Different Types of Stainless Spring Steel Strip
Stainless spring steel is corrosion resistant and can be used for a long time without needing frequent replacements. It also requires less energy to produce, reducing its impact on the environment.
The required tensile strength of the spring steel strip in the work-hardened and partitioned state is only narrowly missed with rolling series 1 and 2. The intensive a’ martensite formation results in an increased yield strength and a higher ultimate tensile strength combined with a lower uniform elongation.
Stainless Steel 301
301 stainless steel is an austenitic alloy that can be cold rolled to a high tensile strength. This material is suitable for use in applications where both high tensile strength and ductility are required. It has higher ductility than 304 stainless steel strip and is often used to fabricate springs and other flexible components. 301 stainless steel can also be cold formed into complex shapes with ease. It is often used in aircraft structural components and architectural components, as well as being a common choice for springs.
This grade of stainless steel has good corrosion resistance and can be welded with minimal warping and cracking. It can withstand temperatures up to 1600°F (871°C) without becoming brittle. The chromium content of this type of steel makes it resistant to atmospheric conditions and mildly corrosive environments. 301 stainless steel is not recommended for highly aggressive and chloride-rich environments, however.
This grade of stainless steel is also magnetic due to its chromium and nickel content. It can be magnetized due to its face-centered cubic crystal structure, making it ideal for a number of different fabrication projects. The amount of magnetism the steel exhibits is dependent on the forming processes and the stress levels put on the strip while it’s being coiled into springs. Ulbrich can supply 301 stainless steel strip with deburred or skived edges to ensure that the finished product has a smooth and uniform appearance. This can also reduce the risk of accidents due to sharp and imperfect edges. This type of stainless steel may also need to be stress relieved before forming into springs. This process involves heating the steel to a temperature below its recrystallization point and then cooling it slowly.
Stainless Steel 304
Stainless steel 304 is an austenitic steel alloy that contains iron and other elements like chromium, nickel, manganese, silicon and sulfur in small amounts. Stainless Spring Steel Strip The chromium content provides the material its remarkable resistance to corrosion, especially against acidic environments. The nickel enhances the tensile strength of the metal, while the silicon improves its formability and weldability.
It’s the most popular and versatile of all the austenitic grades of stainless steel. This is due to its versatility and durability, which make it a go-to for projects in multiple industries.
This alloy is often employed in the food processing industry, where hygiene and resilience are key requirements. It can withstand exposure to acids, chemicals and even corrosive saltwater, making it ideal for kitchen appliances and equipment like sinks, tables, worktops, ovens, stoves and refrigerators.
It’s also a popular choice for pharmaceutical production and storage equipment. The ability of ss 304 to withstand exposure to acidic liquids and alkaline solutions is crucial in these applications, helping to ensure the safety of the products produced and stored within them. It can also withstand high temperatures, which is essential for the production process of some pharmaceutical substances.
Stainless Steel 316
The 316 variation of the stainless steel alloy is a popular choice for industrial and marine applications because of its resistance to corrosion in environments like saltwater and harsh chemicals. As a member of the austenitic family, it maintains a face-centered cubic crystal structure at room temperature. This alloy has excellent strength and toughness, even at high temperatures. It is also non-magnetic and retains its strength after cold working processes. Unlike 304, 316 stainless steel contains molybdenum that enhances its resistance to chlorides and other processing acids.
Compared to 304, 316 is more expensive but offers greater durability and reliability in demanding conditions. For example, it maintains its strength in high-temperature applications such as heat exchangers and exhaust systems. It is also resistant to scale and oxidation. In addition, it has superior corrosion resistance in saline and chloride environments.
The 316 stainless steel alloy typically consists of 16-18% chromium, 10-14% nickel, 2-3% molybdenum and 0.7% silicon. The chromium content provides corrosion resistance and the nickel improves forming and welding properties. The manganese and molybdenum increase creep and stress rupture resistance, while the silicon provides weldability and tensile strength. Carbon (C) is capped at 0.080%, and this helps to prevent brittleness. Due to these features, 316 is used in applications such as food processing equipment, kitchen appliances, architectural trim and marine hardware.
Stainless Steel 410
The 410 grade of stainless steel is commonly used in industrial environments. This type of metal is made from both martensitic and austenitic materials, which make it highly corrosion-resistant. It is often found in oil and gas applications, as well as chemical processing plants. It also serves as a popular material for the manufacturing of medical instruments.
The material is made by melting a mixture of iron, chromium, and carbon in an electric arc or induction furnace. The resulting melt is then cast into ingots. From there, it can be rolled into sheets or tubular products. Alternatively, it can be cold formed into parts and other shapes.
When hardened and tempered, the 410 grade of steel can resist mild corrosion in atmospheric conditions. This is because it forms a tightly adhered oxide film that protects the surface. However, it is not a good choice for environments that are aggressive or highly corrosive. In addition, it is susceptible to pitting corrosion and chloride ion-related Stainless Hardened SteelStrip stress corrosion cracking. It also has poor weldability, but with proper pre- and post-weld treatment, it can be weldable.
Grade 410 annealed stainless steel is commonly used in applications where wear resistance is important but corrosion resistance is not. This is because it has a high chromium content and can resist corrosion caused by hot gases, steam, food, mild acids, freshwater, dry air, and alkalis.