Steel springs are special in the sense that they provide value to a variety of different products and applications. It’s always a good idea to learn more about their characteristics. Read further.
Steel springs are a common design component in many mechanical processes, custom machine builds, and final consumer products. They appear in such diverse products as store displays, vehicle suspension, and even manufacturing equipment designed to create consumer goods.
When you are in a position to source steel springs for practical applications, it is important to work with both the materials and designs that fit your needs.
Springs are made from many materials, including bronze, copper, nickel, and titanium. Steel alloys are by far the most commonly used spring materials due to their impressive strength and durability. By reviewing the following information, you will see that there are several characteristics that make steel springs desirable among customers.
Characteristics of Steel Springs
Every spring is designed to fit different needs, and the best way to find the ones that fit your design is to work with a manufacturer who can produce them to your specifications. And a manufacturer who knows how to avoid spring problems.
To achieve this, you need to understand these basic characteristics of steel springs:
- Tolerances
- Fatigue limits
- Relaxation and creep
1. Tolerances
Tolerances are the basic limits of your application, and they can be expressed in terms of temperature, humidity, force, or pressure. Discovering which of these are relevant for your purposes requires consulting your design, but the goal is to find the springs that fit the dimensions and materials you need for your application while being able to tolerate all of the stresses your mechanical system will put on them. Staying well within these tolerances is essential for that.
2. Fatigue Limits
These characteristics are calculated using a combination of statistical methods and data about the specific qualities of the steel alloy used to construct your spring. The fatigue limits help you to estimate the lifespan of your springs under different conditions, which is important for both regular maintenance and for the steady operation of your mechanical system. Understanding what they mean for individual applications is a basic component in professional mechanical designs.
3. Relaxation and Creep
Even when you are staying within your material tolerances and fatigue limits, some deformation of the materials can occur over time. This is a natural part of the process of mechanical components aging, and it is often highly predictable. Understanding the effects of relaxation and creep on your design can lead you to a better understanding of the right springs to use in your system.
More Characteristic Details
1. Superior Yield Strength
When discussing springs, the term “yield strength” comes up frequently. This refers to a material’s ability to be twisted or bent without sustaining permanent damage. Some spring materials have higher yield strengths than others.
Steel alloy possesses exceptional yield strength. You could apply significant physical force, and it does not concede to the pressure. This is what makes steel springs so popular. Springs are constantly compressed and decompressed. If not crafted from durable materials, they are sure to break after only a few uses. Steel springs are long-lasting and able to endure frequent twisting and bending.
2. Robust Design
Though their name does little to convey it, steel springs actually contain silicon in their composition, which make them highly robust. In addition, the devices are cooled after casting rather than boiled. This further improves their overall strength. Due to their overall durability, the springs are used for a wide range of applications.
Typical uses for steel springs include:
- Saw blades
- Vehicle suspension
- Tape measures
3. Resistant to Corrosive Forces
Nothing lasts forever. It is only a matter of time before objects are subject to decline and total degradation. With steel springs, though, that time is pushed further into the future. These materials usually have a protective coating, which prevents corrosion. Some steel alloys are actually strong enough to avoid corrosion at extremely high temperatures. Besides being difficult to physically damage, steel springs are also resistant to the disintegrating effects of time and weather.
Conclusion
Steel springs come in several varieties. When looking for a strong, long-lasting spring material, search no further than steel alloy. Regardless of how you use the springs, they retain their shape and durability for many years.
Once you know what you need out of a spring, the next step is to contact a supplier and discuss the options available to fit your application needs. Sharing your application goals and specifications will probably be necessary to ensure full compatibility, but the end result will be a perfect fit for your needs.
