Flat springs are flat strips of material that, when deflected by an external load, store and release energy. Flat springs are small, stamped metal components that function like a spring by controlling deflection within small or restricted spaces. They are usually manufactured from high carbon spring steel, nickel-silver, high-nickel alloys, stainless steel, and phosphor-bronze, and beryllium-copper combinations. A flat spring can also function as a spacer or ground.