Stainless Steel Springs
Definition:
Stainless Steel Springs are manufactured out of 302, 316, or 17-7 spring tempered wire and have an ASTM A-313.
Acxess Spring has many manufacturing capabilities and uses several types of wires in order to satisfy the customer’s needs. One of the most popular wire types besides music wire is stainless steel. Stainless steel is non-corrosive and may be used under high temperatures or moist environments.
Stainless Steel 316 A313 Springs:
Springs manufactured from Stainless Steel 316 can be under a maximum of 550º F (228º C). It is made of several minerals to conserve an important characteristic; it is 85% non-magnetic. It is made from the same minerals as Stainless Steel 302 A313 except Stainless Steel 316 A313 includes Nitrogen and Sulfur.
Stainless Steel 302 A313 Springs:
Springs made out of Stainless Steel 302 A313 are resistant under temperatures as high as 550º F (288º C). Stainless steel 302 is made of different components in order to have its useful attributes. These include nickel, chromium, carbon, manganese, and some silicon. It will melt under temperatures between 2550º F and 2590º F.
Stainless Steel 17-7 A313 AMS 5678-B Springs:
When Stainless Steel 17-7 A 313 AMS 5678-B is used to make springs, the spring can stand to be under higher temperatures than Stainless 302 or Stainless 316. The maximum temperature a spring made out of 17-7 can handle is 650º F (343º C). The minerals introduced into this spring wire are nickel, chromium, and aluminum.
Stainless Steel Springs: A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Material
Table of Contents
- Stainless Steel Springs: How to Choose Between 302 A313, 316 A313, and 17-7 A313 Materials
- Why Go with Stainless Steel Springs?
- Getting to Know the Different Types of Stainless Steel
- Choosing the Right Stainless Steel
- Don't Forget to Test: Use Acxess Spring's Online Spring Force Tester
- Empowering Your Project with the Right Stainless Steel Spring
How to Choose Between 302 A313, 316 A313, and 17-7 A313 Materials
When you're working on a project that requires springs, picking the right material isn't just a technicality—it's crucial for the success and longevity of your design. With so many options out there, it can feel a bit overwhelming. But don't worry! We're here to break it down for you in plain English.
Stainless steel springs are among the most popular choices, and for good reason. They offer excellent corrosion resistance, durability, and can handle a variety of environmental conditions. In this guide, we'll compare the different types of stainless steel used in spring manufacturing—specifically Stainless Steel 302 A313, Stainless Steel 316 A313, and Stainless Steel 17-7 A313 AMS 5678-B. We'll also walk through some real-world examples to help you figure out which type is the best fit for your needs.
So grab a cup of coffee, and let's get started!
Why Go with Stainless Steel Springs?


Before we get into the nitty-gritty of each stainless steel type, let's talk about why stainless steel springs are a go-to choice for many engineers and designers.
Corrosion Resistance
One of the standout features of stainless steel is its ability to resist corrosion. Unlike regular steel, stainless steel doesn't rust when exposed to moisture or humid environments. This makes it ideal for applications where the spring might come into contact with water, chemicals, or other corrosive substances.
Temperature Tolerance
Stainless steel springs can handle a wide range of temperatures without losing their strength or shape. Whether you're dealing with freezing conditions or high-heat environments, there's likely a stainless steel type that fits the bill.
Durability and Strength
These springs are not just resistant to the elements; they're also built to last. Stainless steel offers excellent tensile strength, meaning it can withstand a lot of force before deforming.
Versatility
From medical devices to automotive parts, stainless steel springs are used across various industries. Their adaptability makes them a favorite for both standard and specialized applications.
Getting to Know the Different Types of Stainless Steel
Now that we've covered the general benefits, let's zoom in on the specific types of stainless steel used in springs.
Stainless Steel 302 A313 AMS 5688


