SPRINGS & SHOCK ABSORBERS FEATURE
SPRING FAILURES AND THE CORRECTEC CORROSION PROTECTION
Dr. Conor McCaughey, Metallurgist, Institute of Spring Technology, discusses the importance of correct corrosion protection
A
t the Institute of Spring Technology over the last few months, we have received several spring failures that have involved corrosion.
Unlike typical cases where corrosion has occurred during service, these problems originate either during the transportation or storage of wire and springs. Since this is becoming more prevalent, we would like to take a minute to discuss the importance of correct corrosion protection prior to service and the options available. Corrosion of plain or low alloy steels can occur at any point where the
local environment to the steel is conducive to it. Springs are particularly susceptible to failure via corrosion as a small pit on the surface is all that is required to significantly limit fatigue life. Correct storage of wire can help to reduce corrosion failures in springs. Wires should be stored in a clean and dry location, off the ground to allow for air flow reducing damp formation. Keeping the wire off the ground will also help eliminate any contamination which could accelerate corrosion, e.g., cleaning solutions. The atmosphere in the storage facility should also be kept as constant as possible to prevent condensation due to sharp variations in temperature. To prevent corrosion of wires and springs temporary coating should also be
utilised. Typically oils and waxes are used for this. In addition to this, papers impregnated with corrosion inhibitors can be used in combination with
plastic wrap to cover wires and prevent corrosion. Manufactured springs can be sealed in plastic bags with vapour phase inhibitors, in addition to oils and waxes, to prevent corrosion during transportation and storage. If you think you may be experiencing failures due to this or have
recurring failures, then please talk to us. We are experts in investigating and diagnosing spring failures, are fully confidential, offering independent help and support to anyone in the spring supply chain. IST members! If you would like more information, including research reports comparing these different methods, please feel free to contact us.
Institute of Spring Technology T: 0114 276 0771
www.ist.org.uk
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