When it comes to spring and pressing manufacturing, finding the correct spring type is only one step in the process. Selecting the perfect spring material is almost just as important as the spring type itself. Material can influence how effective the product will be, and different materials are adapted to different kinds of applications, such as those with non-corrosive properties.
So, whether you’re manufacturing compression springs, clock springs, or torsion springs, choosing the right spring material is an integral step. We will be discussing the variety of spring materials we offer and why our customers choose each of these for their applications. At European Springs and Pressings, we specialise in creating spring and pressing solutions that are customised to your needs, ensuring you get the best possible result for your application.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Material
Choosing the right material for your springs is a crucial part of the spring design process. The material chosen can influence the reliability and performance of the spring, so this is a decision that requires much deliberation. Spring materials are all made up of properties that make them suitable for various applications. For instance, springs used in the marine sector will last longer if they are made from a non-corrosive material like stainless steel. Alternatively, many applications require their springs to be either strong or weak conductors of electricity and heat, so selecting materials like copper helps to improve the overall performance of such applications.
Selecting the right material is furthermore important for the construction of a spring. Some spring materials are more flexible and malleable than others, so knowing a material’s limitations simplifies the design process and helps consider its restrictions. From design to manufacturing, choosing the right materials ensures the highest possible standard for the finished product. This is an aspect that should be considered throughout the entire process, from the initial planning stages to the delivery of a final product.
What Materials Are Used to Manufacture Springs?
What Materials Are Used to Manufacture Springs?
As expert spring manufacturers, we can make our springs from a wide range of high-quality materials to create an end result that is reliable and durable. Here are some of the materials that can be used to manufacture springs:
- Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is an iron alloy that must contain at least 10.5% chromium and can often be made up of metals like nickel and titanium. The presence of chromium in this material makes it corrosion-resistant, as it creates an oxide layer on the surface, which works to protect it against oxidation and exposure to weathering. Stainless steel can be customised to meet different needs by adjusting the proportions of metals it contains, so if you need it to be resistant to high temperatures, this is a possibility.
- Low-alloy Steel: Low-alloy steels are ferrous metals created by adding elements like nickel or molybdenum. These steels have high-temperature properties such as hot compressive strength, which means they can last a long time under axial stress – which is a vital component for springs.
- Carbon Steel: Manufacturers often choose carbons steel for its strength, which comes from its high carbon content. Like stainless steel, the properties of carbon steel can be adjusted depending on the carbon content – the higher it is, the stronger and more expensive it will be. For a material that can withstand high amounts of pressure and weight, carbon steel is an ideal selection.
- Copper and Titanium Alloys: Although steel and its various alloys are in high demand, we also work with copper and titanium alloys. Titanium alloys can be crafted from a range of elements, including aluminium and molybdenum. Still, titanium is more costly than steel which means that it is generally used only for projects where precision is important and the cost can be justified, such as military aircraft and space travel.
In addition to the range of spring materials we carry, we also offer surface treatments for springs and pressings to make them more adapted to the requirements of certain applications. This can be anything from hardening and tempering to plating, so be sure to consult our team to see if our range of material finishes can assist you in your application.
Factors to Consider
A methodical process is required to select the highest quality materials; several factors, including chemical, thermal, mechanical, electrical, and environmental properties, need to be considered before a process of elimination is utilised to choose the best material. There are a few key factors to consider when selecting the best material:
- Strength and Load Capacity: The material should be able to withstand the maximum load requirement without becoming permanently deformed.
- Corrosion Resistance: In environments where exposure to moisture, salt, or chemicals is common, materials like stainless steel or protective coatings may be necessary for preventing rust or deterioration.
- Temperature Range: Consider the temperature in which the spring will be used, as springs used in higher or lower temperatures must be able to retain their properties despite this.
- Electrical and Thermal Conductivity: In applications where the product is involved with electrical or thermal systems, materials with appropriate conductivity levels should be chosen.
These are just a few factors to consider, as ultimately, this should be dependent on the industry and application of your spring.
There are so many important uses of springs and wire forms in our modern lives, so it’s important that whatever you and your business are making, that you get it right by choosing a manufacturer who creates your parts from high-quality materials as we do. As spring and pressing manufacturers, we offer top quality springs that are custom to your requests. For further information or details about the quality of our springs, please feel free to get in touch with our friendly team of experts.