Stainless Steel 302 is like the jack-of-all-trades in the stainless steel family. It's a versatile material that provides a good balance of corrosion resistance, strength, and cost-effectiveness. The addition of nickel and chromium enhances its ability to resist oxidation and corrosive agents.
Because of its balanced properties, Stainless Steel 302 A313 is often the first choice for many standard applications. It's also relatively easy to form and fabricate, which can reduce manufacturing costs.
Properties
- Corrosion Resistance: Offers good resistance in mild environments, making it suitable for general-purpose use.
- Temperature Tolerance: Can operate effectively up to 550°F (288°C).
- Composition: A blend of nickel, chromium, carbon, manganese, and silicon.
- Magnetic Properties: Slightly magnetic due to its iron content.
- Most Economical: Of all the stainless steel spring wires
Common Applications
- Automotive Components: Used in seat mechanisms, fuel injection systems, and exhaust components.
- Medical Instruments: Ideal for non-invasive tools that require sterilization.
- Consumer Goods: Found in items like clips, clamps, and household appliances.
Stainless Steel 316 A313


Stainless Steel 316 is like the supercharged version of 302. The addition of molybdenum significantly enhances its resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion, especially in chloride environments like seawater or de-icing salts or swimming pools.
The nitrogen and sulfur in its composition also improve its mechanical properties and machinability. This makes Stainless Steel 316 A313 a top pick for applications that require both superior corrosion resistance and good formability.
Properties
- Corrosion Resistance: Exceptional resistance, especially against chlorides, acids, and alkaline solutions.
- Temperature Tolerance: Also operates effectively up to 550°F (288°C).
- Composition: Similar to 302 but includes molybdenum, nitrogen, and sulfur.
- Magnetic Properties: Approximately 85% non-magnetic, which is beneficial in certain applications.
Common Applications
- Medical Industry: Great for surgical tools and medical devices.
- Marine Equipment: Perfect for boat fittings, fasteners, and springs exposed to seawater.
- Chemical Processing Plants: Used in pumps, valves, and other equipment handling corrosive chemicals.
- Food and Beverage Industry: Ideal for equipment that must withstand regular cleaning and sanitizing.
- Pharmaceutical Equipment: Used where cleanliness and corrosion resistance are paramount.
Stainless Steel 17-7 A313 AMS 5678-B


Stainless Steel 17-7 is a precipitation-hardening stainless steel. This means it can be heat-treated to increase its strength and hardness. The addition of aluminum in its composition allows it to maintain these properties even at elevated temperatures.
Because of its superior mechanical properties, Stainless Steel 17-7 A313 AMS 5678-B is often used in demanding applications where both high strength and corrosion resistance are required.
Properties
- Corrosion Resistance: Comparable to 302, but with added strength and better performance at higher temperatures.
- Temperature Tolerance: Can handle temperatures up to 800°F (427°C).
- Composition: Contains nickel, chromium, and aluminum, which contribute to its enhanced properties.
- Magnetic Properties: Slightly magnetic, which can be a consideration depending on the application.
Common Applications
- Aerospace Components: Ideal for springs and fasteners in aircraft, which must endure stress and high temperatures.
- Industrial Machinery: Used in equipment that operates under heavy loads and high temperatures.
- Precision Instruments: Perfect for devices that require exact mechanical performance over time.
Choosing the Right Stainless Steel
Let's put this knowledge into practice with some hypothetical scenarios.
Building a Boat's Deck Hardware
Problem: You're designing deck hardware for a sailboat, including latches, hinges, and springs that will be exposed to salty sea air and direct contact with seawater.
Solution: Go with Stainless Steel 316 A313. Its superior resistance to chlorides and saltwater corrosion makes it the ideal choice for marine applications. The molybdenum in its composition gives it an edge over 302 in these harsh environments.
Why Not 302 or 17-7? While 302 offers decent corrosion resistance, it's not as effective against the aggressive corrosive action of saltwater. 17-7 could handle the mechanical stresses, but its corrosion resistance isn't significantly better than 302 in chloride environments.
Designing a High-Temperature Oven Spring
Problem: You need a spring for an industrial oven door that consistently operates at temperatures around 608°F (320°C).
Solution: Stainless Steel 17-7 A313 AMS 5678-B is your best bet. Its ability to maintain strength and resist corrosion at temperatures up to 800°F (427°C) makes it suitable for high-temperature applications.
Why Not 302 or 316? Both 302 and 316 have a maximum operating temperature of 550°F (288°C), which is below your requirement. Using them could result in the springs losing their mechanical properties, leading to failure.
Manufacturing a Kitchen Appliance
Problem: You're producing a new line of toasters and need a cost-effective spring that can handle everyday use and occasional exposure to moisture.
Solution: Stainless Steel 302 A313 fits the bill. It offers good corrosion resistance for a kitchen environment and is cost-effective for mass production.
Why Not 316 or 17-7? While 316 offers better corrosion resistance, it's more expensive and may not provide significant benefits in a kitchen appliance setting. 17-7's high-temperature capabilities are unnecessary here, making 302 the most economical and practical choice.
Don't Forget to Test: Use Acxess Spring's Online Spring Force Tester
Even after selecting the ideal material, it's essential to validate that your spring will perform as expected. That's where testing tools come into play.


