The tensile strengths of austenitic stainless steels are average but can be increased considerably, for certain types, by cold rolling. The 1.4310, X10CrNi18-8, is the most widely used stainless steel for the production of springs. It reaches very high mechanical strength through cold working. Its austenitic structure is rather unstable and its corrosion resistance is lower than, for example, that of the 1.4435, 316L, or of the 1.4301, X5CrNiMo 18-0. An increase of the mechanical strength of the 1.4310, X10CrNi18-8, by more than 250 N/mm² can be achieved by tempering at 280 to 420°C after having been highly cold worked. This tempering is interesting in that it also increases the fatigue strength limit.



Typical uses

Stainless steel 1.4310 is often used for the manufacturing of springs and other products requiring a good fatigue resistance such as connector components, electric switch blades, watch components, certain types of knives etc.