Introduction
Spring steel are special types of steel alloys come in different grades and have low alloy levels and carbon of 0.6- 1%. They are highly stretchable in nature and it is precisely why they are used in various applications like small springs, flat springs, slotted springs and mechanic springs, among many others. These special steel alloys have high tensile strength and have its main application in the automotive industry. Their main attribute is its ability to change shape several times and revert back to their original shape.
Types of Spring Steel
There are many varieties of spring steel alloys derived from different kinds of sources. High Carbon Steel is the most common kind of alloy and are the most economical and the most easily available in the market. The carbon content is close to 0.7- 0.95%. Chrome Vanadium Steel is another popular kind available. While the properties of this alloy is more expensive than the former it is much more durable and stronger as well. Silicon Manganese and Chromium Silicon are two other kinds of spring steel alloys which are used mostly for high-stress applications that require high tensile strength.
Applications of Spring Steel
Industries make use of this special alloy to make certain components. Therefore, it can be found in most industrial processes.
In Automotive – Spring steel can be found in cars, trucks, buses and other such vehicles. They are more durable than conventional steel and can bend and flex quite easily. They are used in suspensions and some relay points as well as producing windscreen wipers. It is also used in making the body panels of vehicles such as cars and trucks.
In Manufacturing – Spring steel is used for many components like clamps, handles and clips. It is used to produce interlocking teeth of various gears and is highly used to form various tools and knives.
In aerospace industry – spring steel is used in the making of airplane and rocket parts and also in making landing gear.
In fluid control – spring steel is used to make certain valves and their springs mainly due to the strength they possess while allowing them to bend and move quite easily.
Grading System
Different grades are given to the various spring steel based on their composition and application. The British Standard grades denote their tensile strength and the American Society for Testing and Material or ASTM grade does the same. High Carbon spring steel is used mainly in manufacturing of automobile parts and 5160 is the most commonly used grade for it. Chrome Vanadium steel is used more for making springs and its two key grades are 6150 and 5160. It is also used in making pliers and its grade is 9260. Each grade denotes different attributes and chemical composition of the alloy, like phosphorus and sulfur content, for the purposed of fabrication.
Conclusion
Spring steel alloys are highly premium, strong and elastic in nature and are known for their ability to retain their shape even after being bent or pressed many times. It has various grades, each one suited for different purposes, and finds application in various industries like automotive, manufacturing, aerospace and fluid control. Thus, spring steel alloys are being used by many and continues to be even amidst competitive alloys.
