HOME » ABOUT LESJÖFORS » NEWS » COMPRESSION SPRINGS MADE OF TOOL STEEL FOR HIGH TEMPERATURE APPLICATIONS March 24, 2020 COMPRESSION SPRINGS MADE OF TOOL STEEL FOR HIGH TEMPERATURE APPLICATIONS Innovative and progressive research and development is part of our DNA. Spring specialists in Sweden have recently made prototypes and tests of springs in a new, cost effective material that can withstand high temperatures. Test results are very positive. Lesjöfors, Sweden – One of the requests of firm compression springs for high temperature applications origins from the Lesjöfors sales office in the Netherlands, where the customer wanted to replace disc springs with compression springs in an actuator application for large valves. The compression springs would have to work in an environment of several hundred degrees with high demands of strength and relaxation resistance. INTERNAL DISCUSSIONS AMONG GROUP COMPANIES To discuss challenges and possible solutions, the Dutch sales manager contacted Stefan Musslinder, the group’s technical manager and Per Davidsson, technical manager at the factory in Lesjöfors, specialized in the manufacture of large, industrial springs. They came up with the idea of producing springs in tool steel, which had never been done before. TESTING AND MEASUREMENTS The traditional materials used for springs working in high temperature applications are made either in stainless steel or super alloys such as Inconel or Nimonic. The disadvantage is that these materials are very costly compared to the tool steel and the strength is fairly low in larger dimensions. The great advantages the team anticipated with tool steel led to a decision of starting prototype manufacturing and tests. Stefan Musslinder comments on the development process: “We manufactured ten springs in tool steel and did setting tests at temperatures between 200 and 300C. By doing so, we can measure how well the springs’ characteristics withstand high temperatures. The test results are very positive and we look forward to extended tests in longer time-series to investigate long-time relaxation resistance.” COST-EFFECTIVE AND HIGH QUALITY SPRINGS The potential for tool steel springs is rising and Lesjöfors in Åminnefors, Finland have received similar requests from Asian companies. “Regularly, we get requests from customers who need springs working close to a furnace or in flow valve for steam for example. Compression springs in tool steel could be a great cost effective alternative in many high temperature applications”, says Per Davidsson. Lesjöfors AB ABOUT US Lesjöfors is a market leading springs and pressings manufacturer. LEARN MORE GET IN TOUCH Find contact information for Lesjöfors and contact us for all general inquiries here. CONTACT US SUBSCRIBE FOR UPDATES Join our newsletter to receive updates on new products, latest blog posts, and more. SIGN UP TERMS OF DELIVERY PRIVACY