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Choosing the Right Material Finish Type for Mechanical Springs

Many projects succeed or fail based on the quality of materials used in their execution. If you select a building block made from a subpar material, you can’t expect your project to turn out well. But when you choose something made from material recognized for its durability and strength, your project stands a better chance of succeeding.

The same is true for mechanical springs. Choosing the best material finishes for mechanical springs improves their utility. You can feel confident such springs will hold up for the long term, which means you will need to perform fewer repairs or replacements. Learn more about material finishes for springs and how they can impact the quality of your project.

How to Choose From Common Finishing Types for Mechanical Springs

Several things will determine what the optimal material is for mechanical spring finishes, including:

• Resistance to corrosion.
• Tensile strength.
• Environment.
• Operating temperature.
• Conductivity.

While not every finish will rate well in each category, you can find an optimal mix that’s right for your project.

What Materials and Finishes are Used for Springs?

Some of the most reliable material and finish options for mechanical springs include:

• Hard drawn wire: When you need an affordable spring, hard drawn wire ranks as a top choice. It is versatile, simple and easy to handle. While it does not stand up well to high temperatures, it excels under medium-stress conditions. An economical option, it fits into any budget while being sturdy and reliable.
• Music wire: Music wire displays high tensile strength and works well for a variety of applications. It takes a lot to fatigue this type of wire, which is made from sturdy steel and has a reputation for toughness. It can take on heavy loads while retaining its high-quality form and build.
• Oil tempered wire: Heavy-duty garage torsion springs are often made from oil tempered wire, which performs well in heavy lifting tasks. You may see springs using this material on farm equipment, for example. If you need a wire with a large diameter, oil tempered is an excellent choice.
• Shot peening finish: Is corrosion a worry in your springs’ environment? Consider using a shot peening finish, which holds up well to corrosion and ranks among the most durable varieties. These springs go through a finishing process that helps the material resist fatigue as well as cracking. The compression dimples that form during the shot peening process are proven to result in exceptional hardness and longevity.
• Powder coating finish: Coated wire springs maintain their tension over the long term, unlike some other styles. The coating discourages rust and erosion, which extends the lifetime of the springs. Coated springs will last longer than many other types because they are made for maximum durability.

Are you searching for springs with a specific combination of material and finish? You can find all these finishes and others at IDC Spring. We sell well-made mechanical springs with material finishes that hold up use after use. Learn more about our options by contacting us or requesting a quote.