V springs are preferred for dynamic and low-friction sealing where smooth motion and responsive recovery are required. Helical springs are selected for high-pressure static sealing where maximum preload is needed.
A cantilever V spring energizer is a precision V-shaped spring component used inside spring-energized seals to provide low-friction sealing force for dynamic applications. The geometry delivers an even, linear load across a wide deflection range, making it particularly suitable for reciprocating and rotary motion systems.
Installed inside PTFE, PEEK, and other polymer sealing jackets, the V spring applies radial loading to the sealing lips. The cantilever design allows each leg to deflect independently, providing consistent contact pressure under motion.
Compared with helical and canted coil spring designs, V spring seals offer lower friction and smoother force distribution, making them widely used in aerospace actuators, medical devices, semiconductor equipment, and industrial automation.
Reduced friction variation during operation, ideal for reciprocating and rotary sealing systems where smooth motion is critical.
Provides even, linear load across a wide deflection range, ensuring consistent sealing force under varying conditions.
Optimized for dynamic motion systems, including reciprocating and low-to-moderate speed rotary sealing applications.
Spring geometry, material selection, and load characteristics can be adjusted to meet specific application requirements.
Unlike helical springs that generate increasing force with compression, cantilever V spring energizers provide a relatively linear load-deflection relationship. Each leg deflects independently, distributing the load evenly across the sealing lips.
The linear load characteristics of V spring seals make them particularly suitable for reciprocating and rotary sealing applications where consistent friction and stable sealing force are required.
Cantilever V spring energizers are often selected for reciprocating dynamic sealing applications where low friction and responsive elastic recovery are important. The following table illustrates how V springs compare with other spring energizer technologies.
| Comparison Item | Helical | Canted Coil | Cantilever V | Cantilever U | Full Contact | Detached Leg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Structure | Helical coil | Slanted coil | V-shaped cantilever | U-shaped cantilever | Continuous contact | Detached legs |
| Load Level | High | Medium | Low-Medium | Low-Medium | Medium-High | Very Low |
| Friction | Moderate | Low | Low | Low | Moderate | Very Low |
| Dynamic Performance | Moderate | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Moderate | Excellent |
| Compensation Ability | Moderate | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
| Breakaway Force | High | Low | Low | Low | Medium | Very Low |
| Vacuum Capability | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
| Cryogenic Service | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Good | Excellent | Moderate |
| High Pressure | Excellent | Good | Moderate | Moderate | Excellent | Limited |
| Motion Systems | Moderate | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Moderate | Excellent |
| Seal Stability | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Good | Excellent | Good |
| Typical Applications | High-pressure static sealing | Dynamic and low-friction sealing | Reciprocating dynamic sealing | General-purpose sealing | Vacuum and cryogenic sealing | Precision motion and vacuum systems |
For reciprocating dynamic sealing applications requiring low friction and responsive recovery, cantilever V spring energizers are often the preferred choice.
Not sure which spring type fits your application? Contact our engineering team for selection support →

The V-shaped cantilever spring applies radial loading to the sealing jacket through its two legs. As the seal is compressed, the legs deflect independently, generating even contact pressure across the sealing interface.
The cantilever design provides responsive elastic recovery, allowing the seal to maintain contact during dynamic motion cycles. This makes V spring seals particularly effective in reciprocating and rotary sealing applications.

Dimension Reference: S = Outside Diameter | H = Width | C = Material Thickness
Custom dimensions available. Contact us for full specifications or specialized OD, strip thickness/width solutions.
Custom dimensions available. Table shows a portion of our standard range.
| Series | S (mm | “) | H (mm | “) | C (mm | “) |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDY-CVS-095120010 | 0.95mm | .037″ | 1.20mm | .047″ | 0.10mm | .004″ |
| HDY-CVS-119104008 | 1.19mm | .047″ | 1.04mm | .041″ | 0.08mm | .003″ |
| HDY-CVS-150150008 | 1.50mm | .059″ | 1.50mm | .059″ | 0.08mm | .003″ |
| HDY-CVS-200200012 | 2.00mm | .079″ | 2.00mm | .079″ | 0.12mm | .0047″ |
| HDY-CVS-250250012 | 2.50mm | .098″ | 2.50mm | .098″ | 0.12mm | .0047″ |
| HDY-CVS-350350015 | 3.50mm | .138″ | 3.50mm | .138″ | 0.15mm | .0059″ |
| HDY-CVS-450450020 | 4.50mm | .177″ | 4.50mm | .177″ | 0.20mm | .0079″ |
| HDY-CVS-622597025 | 6.22mm | .245″ | 5.97mm | .235″ | 0.25mm | .0098″ |
| HDY-CVS-808914050 | 8.08mm | .318″ | 9.14mm | .36″ | 0.50mm | .0197″ |
| Contact us for complete specification sheet and custom dimensions → | |||
Materials
Material selection directly influences corrosion resistance, spring recovery, fatigue life, and sealing reliability.
Excellent corrosion resistance and fatigue performance for long-cycle dynamic and static sealing applications.
Nickel alloy suitable for elevated temperature and high-pressure spring-energized sealing applications up to 650°C.
Outstanding corrosion resistance in highly aggressive chemical and process environments.
Precipitation-hardening stainless steel balancing strength, elasticity, and manufacturability.
Material selection depends on operating temperature, corrosion resistance requirements, media compatibility, and expected service life. High-performance alloys are frequently selected for cryogenic, chemical processing, and aerospace sealing applications.
Cantilever V spring energizers are primarily selected for dynamic sealing applications requiring low friction, linear load response, and reliable operation under reciprocating or rotary motion. Actual performance depends on seal jacket design, operating media, and material selection.
Handa Spring manufactures custom cantilever V spring energizers based on seal groove dimensions, motion requirements, and operating conditions. We work with seal manufacturers and OEMs to match spring geometry, load characteristics, and material to specific application requirements. Mold cost refund: mold cost is refunded once total production reaches the agreed-upon volume.
Rapid Prototyping: Custom prototypes available for fit, form, and function testing before full-scale production.
Applications
Why Choose Us
Handa Spring manufactures custom cantilever V spring energizers based on seal groove dimensions, motion requirements, and operating conditions. We work with seal manufacturers and OEMs to match spring geometry, load characteristics, and material to specific application requirements.
1. What is a cantilever V spring energizer?
2. When should I use a cantilever V spring instead of a helical spring?
3. What is the typical load range for V spring seals?
4. What materials are available for cantilever V springs?
5. Are V spring energizers suitable for cryogenic applications?
6. Can you provide custom dimensions and configurations?
Yes. Custom profile widths, heights, material thicknesses, and lengths are available. No additional tooling charges for standard customization.
7. What is the mold cost refund policy?
8. What industries commonly use V spring seals?
9. What information do you need for a custom quote?
10. What is the typical lead time for custom V springs?
11. Can V springs be used in rotary applications?
Contact Handa
Our engineering team can recommend the optimal cantilever V spring energizer based on your seal design, motion type, operating pressure, and temperature.