Compression Spring Finishing

Stress Relief
We all could use a little less stress in our lives; your compression springs are no different. The bending stress that builds up in a spring upon forming needs to be relieved before you can reliably use it. Stress relief times and temperature vary by material, but the basic process involves heating the spring in an oven and letting it rest in the heat for a certain amount of time. Some springs, depending on the material, should be closed for this period of time. Some should be left open. The spring development process at AWP incorporates stress relief at two intervals to increase strength.

Passivating
Passivating is a process unique to finishing stainless steel springs. The process, by which the springs are exposed to an acid, cleans them of free iron contamination the can lead to rusting. It takes a short period of time, but requires care as the acid is corrosive and can eat through improper containers. Only stainless steel springs are passivated in this way. Others would be susceptible to corrosion if placed in acid.

Optional Finishing
It may be appropriate for your spring to look shiny, or to conduct electricity. There are a variety of finishing options that our staff can advise you. As Automated Wire Products produces springs mainly for the hydraulics industry, there are more specific finishing criteria that most of our clients follow. Contact AWP to find out more about these. As far as general finishing, the sky is the limit. Springs can be plated with gold, silver or other metals. Plastic and rubber are also used as plating, and some companies want their springs painted. Contact Automated Wire with any questions.