You may not realize it, but so many things depend on springs. From wristwatches to wire pens to the shock system in your vehicle, the accessories of your life would not function nearly as well without this small yet crucial part. There are several different types of springs that exist, and each has its own set of qualities. Music wire springs are perhaps the most widely used due to their wide range of applications. The name originates from one of the product’s many uses, which is for piano strings.
A Common Good
Music wire is perhaps the most commonly used material for spring making. The product is affordable and easy to come by. Some of its notable properties include a high-carbon steel wire, which can withstand significant stresses imposed by both compression and decompression. This is important because the structure of the spring itself is not compromised by these various pressures. In other words, music wire springs will not easily deform or break. Music wire is made by what is known as a hard-drawn process, meaning it will be catered to its specific purpose. The sizing is usually specified to a decimal inch.
Mechanical Properties of Music Wire Springs
The mechanical properties of spring wire are as following:
- Maximum working temperature is 120 degrees Celsius
- Limited corrosion resistance
- Material cannot be welded
- Used for cold-coiled springs only
- 65-75% tension strength
- Comprised of carbon, manganese, silicon, phosphorous, and sulfur
Additional Considerations
Music wire is highly magnetic. One of the downfalls of music wire is that it causes the spring to be slightly more susceptible to corrosion than other materials. Music wire can generally endure heavy loads; however, the material tends to give way under sudden impacts of stress. This is an important property to keep in mind if you are considering using music wire springs for a project. While there are some limitations to spring wire, it can overall be an incredibly solid and versatile option.