Spring Steel
Spring steel is a special type of steel characterized by its elasticity and ability to retain its shape. It is these properties that make it such a useful material for many industrial applications. The elasticity of spring steel allows it to be formed into a variety of shapes and sizes. Whether a coil, snap rings, clips, or any other type of mechanical springs, spring steel can be fabricated for just about any application.
Spring steel is normally made from either a medium-carbon steel alloy or a high-carbon steel alloy. A medium-carbon steel alloy contains between 0.3 and 0.7% carbon while a high-carbon steel alloy contains anywhere between 0.7 to 1.7% carbon. The added carbon content allows the steel to resiliently return to its original shape after being subjected to significant external stress.
The type of steel alloy chosen depends largely on the application. Medium-carbon steel alloys are not as hard as high-carbon steel alloys and therefore inherently possess more elasticity. However, they also aren’t as strong and aren’t suitable for applications where a significant amount of force is required to return the spring to its original shape. This means that applications where more strength is desired such as those requiring more powerful springs, clips, or clips, high-carbon steel alloys are more appropriate.
After the appropriate steel alloy has been chosen, there are a variety of treatments and treatments available to further improve its elasticity and strength. Quenching and tempering are two common treatments used on spring steel. Quenching is the process of rapidly cooling the material to harden it, while tempering is the process of reheating the material to reduce brittleness and introduce more elasticity.
The elasticity and returnability of spring steel makes it an ideal choice for many industrial applications. Its ability to take on a variety of shapes and remain resilient under pressure make it particularly suited for applications such as clips, hose clamps, steering components, gears, and disc springs. Its impressive versatility and ability to absorb shock and vibrations make it suitable for even more critical applications such as the suspension and shock absorbers of various machines and automobiles.
In conclusion, spring steel is an incredibly useful type of steel that is capable of being formed into a variety of shapes while simultaneously providing a strong and elastic spring resistance. It is this combination of properties that make spring steel such a popular choice for applications ranging from more general clips and clips to intense machine components such as suspension and shocks.
