Spring Material FAQs

What spring materials are available?

All MW Components locations are familiar with common spring and fastener materials. In addition, select locations have in-depth experience with more advanced application-specific materials. These include titanium alloys, nickel-based alloys, beryllium copper, and other special high-temperature alloys. Contact us with your needs and our engineers will work with you to develop a solution with the right material and processing for your application.

What types of corrosion prevention options are available?

Our facilities have a variety of in-house finishes available. These include electrostatic powder epoxy or polyester (GM Type III approved) and an assortment of wet coating processes for painting or color-coding. We also maintain relationships with a supply base that can provide a full range of plating and coating systems. Simple oil-based and water-based rust preventives are always available for short-term protection.

What are the advantages and properties of stainless steel springs?

Stainless steel springs offer a better appearance and corrosion resistance. They also offer some unique properties not obtainable in carbon steel springs.

Why is stainless steel better for industrial use than carbon steel?

Stainless steel is resistant to corrosion and chemical media, making it ideal for use in industrial manufacturing. Carbon steel, while stronger and more naturally magnetic than stainless steel, may rust and corrode when exposed to moisture. If you need a magnetic metal, cold working increases magnetism in stainless steel.

Is Inconel 718 the best material for springs operating at high temperatures?

Inconel 718 has material properties that make it very well-suited for high-temperature springs. It maintains its strength at temperatures in excess of 1,000°F as well or better than any high nickel material on the market. However, there are several factors to consider when choosing an Inconel material for your spring application.

The type of spring you use will help with your decision. Inconel 718 is typically available only in annealed sheet or bar form. If you are using a flat spring at these elevated temperatures, Inconel 718 is generally going to be the right choice. If your spring is a compression spring or extension spring using round wire, Inconel X750 might be the best choice because it is much more available as a wire product than 718. It can be used at temperatures in excess of 1,200°F if it is properly sized and designed for the application. There is even a special heat-treat cycle for the X750 which can help with these applications, though it is costly and time-consuming to perform.

Another thing to consider is the volume of springs required in your production. If you are designing for a large production volume and have the time and budget for having spring wire custom-drawn, then Inconel 718 can be made into spring-tempered wire without a large impact. If your needs are for short-run, small-batch orders of round wire springs, then the readily available sizes of Inconel X750 should be considered since there are a number of wire vendors that stock it.