Specialized metals are used in the fabrication of springs and wire forms when certain physical, chemical, and mechanical properties are required for an application. Though specialized metals may refer to a specific metal, in general, as a material choice, they often refer to a range of metal alloys that hold the desirable characteristics needed for… Read more »
When it comes to understanding the difference between compression vs extension springs, look no further than the springs themselves. True, compression and extension springs have certain shared characteristics. For starters, both are easily recognizable by their familiar tightly wound, helical coils. Each is commonly made of spring steel or another non-ferrous metal. When a force… Read more »
In manufacturing springs, a key performance indicator—one that may often be assumed if not taken for granted—is reliability. Whether a cell phone, a retractable pen, a garage door or a vehicle’s shock absorber, users expect that the spring in their application will work efficiently and consistently through innumerable cycles. An expectation perhaps, unreasonable or not,… Read more »
At first glance, in comparing 304 vs 316 stainless steel, the lines between the two grades may seem fine. Each has more properties in common than not—both have very good corrosion and heat resistance, strength, and excellent welding and forming properties. In fact, 304 and 316 are two of the most popular grades of stainless… Read more »
In the design and fabrication of a metal spring, corrosion protection is essential to ensure the application performs as required over its intended service life. The materials selected and the environmental conditions in which the application will function are prime design considerations to protect the spring from corrosion and its harmful effects on the metal… Read more »
Though there are many types of metal springs engineered for products and applications, the majority of them are designed to serve one of 4 functions when a mechanical force is applied—compressive, tensile, torque, or counterbalance. As a result, it’s more than likely that designers and engineers will look for a custom solution with a compression,… Read more »
Types of stainless steel finishes are made available after forming for a number of reasons. Though the alloy is well-known for its high corrosion resistance, finishing can provide an added layer of protection against oxidation, corrosion, rusting, and staining. Finishes are also added to meet certain design requirements that may call for an architectural aesthetic,… Read more »
By now, how the Covid-19 pandemic affected every industry and aspect of life worldwide, is old news. Unfortunately, though improving, the effects of the pandemic persist. The coronavirus first brought ordinary lives and daily routines to a grinding halt in an attempt to slow the spread of the highly infectious disease.
ISO 9001 principles are the international standard that promotes and defines the criteria for the development, implementation and effectiveness of a quality management system for companies, businesses, and organizations around the world. As ISO 9001 is focused strictly on the standard for quality management systems, its principles apply to a wide range of industries, suppliers,… Read more »
There are many types of stainless steel grades. In fact, over 150 grades have been designated for one purpose or another. Though the many grades of stainless steel share some characteristics, it is the near-endless combination of alloying metals that differentiates one grade from another. Still, of all the types of stainless steel grades available… Read more »
