Spring steels have elevated relaxation resistance and a high elastic limit. Thanks to this they are considered an ideal solution for manufacturing elements for which change of structural dimensions is unacceptable (for example springs and leaf springs). The main component that makes it possible to obtain the required physical-chemical properties of the alloy is carbon — it must be at least 0.5% and no more than 0.8%.
Alloying components such as nickel (Ni ≤ 1.7%), silicon (Si ≤ 2.5%), tungsten (W ≤ 1.3%), and manganese (Mn ≤ 1.3%) added to the composition help raise resistance to plastic and elastic deformations and resistance to brittleness even under a significant cycle of applying and removing loads. In addition, spring steels have high anti-corrosion properties thanks to additions of molybdenum (Mo ≤ 0.5%) and chromium (Cr ≤ 1%). These components raise steel wear resistance and part service life and reduce the risk of cracking.
In steel designations alloying elements are denoted by letters: Cr (chromium) — Kh, Mn (manganese) — G, Si (silicon) — S, Mo (molybdenum) — M, Ni (nickel) — N, W (tungsten) — V, N (nitrogen) — A, B (boron) — R, V (vanadium) — F. The numeric identifier in the alloy name denotes carbon quantity in the metal composition (in hundredths of a percent). For example, designation 65S2VA means the steel is high-quality (letter A at the end), contains 0.65% carbon (number 65), 2% silicon (denoted — S2), about 1% tungsten (letter V). Steel grade U10A is high-quality, carbon, with C content from 0.95% to 1.09%.
However, not only alloy composition plays a role in creating the needed structural and service properties of springs. Thanks to patenting and dressing under low temperatures, as well as using through-hardening technology, an equivalent physical-chemical structure of the material in its various places is ensured. This is especially important, for example, for large-diameter wire to avoid destruction of the product made from it.
Alloyed carbon materials have found wide use in various industries. They are used in automotive and railcar building, furniture production, household appliances, door springs, and many other products.
One of the main advantages of spring steels is their high resistance to material fatigue — even under prolonged continuous use, products from such alloys retain their original properties. Such qualities are very important when producing various critical parts such as springs of complex process equipment, bearing housings, various gears and flanges, brake bands, and much more. But each specific case requires its own spring steel grade. For example:
Petersburg Plant of Precision Alloys produces spring steel of the grades listed above as cold-rolled strip. Such products are distinguished by high strength properties and a wide application range: from automotive and railway industry to household appliances and electronics. High alloy quality conforming to international and Russian standards is achieved thanks to modern laboratories operating at the enterprise that control every production stage. Contact us and we will help choose the steel suitable for you.
