SPRINGS & SHOCK ABSORBERS


FEATURE


BEYOND STEEL: SPRING MATERIALS FOR CHALLENGING ENVIRONMENTS


In demanding environments, standard spring materials may not deliver the properties


point. These materials are well understood, widely available and cost effective, making them the default choice for many standard applications. However, in demanding environments where components must withstand elevated temperatures, aggressive chemicals or specialist performance criteria, traditional steels often prove insufficient. At Micro Spring & Presswork (MSP), our engineering team regularly supports customers in sectors such as aerospace, defence, energy and medical technology. In these environments, standard materials cannot always deliver the mechanical properties or durability required. Choosing the right spring material becomes critical and, increasingly, alternative alloys offer the solution.


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MATERIAL SOLUTIONS For applications exposed to sustained high temperatures, Inconel is often the first material we consider. This family of nickel-chromium superalloys maintains mechanical strength and elasticity at temperatures well beyond 600˚C. Inconel is frequently used in turbine engines,


exhaust systems and downhole drilling tools. It performs reliably in oxidising atmospheres, high-pressure steam and seawater. Despite its excellent thermal and corrosion resistance, Inconel presents several considerations. It is heavier than steel, significantly more expensive, and requires specialist handling throughout forming and heat treatment. Engineers must account for these factors early in the design process.


required for the application. Micro Spring & Presswork (MSP) looks into the alternatives Another alloy widely used at MSP is Elgiloy, a


hen most engineers consider spring materials, stainless steel and high- carbon steels are usually the starting


cobalt-based material known for its exceptional fatigue life and resistance to corrosive chemicals. Elgiloy performs well in environments involving hydrogen sulphide, seawater and nitric acid, and is frequently selected for offshore oil platforms and chemical dosing equipment. It remains non-magnetic and stable at temperatures ranging from cryogenic up to 454˚C, making it stable for a wide variety of applications and end uses. However, Elgiloy work-hardens rapidly during processing, so careful control of forming techniques is essential.


MSP’s Precision-engineered titanium springs for critical marine and medical applications where corrosion resistance and low weight are essential


Miniature springs produced from phosphor bronze


Not every application demands maximum


strength or heat resistance. In scenarios where electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance are important, phosphor bronze is a dependable option. This copper-based alloy is strengthened with tin and phosphorus and offers good spring performance along with excellent resistance to saltwater and general atmospheric corrosion. It is often used in marine hardware, electrical contacts and sensor components. While easier to form than many high-performance alloys, phosphor bronze is less suitable for applications involving heavy mechanical loading. It is also important to consider material compatibility to prevent galvanic corrosion when used alongside other metals. In weight-sensitive


Raw Material Controller Gerry with a coil of Inconel, a nickel-chromium alloy selected for high-temperature spring applications in demanding environments


applications such as aerospace structures or medical implants, titanium alloys provide an effective solution. Titanium combines low density with good corrosion resistance and respectable strength. It performs well in contact with chlorides, seawater and bodily fluids, and it is also biocompatible, making it suitable for surgical tools and implants. MSP has manufactured titanium springs for both


marine and medical applications, working closely with customers to overcome challenges such as notch sensitivity and galling. While titanium is not the easiest material to form or machine, the performance advantages often justify the added complexity and cost.


SELECTING THE RIGHT MATERIAL Choosing an alternative material for spring manufacture is rarely a straightforward decision. The ideal alloy depends not only on operating conditions but also on commercial factors such as material cost, lead times, regulatory approvals and manufacturability. Engineers must often balance performance


with practicality. In some cases, adjustments to spring geometry or the use of surface treatments may deliver the required performance without switching to a premium alloy. Early engagement with an experienced spring


manufacturer can make a significant difference. At MSP, we support this process through collaborative design input, in-house tooling development and application-specific testing. Our experience with a wide range of materials helps ensure that spring components deliver consistent, long-term performance, even in environments where failure is not an option. While stainless steel remains a reliable


material for many spring applications, demanding environments often require more specialised alternatives. By evaluating the unique properties and trade-offs of materials such as Inconel, Elgiloy, phosphor bronze, and titanium, engineers can select spring materials that deliver consistent performance, mechanical integrity, and operational safety in critical condition.


Micro Spring & Presswork (MSP) www.microspring.co.uk


JULY/AUGUST 2025 DESIGN SOLUTIONS 45


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