 |
| Main Menu | News By Date | News By Supplier | News By Category | About Us |
|
SANDVIK STRENGTHENS ITS POSITION IN SPRING WIRE MARKET
Taking advantage of this move by spring makers is Sandvik Materials Technology, who have experienced strong growth not only for their standard stainless steel wire grades but also for their more recently developed special grades. One such grade is Sandvik Springflex, a high performing stainless steel based on Sandvik’s duplex grades Sandvik SAF and its higher strength variant Sandvik SAF SH. Characterized by high mechanical strength, high fatigue resistance, excellent relaxation resistance and superb corrosion resistance, Sandvik Springflex is capable of replacing standard stainless steel grades, such as AISI 316. Recent testing at the Institute of Spring Technology in the UK certified that tested springs withstood exposure to 800 hours of salt spray testing without any evidence of pitting corrosion. Additionally, Sandvik Springflex’s high ductility lends itself to intricate and complex spring designs, whilst the extra high tensile version is ideal for functioning reliably in confined spaces. So convinced of the spring making benefits of Sandvik Springflex is one major springmaker customer who has already converted around 20% of spring wire volume away from standard wire grades. Another special grade having an effect on the market is Sandvik 11R51.Compared with standard grade materials it offers better corrosion resistance, higher tensile strength, higher relaxation resistance at elevated temperatures and higher fatigue strength. As well as developing new material grades, Sandvik also invests in its manufacturing processes and offers a nickel coating capability for stainless steel spring wire. A combination of improved coiling, enhanced wire processing characteristics and production advantages, nickel coated wire provides spring makers with increased productivity and opens up new spring design opportunities. Sandvik claims that its nickel coated wire leads directly to higher spring making productivity. Faster and more accurate coilability, through good lubrication properties at high coiling speeds, no additional lubricant is needed, increases production yields and reduces coiling tool wear. This in turn, leads to less machine downtime and changeover costs. Easy cleaning in alkaline solutions and dust free coiling also contribute to higher productivity. Where spring appearance is important, springs made from Sandvik nickel coated wire maintain a high quality stainless appearance and do not discolour after tempering. It is possible, therefore to produce springs with the strength benefits of stainless but without losing the ‘look’ of stainless materials.
|
| ©2008 New Materials International |