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Spring Detangler

Overview

Eliminate Material and Labor Waste

Springs are challenging on a production line due to their propensity to become tangled to each other. Springs are typically shipped in bulk where they can become interlocked. Water spiders on a lean manufacturing line are tasked with timely stock replenishment and are unable to spend additional time on any one component. This means that assembly line operators must either spend their valuable time trying to separate them or are forced to dispose of any interlocked springs.

The Tekda Line of Spring Separators were engineered to eliminate material and time muda (waste) stemming from tangled coil springs. As an advocate of eliminating process and inventory waste, Novo Lean Solutions is proud to be an authorized distributor of Tekda Spring Separators, Speed Feeders and Spring Sorters. Available in a range of sizes and easy to use, these tabletop machines can save manufacturers thousands of dollars each year.

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The Novo Lean Solutions Advantage:

  • Reduce Muda (Waste)

    With hands-on experience in machining, manufacturing, and assembly, we understand the monetary impact of waste. We are relentless in our pursuit of reducing material, time and process waste
  • Lean Operations

    Our lean approach emphasizes continuous improvement, workflow standardization, product quality, waste reduction, and environmental controls.
  • Shop Floor Experience

    The Novo family of brands has decades of manufacturing experience, including over 40 years with Novo Precision and 20 years with Novo Metal Finishing Technologies.

In addition to our portfolio of Tekda Spring Separators, we also provide their Speed Feeders and Spring Sorters.

Speed feeders are designed to deliver an oriented spring directly to an assembly point on demand. The Tekda speed feeder can deliver oriented springs to up to six separate assembly points independently, on demand anywhere within a radius of 12 feet (4 meters). Speed feeders can be equipped with optional spring pick point escapements for assisted manual assembly applications.

Spring sorters are designed to separate different sized springs for Point of Use (POU) inventory. To accommodate the wide range of spring types and sizes utilized in the industry today, Novo Precision offers spring sorting devices with the following features:

  • Multiple styles and configurations
  • Spring separating rates as fast as 1,500 ppm
  • Spring OD up to 0.196” (5 mm)
  • Spring lengths up to 0.788” (20 mm)
  • 115V or 230V power supply
  • Up to six separate delivery points for separating springs

Spring Detangling

Separating springs with a spring detangler is a simple but crucial step in maintaining efficient flow on any manufacturing or assembly line that handles coiled components. When springs are bulk-packaged or transported, they naturally nest, intertwine, and form clusters. These tangles slow down automated feeders, create inconsistent part presentation, and increase manual intervention. A spring detangler solves this problem by gently agitating, vibrating, or rotating the batch to tease individual springs apart without damaging their coils or altering their mechanical properties.

The detangler works by leveraging controlled motion: springs are introduced into a chamber or bowl where movement causes them to separate and spread out. As the springs lift, shift, and reorient, the machine’s internal geometry prevents them from re-nesting. Once separated, they can be metered out to downstream equipment such as vibratory bowls, conveyors, or pick-and-place systems. This allows operators to feed springs at a predictable, continuous rate, supporting higher throughput and reducing stoppages.

Using a spring detangler also reduces labor costs. Instead of employees manually pulling springs apart—an inefficient and repetitive task—the detangler handles bulk separation automatically. This reduces ergonomic strain and improves consistency. Additionally, detanglers minimize equipment wear by ensuring only single, properly oriented springs enter feeders, preventing jams and misfeeds.

For manufacturers working with compression, extension, torsion, or specialty wire forms, a spring detangler enhances reliability across the entire process. It doesn’t just speed up production; it stabilizes it. By delivering cleanly separated springs, the machine ensures smoother automation, fewer rejects, and a more predictable, high-quality output.

Ready To See How It Works?

Novo Precision will perform a free demonstration test on your submitted spring samples. If you are unable to visit our Bristol, Connecticut facility, contact us for a remote video demonstration.

FAQs

  • What is a spring detangler?

    A spring detangler is a device designed to automatically separate tangled springs for manufacturing and assembly applications. Novo Lean Solutions Tekda (formerly Colombi) spring detanglers help reduce manual labor, improve efficiency, and streamline spring handling processes by automatically separating springs for feeding and assembly operations.

  • Why choose Tekda spring detanglers and separators from Novo Precision?

    Tekda (formerly Colombi) spring detanglers and spring separators are designed for reliable spring automation, high-speed separating performance, and flexible delivery configurations. Novo Precision provides application support, free spring evaluations, custom solutions, and proven spring handling expertise for complex manufacturing applications.

  • How fast can Novo Lean Solutions spring sorting equipment separate springs?

    Novo Lean Solutions spring sorting equipment can achieve spring separating rates as fast as 1,500 parts per minute (ppm), depending on the spring type, size, and application requirements.

  • Can spring separators reduce manual labor?

    Yes. Automatic spring separators and spring detanglers significantly reduce the need for manual spring sorting and untangling. By automating spring handling processes, manufacturers can save labor hours, improve operator productivity, and reduce repetitive handling tasks.

  • What are automatic spring separators used for?

    Automatic spring separators are used to separate, orient, and feed springs in manufacturing environments. These systems help improve production speed and consistency while reducing downtime caused by tangled or misaligned springs. Novo Lean Solutions offers spring separator equipment for manual load devices, bulk handling, point placement, and automated assembly systems.

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See how the Novo Lean Solutions range of products can save time, eliminate waste, and solve your operational challenges.

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