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

Spring steel for low temperatures