BRISTOL, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 6, 2005--Associated Spring,
a business unit of Barnes Group Inc. (NYSE: B), today announced its
introduction of the CloverDome(TM), a customized spring washer. The
CloverDome is a conical formed disc spring that utilizes
stress-relieving cutouts on both the inner diameter and the outer
diameter. The patented cutouts allow the CloverDome to achieve two to
three times the deflection of current disc springs. This added
deflection makes the CloverDome suitable in applications where disc
springs fall short of desired deflection or where the space occupied
by coil springs is not tolerable.
Manufactured by Associated Spring and distributed by Barnes
Distribution's Raymond business, CloverDomes can be used in a variety
of applications including valves, clutches, disc brakes, swivel
designs, bus bar connections, bolt tension control, clamping fixtures,
shock absorption, seat sensors, turret tools, wide strippers and die
seats.
"The precision-manufactured CloverDome spring is a key marketplace
differentiator for Associated Spring. Its innovative and advanced
technologies allow us to develop products and solutions that meet and
exceed customer expectations," said Gregory F. Milzcik, President,
Associated Spring.
"The CloverDome line of customized spring washers adds a new,
innovative product offering for customers of Barnes Distribution's
Raymond business. The CloverDome enhances Raymond's comprehensive
product line of industrial die springs, springs, washers, gas springs
and die components distributed through its international distribution
system," said Keith Drewett, President, Barnes Distribution.
The CloverDome is very different from other spring washer
products. Its overall height is roughly 10 percent of its diameter. In
comparison, the height of a Belleville washer is only 3 percent of its
diameter. The CloverDome height-diameter relationship translates into
two to three times more deflection with which to work. The result is a
spring rate that is lower than that of a stiff Belleville washer, but
significantly higher than the spring rate of a coil spring for an
equal amount of deflection."
CloverDomes can also be stacked in a variety of configurations to
achieve force versus deflection (FD) curves that are not possible
using a single spring. The unique spring rate of the CloverDome
bridges the large gap between very stiff Belleville disc springs and
resilient coil springs. Additional information is available at
www.cloverspring.com.
Barnes Group Inc. (www.barnesgroupinc.com) is a diversified
international manufacturer of precision metal components and
assemblies and a distributor of industrial supplies, serving a wide
range of markets and customers. Founded in 1857 and headquartered in
Bristol, Connecticut, Barnes Group consists of three businesses with
2004 sales of $994.7 million: Barnes Distribution, an international,
full-service distributor of maintenance, repair, operating, and
production supplies; Associated Spring, one of the world's largest
manufacturers of precision mechanical and nitrogen gas springs and a
global supplier of retaining rings, reed valves, shock discs, and
injection-molded plastic components; and Barnes Aerospace, a
manufacturer and repairer of highly engineered assemblies and
components for commercial and military aircraft engines, airframes,
and land-based industrial gas turbines. Over 5,900 dedicated employees
at 60 locations worldwide contribute to Barnes Group Inc.'s success.
CONTACT: Barnes Group Inc.
Brian D. Koppy, 860-973-2126
Investor Relations
or
Stephen J. McKelvey, 860-973-2132
Corporate Communications
SOURCE: Barnes Group Inc.