1.2mm 316 Spring Wire - Reliable at Cryogenic Temperatures
316 spring wire cryogenic
,1.2mm stainless spring wire
,316 stainless steel spring wire
1.2mm 316 Spring Wire - Reliable at Cryogenic Temperatures
Product Introduction
TOPONE supplies 1.2 mm 316 stainless steel spring wire for springs that must work cold - refrigeration valves, LNG equipment, cryostats and laboratory apparatus. Austenitic stainless steel has no ductile-to-brittle transition, so a spring coiled from this wire keeps its elasticity at temperatures where carbon steels would shatter. The full 0.15-12 mm range is available with 3.1 MTC per lot.
Product Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Grade | 316 (UNS S31600), 2-3 % molybdenum |
| Diameter | 1.2 mm (full range 0.15-12 mm) |
| Structure | stable austenite, no ductile-to-brittle transition |
| Service temperature | down to -196 degrees C (liquid nitrogen) |
| Strength at low temperature | increases as temperature falls |
| Standards | ASTM A580, EN 10270-3 |
| Delivery | coil or spool, 3.1 MTC per lot |
Why Austenitic Wire Does Not Crack When Cold
Carbon steels and ferritic grades lose impact toughness below their transition temperature and fail like glass. The austenitic structure of 316 has no such transition: as temperature drops, yield and tensile strength rise while elongation stays high. This is why cryogenic vessels, valves and springs are built from 300-series stainless steel as standard.
The Design Points That Matter
- Nickel content keeps the austenite stable; 316 carries enough nickel to resist transformation during forming and service.
- Heavy cold work can form strain-induced martensite, which is magnetic and slightly less stable at temperature extremes; for critical cryogenic work, discuss temper and magnetism limits with us.
- Spring force at low temperature differs from room temperature because the shear modulus rises - expect a higher rate, so calibrate the design accordingly.
- Thermal contraction of the coil and housing must be allowed for in the assembly.
Typical Cryogenic Applications
- LNG valve and pump springs
- Refrigeration compressor valves
- Cryostat and dewar fixtures
- Laboratory and superconductivity equipment
Product Advantages
- Certified chemistry per heat for predictable low-temperature behaviour
- Tempers balanced for cold coiling and stable spring rate
- 1.2 mm and neighbouring sizes held to tight tolerance for valve work
- 3.1 MTC with every coil lot
Quality Control
Each lot is tensile tested at room temperature per ASTM A370 / EN ISO 6892, with chemistry verified against the mill certificate. Low-temperature data from the producing mill is available on request.
Selection and Ordering Notes
- State the minimum service temperature of the assembly.
- Give the spring rate and working deflection so temper can be matched.
- Mention whether magnetism is restricted in your application.
- Confirm diameter tolerance and spool type.
- Request the 3.1 MTC with each shipment.
