Associated Spring Introduces CloverDome Spring with Superior Performance.

BRISTOL, Conn. -- 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.