Whether in cooling systems, in space or other low temperature applications. Metal springs often have to withstand temperatures of up to – 200 degrees. Despite rising tensile strenght low temperatures have an unfavorable effect on the material, as the toughness decreases and brittle fractures can occur. For low-temperature applications, stainless spring steels, copper and nickel alloys are preferable to the patented spring wires and valve spring wires. The following table shows the limit temperatures.
table : Recommendations for use at low temperatures
Spring material | Lowest working temperature in ° C |
Patented drawn spring steel wire according to EN 10270-1 | -60 |
Oil tempered valve spring wire according to EN 10270-2 | -60 |
X10CrNi 18.8 (1.4310) | -200 |
X7CrNiAl 17.7 (1.4568) | -200 |
X5CrNiMo 17-12-2 (1.4401) | -200 |
CuSn6 | -200 |
CuZn36 | -200 |
CuBe2 | -200 |
CuNi18Zn20 | -200 |
Inconel X750 | -100 |
Nimonic90 | -100 |
When working at low temperatures, surface defects caused by machining (e.g. grooves) or bends with small bending radii must be avoided.
Properties of spring materials