference part (if available)
- Installation Configuration and Spring Shaft Diameter
- Desired spring length, retraction torque, and winding direction
- Planned Demand (Prototypes, Small-Volume Production, Mass Production)
You can upload drawings, sketches, or photos directly using our form.
Questions & Answers About Return Springs & Roller Springs
What is the difference between a return spring and a roller spring?
A return spring is the technical term for springs that automatically generate a retractive force after being deflected. In our manufacturing process, it is typically produced as a long, precision spring strand or as a specialized tension spring that reliably absorbs linear movements. A roller spring, on the other hand, is the common term for the specific design used in a guide or on a shaft to automatically retract roller shades, venetian blinds, or covers. Alfred Weigel manufactures both designs on a project-specific basis as custom spring solutions.
Can return springs or roller springs also be designed for mass production processes?
Yes. At Alfred Weigel, return springs and roller springs are designed to meet series production standards and are tailored to reproducible manufacturing processes to ensure consistent return force throughout the entire production run. Our innovative solutions enable complete production runs with freely selectable eyelet shapes on both sides.
What is the minimum quantity required for mass production?
Depending on the component and requirements, we can produce samples, small batches, and mass-produced items. The quantity is determined on a project-by-project basis and agreed upon jointly. We can produce prototypes upon request. Please note that our minimum order value is €250.
What materials can be used for return springs?
The choice of material depends on the operating conditions, load, and function. Common materials include cold-drawn spring steel wires. For outdoor applications or humid environments, stainless steels or coated variants can be used.
What does "right-hand" or "left-hand" winding direction mean for roller springs?
The winding direction indicates the direction in which the spring is wound. It must be matched to the spring shaft and the winding mechanism so that the recoil force acts in the correct direction. Alfred Weigel manufactures both versions according to drawings.
What information is needed to submit a request?
It is helpful to provide a drawing or sketch, a sample (if available), details about the installation situation and the spring shaft, the desired spring length, the retracting torque, and the winding direction, as well as the planned application (prototype, small-batch production, mass production). Click here for the contact form.
Can return springs be heat-treated?
Yes. Return springs can be heat-treated (tempered) upon request to improve their elasticity and increase their fatigue strength during high-cycle operation. This is particularly useful for applications with a very high operating frequency.
Is custom packaging also available?
Yes. Simply put: Packaging solutions can be tailored to logistics, assembly, or further processing and are provided on a project-by-project basis upon request.
What is a spring shaft, and what role does the roller spring play in it?
A spring shaft is an assembly consisting of a shaft, a spring strand, and end connectors that generates the retraction force for the roller blind or cover. The roller spring—a long spring coil made of spring steel wire—is the heart of this assembly: It stores energy when pulled out and releases it as a uniform retracting force when let go. The spring length, wire diameter, and torque of the roller spring determine the retracting behavior of the entire system.