Acxess Spring's Online Spring Force Tester is an excellent resource that allows you to:
- Calculate Spring Force: Input your spring dimensions and material properties to find out how much force your spring will exert at various deflections.
- Analyze Performance: See how your spring behaves under different loads.
- Perform Travel Testing: Evaluate how your spring performs over its entire range of motion.
How to Use It
Suppose you're designing a compression spring made from Stainless Steel 17-7 for an industrial application. By just entering the outer diameter, free length, and material type into the Online Spring Force Tester, you can find a spring to:
Determine the spring constant (k).
Calculate the maximum load the spring can handle before yielding.
Adjust parameters to optimize performance and ensure safety.
This tool can save you time and money by preventing design errors before they happen. Let’s give it a try!
To start, we’ll introduce the required dimensions on Spring Finder 5.0:
Requirements:
- Load Needed: 4.5 lbf.
- Travel Needed: Close but no more than 0.95 inches.
- Space Constraints:
- Outer Diameter (OD): 0.250 inches.
- Total Coils: 24 coils
- Free Length: No more than 1.75 inches.
- Material: Choose Stainless Steel 17-7 A313 AMS 5678-B


By filtering the results to springs with an Outer Diameter that equals 0.250 inches, Spring Finder 5.0 suggest Stock Part Number PC030-250-24000-177-1750-CG-N-IN




First, let’s calculate the deflection or travel by applying the general formula from Hooke’s Law. We’ll use the required Force of 4.5 Lbf and a spring rate of 4.74430 lbs/in as it’s shown on Part Number PC030-250-24000-177-1750-CG-N-IN 3D Blueprint:
x = Fk
Plug in the values:
x = 4.5 lbf ÷ 4.74430 lbs/in
Solve for x
x = 0.9485066290074405
Meaning that the distance traveled o deflection would be around the 0.949 inches matching with the Travel Required. Lets tested using Online Spring Force Tester:


Empowering Your Project with the Right Stainless Steel Spring
Selecting the right stainless steel for your spring isn't just about picking a material off a list—it's about understanding how each type will perform in your specific application. By considering factors like corrosion resistance, temperature tolerance, magnetic properties, mechanical requirements, and cost, you can make an informed decision that enhances both the functionality and reliability of your project.
5 Key Takeaways
- Match Material to Environment: Always choose a stainless steel type that aligns with the environmental conditions your spring will face.
- Consider Temperature Limits: Stainless Steel 17-7 A313 AMS 5678-B is best for high-temperature applications up to 800°F (427°C).
- Factor in Magnetic Properties: If non-magnetic properties are essential, Stainless Steel 316 A313 is approximately 85% non-magnetic.
- Balance Cost and Performance: Stainless Steel 302 A313 offers a good balance between cost and functionality for general-purpose use.
- Utilize Testing Tools: Leverage resources like Acxess Spring's Online Spring Force Tester to validate your design and ensure optimal performance.
Now that you're equipped with the knowledge to choose the right stainless steel for your spring, it's time to take the next step. Whether you're looking for stock springs or need a custom solution, Acxess Spring has you covered.
- Find Stainless Steel Stock Springs: Use Acxess Spring's Spring Finder 5.0 to browse a wide selection of ready-to-ship stainless steel springs.
- Design Custom Stainless Steel Springs: Have specific requirements? Spring Creator 5.0 allows you to design and order custom springs tailored to your exact specifications.
Don't let material selection hold back your project. With the right tools and resources, finding or designing the perfect stainless steel spring is easier than ever.