Stainless Steel Coil Springs
Stainless steel’s tolerance to high temperatures and moist environment draws customers to this type of material. While it is more expensive and weaker than carbon steels, it may be worth it. Unlike carbon steels, stainless steel can withstand temperatures from 550ᴼF to 650ᴼF depending on the type. In addition, stainless is more resilient to corrosion such as rust. Passivating stainless steel springs will further enhance its corrosion resistance capabilities.
It is important to note spring tempered stainless steel is slightly magnetic, unlike raw stainless. To make the different wire diameters, stainless steel is drawn at room temperature. This process is called cold drawing. The cold drawn process changes the properties of stainless steel; hardening it and making it magnetic. The more cold work needed (i.e. the smaller the wire diameter), the harder and the more magnetic the stainless will become. This is why using a magnet to determine the material of a spring is misleading.
For more information on the properties of stainless steel, check out our glossary at the link below.
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