(229) Music wire is one of the best, toughest, and most widely used materials for small springs. It has one of the highest tensile strengths and can withstand higher stresses under repeated loading than other spring materials. The fatigue life of music wire is excellent.
It is not recommended for temperatures below 0ºF or above 250ºF. Music wire can be easily plated after forming. Gibbs music wire meets the latest revisions of ASTM A 228. Wire is available in sizes from 0.005" - 0.283". Music wire is also available with zinc, corrostan, and nickel coatings.
(28) Corrostan is an electro-galvanized, zinc coated music wire provided on reels and cores for long continuous production runs. Drawing after plating provides a zinc hard enough to withstand automatic coiling or mechanical forming operations without excessive peeling or flaking. Wire is available in size ranges from 0.017" - 0.068". Larger diameters can be special ordered up to .098". All Corrostan conforms to ASTM-A-228 & SAE-J-178.
Preco Z is a zinc plated music spring wire that can be used as a substitute for tinned or alloy coated wire for parts normally requiring a post-plating operation. The zinc coating is applied to the wire prior to the final drawing operation, producing a uniform coating and a surface hardness suitable for automatic spring coiling and mechanical forming operations without flaking, cracking, or peeling. Preco Z has high corrosion resistance and will withstand salt spray tests as follows; .040" & Heavier 32 Hours Minimum .023"-.039" 28 Hours Minimum Below .023" 4 Hours Minimum All wire conforms to ASTM-A-228, SAE J178
Preco "N" is a nickel coated music wire which offers superior consistency and reliability, due to drawing after nickel coating, for such applications as computer keyboard springs, camera springs, battery springs, and cordless telephone antennas. Preco "N" exhibits minimum discoloration during stress relieving because no rust proofing oils are needed. Wire is available in limited size ranges from 0.015" - 0.032" and is also available on application. Preco N conforms to ASTM-A-228 & SAE-J-178
(53) This is a general purpose, commercial quality, Class I tensile, spring steel wire to ASTM A 229. With a quality between hard drawn spring wire and music wire, moderately priced OTMB is excellent for springs without servere bends. The material is cold drawn to the desired size and heat treated by a continuous tempering method. A low temperature stress relief is required after processing. Wire is available is size ranges from 0.023" - 0.625".
(29) This is a general purpose, commercial quality, Class II tensile, spring steel wire to ASTM A 229. With a quality between hard drawn spring wire and music wire, moderately priced OTMB is excellent for springs without severe bends. The material is cold drawn to the desired size and heat treated by a continuous tempering method. A low temperature stress relief is required after processing. Wire is available in size ranges from 0.120" - 0.625".
(34) Chromium-vanadium is the most popular alloy steel for springs that are required to withstand a large number of operating cycles. It is medium carbon steel with chromium and vanadium added to increase its hardness and tensile strength. The pre-tempered material is best for valve or gun springs. Springs can be used at extremely high stresses in applications where they will also be subject to extreme shock and impact loading. For springs of high endurance, the alloy is usually used at a hardness of Rockwell C44-49. Where extreme stresses and short life are expected, the hardness is increased to Rockwell C50-53.
In sizes 0.375" and under, chromium-vanadium alloy springs have no higher endurance limits than plain carbon steels of valve ...
(41) These materials are designed for springs that must withstand considerable shock and extreme heat. Valve spring quality chrome vanadium has been eddy current tested to assure the finest possible surface in keeping with automotive industry requirements. Wire is available in size ranges from 0.0625" - 0.362". Valve quality Chrome Vanadium conforms to ASTM-A-232.
(123) This material is designed for springs that must withstand considerable shock and extreme heat. Chrome silicon can be used at temperatures up to 50°F higher than chrome vanadium. Recommendations for heat treatment: Immediately after coiling, the springs should be stress relieved at about 400°C (750°F) for 30 minutes. After shot peening, the springs should be stress relieved at about 250°C (480°F) for 30 minutes. Wire is available in size ranges from 0.018" - 0.625". Commercial quality Chrome Silicon conforms to ASTM-A-401
(67) These materials are designed for springs that must withstand considerable shock and extreme heat. Chrome silicon can be used at temperatures up to 50°F higher than chrome vanadium. Valve spring quality chrome silicon has been eddy current tested to assure the finest possible surface in keeping with automotive industry requirements. Wire is available in size ranges from 0.0217" - 0.312". Valve quality Chrome Silicon conforms to ASTM-A-877.
(34) This is a medium carbon, cold drawn spring wire for the production of commercial quality mechanical springs. Gibbs stocks this wire with class I tensile only, Class II tensiles are available on application. Wire is available in size ranges from 0.008" - 0.375"
(24) This is a metallic coated medium carbon, cold drawn spring wire for the production of commercial quality mechanical springs and wire forms that are not subject to high stress or require high fatigue properties. Gibbs stocks this wire in size ranges from 0.041" - 0.207"