Spring steel

What is spring steel?

Spring steel is a special type of steel designed to withstand repeated stress and return to its original shape without permanent deformation. This property makes it the ideal material for manufacturing various types of springs, which are widely used in the engineering industry, vehicles, and many other applications.

Composition and properties of spring steel

Spring steels are typically low-alloy manganese steels or medium- to high-carbon steels with very high yield strength. This means they can withstand heavy loads and return to their original form after being bent. Additionally, spring steels require an excellent surface finish and internal cleanliness, especially when subjected to fatigue loading.

Types and standards of spring steel

Spring steels are available in various grades and standards. For example, the EN standard defines several grades of spring steel, such as 51CrV4, 55Cr3, and 56Si7. There are also stainless and acid-resistant spring steels, such as 1.4310 (AISI 301) and 1.4401 (AISI 316), which offer improved corrosion resistance under challenging conditions.

Use of spring steel in machine shops

In machine shops, spring steel is widely used to manufacture different types of springs, such as extension springs, compression springs, and torsion springs. These components are needed in many applications requiring flexibility and durability. Selection of spring steel depends on the application's requirements, such as load, environmental conditions, and desired service life.

Summary

Spring steel is an essential material in the engineering industry due to its excellent flexibility and durability. Selecting and using the right type ensures that spring components operate reliably and have a long service life in various applications.