Burrs created in the cutting-off operation are often harmless and it would be unwise to pay for their removal. Burrs arising from other operations may sometimes be controlled within limits as to size, shape, and location. If we can agree upon such limits, they may be a chance for significant savings. Whenever a carbon steel is pickled in preparation for plating or during some electroplating processes, hydrogen can become absorbed into the material. While cracks can develop in the pickling or plating bath, more often then they appear when the plated springs are in service.
Tempered materials are particularly susceptible.
To relieve embrittlement, the springs must be baked immediately after plating to drive the hydrogen out of the material.