Lateral spring plungers are characterized by the position in which they are installed. They are installed laterally, meaning they provide a side-thrust force.

All spring plungers provide some type of force, but only lateral spring plungers provide a side-force thrust. Other types of spring plungers typically provide a vertical-thrust force.

Lateral spring plungers are commonly used in the following processes:

Drilling

Cutting

Grinding

Welding

Soldering

Assembling

Labeling

Engraving

As their name suggests, lateral spring plungers — and all other spring plungers — contain a spring. The enclosed spring presses against a ball or plunger. When the spring is compressed, it will exert a lateral force against the ball or plunger.

Lateral spring plungers use the same spring-based mechanism to exert a force as all other types of spring plungers. The spring will compress while simultaneously pushing against the ball or plunger. Lateral spring plungers are simply designed for lateral use.