Development of High Strength, Conductive Stainless Steel Wire for Springs

Abstract

This paper discussed the development of high strength, conductive stainless steel wire for springs. Although copper-alloyed metals such as phosphor bronze and beryllium copper have been conventionally used when high strength, electrically conductive materials are required, they have, in fact, presented such problems as insufficient strength (including fatigue and torsion), poor heat resistance and corrosion resistance, as well as virtually no abrasion resistance. The material discussed in this paper is a stainless steel wire containing a copper core, and thus greatly improves upon the above problems. The conductivity of this material was 200 to 400% greater than that of high strength copper alloys: its strength was of course superior to copper alloys, being only 10-30% less than stainless steel itself. Accordingly, this material is expected to be used in springs, shafts, electrical poles, and other applications requiring electrical conductivity.