ISO 10243-2019 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 10243:2019 — Tools for pressing — Compression springs with rectangular section — Housing dimensions and colour coding. This international standard specifies the mounting (housing) dimensions and the colour‑coding system used to classify rectangular‑section compression (die) springs by spring rate.

Abstract

This document establishes technical specifications for compression springs made from rectangular wire, defining housing (installation) dimensions and a colour code for spring rates (light, medium, strong, extra strong). The parameters apply to springs when mounted; the standard does not attempt to specify all spring dimensions, materials, mechanical life or overall quality.

General information

• Status: Published (edition 3) — confirmed as current following review in 2025.
• Publication date: May 2019 (published 17 May 2019).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 01.070 (Colour coding); 25.120.10 (Forging equipment — presses, shears).
• Edition / version: Edition 3 (2019).
• Number of pages: 19 (main ISO publication).

Scope

ISO 10243:2019 applies to compression springs whose wire has a rectangular cross‑section and which are used in press tooling. It specifies the housing (installation) dimensions and a standard colour code used to identify spring rates (light, medium, strong, extra strong). The standard is intended for springs in their mounted (set) condition and does not specify wire cross‑section details, material grades, life expectancy or performance testing beyond the dimensional and identification requirements.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of housing (installation) dimensions for rectangular‑section compression springs.
• Classification of springs into spring rates: light, medium, strong and extra strong.
• Standardised colour‑coding scheme for rapid identification of spring rate classes.
• Designation and marking rules for specifying spring rate and housing size.
• Notes clarifying that material, wire cross‑section details and life expectancy are outside the standard’s scope.

Typical use and users

Primary users are press tooling designers, die and mold manufacturers, die‑spring producers and suppliers, toolroom engineers, maintenance and service technicians for stamping and forming equipment, purchasing and quality personnel who need a consistent method to specify and identify die springs. The standard supports interoperability and safety in press tooling assemblies by standardising mounting dimensions and identification.

Related standards

ISO 10243:2019 replaces earlier editions (ISO 10243:2010 and earlier) and the 2011 amendment; those earlier documents were withdrawn on publication of the 2019 edition. The standard was prepared under ISO/TC 29/SC 8 (tools for pressing). Users may also consult national adoptions (for example national publications that republish ISO 10243) for national forewords or informative annexes.

Keywords

compression spring, die spring, rectangular section, housing dimensions, installation dimensions, colour coding, spring rate, press tooling, ISO 10243.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 10243:2019 is an international standard that specifies housing (installation) dimensions and a colour‑coding system for compression springs with a rectangular cross‑section used in press tooling.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the dimensional envelope (housing/install dimensions) for mounted rectangular‑section compression springs and a standard colour code to identify spring rates (light, medium, strong, extra strong). It does not prescribe wire cross‑section geometry, material grades, heat treatment, or guaranteed service life.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Die and press tooling designers, spring manufacturers and suppliers, toolroom and maintenance engineers, procurement and quality staff who need a standard way to specify, order and identify die springs for presses.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 10243:2019 is the current edition (Edition 3, published May 2019). ISO records show the publication was reviewed and confirmed in 2025, and earlier editions (2010 and amendment 2011) were withdrawn when the 2019 edition was issued.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: ISO 10243 focuses specifically on rectangular‑section compression springs used in press tooling; it is managed by ISO/TC 29/SC 8 (tools for pressing). While not published as a multi‑part series, it continues earlier editions and amendments (1991, 2010, 2011 amendment). Users may find related ISO or national standards covering other spring types or additional tooling requirements.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: compression spring, die spring, rectangular section, housing dimensions, colour code, spring rate, press tooling, ISO 10243.