Many materials available from Springs & Things

From high carbon steels to chrome alloys, Springs & Things can work with a wide variety of materials to manufacture custom springs. The Mississauga, Ont.-based company offers a broad selection of materials, so customers can choose an option that is ideally suited to their application. 

According to Springs & Things, proper material selection can simultaneously save money and boost performance. 

“You could take something that is made now out of plastic or nylon, and save money simply by switching to spring material,” the company explains.

Some of the materials available at Springs & Things include:

• Music wire: Music wire, a high-carbon material, is the most popular choice for spring construction. It has a maximum working temperature of 121 degrees C (250 degrees F). As a high-carbon steel, this material should be plated to prevent corrosion. Springs & Things offers a range of plating processes, such as bright zinc, nickel, copper, zinc phosphate and more. 
• Stainless steel: Springs & Things often works with stainless steel grades, including 302, 316 and 17-7 PH. These materials offer corrosion resistance and can be used in much higher temperatures when compared to carbon steels, such as music wire. For instance, stainless steel 17-7 PH has a maximum operating temperature of 343 degrees C (650 degrees F). The downside to these materials is they cost more than carbon steels.
• Chrome silicon: Chrome silicon is available in “valve quality”, which features a high-quality surface and is commonly used for automotive valves and transmission springs. This material is well suited to handling shock loads, and can be used in temperatures up to 246 degrees C (475 degrees F).
• More: Other available materials include hard drawn MB, oil-tempered, chrome vanadium, spring brass, monel, Inconel and Hastelloy B & C. 

For more information on common spring materials, the Spring Manufacturers Institute offers a number of comprehensive guides, such as the Encyclopedia of Spring Design. In addition, the experts at Springs & Things are always happy to help. 

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