ESCOLA NUTICA INFANTE D.

HENRIQUE
DEPARTAMENTO DE MQUINAS MARTIMAS

Engenharia de Mquinas Martimas

ORGOS DE MQUINAS

Dimensionamento de molas helicoidais

Victor Franco Correia

(Professor Adjunto)
2005

Molas helicoidais
Para este tipo de molas, em regime elstico, aplica-se a Lei de
Hooke e vlida a relao,

F =k
A deformao da mola, , da mola pode ser calculada atravs
do teorema de Castigliano, obtendo-se

F 8 F D 3 na

k
Gd4

e a constante da mola , k , ser assim dada pela expresso

k=

F
d 4G
.

8 D3na

Em que G o mdulo de elasticidade transversal do material da mola, na o nmero

de espiras activas ou teis da mola, D e d so, respectivamente, o dimetro mdio do
enrolamento e o dimetro do arame. O nmero de espiras activas igual ao nmero
total de espiras nt menos o nmero de espiras terminais n* que efectivamente no
contribuem para a deformao da mola,

n a = nt n *
O valor de n* depende do tipo de acabamento das extremidades da mola helicoidal.
Na figura seguinte indicam-se alguns valores de n* :

Factores Geomtricos
O ndice da mola, C =

D
, pode ser usado para exprimir a deformao,
d

8 FC 3 na F
=
Gd
k

A gama de valores usuais para a constante C de aproximadamente 6 a 12.

O dimetro do arame, d, deve respeitar os dimetros normalizados.
O comprimento activo do arame, La = D n a , pode tambm ser usado para obter
uma expresso para a deformao da mola,

8 F D 2 La
G d 4

Tenses de corte na mola

A tenso de corte mxima na mola pode ser calculada pela sobreposio dos efeitos
de corte directo e toro, obtendo-se

max =

Td 2 F
+
J
A

A tenso de corte mxima ocorre na face interior do enrolamento (ver figura

seguinte).
obtm-se

T = F D / 2 , r = d / 2 , J = d 4 / 32 e A = d 2 / 4 ,

Substituindo os termos:

max =

8 FD
d 3

4F
d 2

Substituindo o ndice de mola C, vem

max =

8FD 0.5
1 +
.
C
d 3

Alguns autores apresentam a equao de tenso de corte mxima, sob a forma

alternativa

max = kW
em que kW

8 FD
d 3

o designado factor de correco de Wahl que pretende ter em

considerao o efeito da curvatura da mola na tenso de corte resultante, sendo dado

pela expresso

kW =

(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)

4C 1 0.615
+
.
4C 4
C

Tenses de corte devidas a toro pura.

Tenses de corte devidas a corte directo
Sobreposio dos efeitos de corte directo e toro pura
Sobreposio dos efeitos de corte directo e toro pura considerando
o efeito da curvatura da mola.

Instabilidade de molas helicoidais

Quando a mola submetida a foras de compresso podem ocorrer condies para
instabilizao como a figura ilustra, que se caracteriza pela ocorrncia de deformaes
no axiais:

Uma vez que a instabilizao se inicia, a deformao lateral progride rapidamente e

ocorre a falha da mola. Assim, fundamental que o projecto de molas de compresso
tenha em considerao a probabilidade de ocorrncia de situaes de instabilidade.
Basicamente, o processo de instabilizao de molas de compresso similar
instabilizao de colunas estruturais. Na prtica, quando o comprimento livre da mola
(Lfree) superior a cerca de 4~5 vezes o dimetro nominal do enrolamento D, a mola
pode instabilizar sob a aco de uma carga suficientemente elevada. As condies de
instabilizao da mola dependem do comprimento livre, dimetro nominal do
enrolamento e ainda do tipo de extremidades da mola e do tipo de constrangimentos
que estes impem sua deformao (pivot ball permite a rotao; ground &
squared no permitem a rotao).
Um mtodo rpido para verificar a instabilidade da mola consiste em calcular a
relao entre a deformao da mola e o seu comprimento livre (/Lfree) e utilizar a
tabela abaixo para verificar se esta relao excede o valor mximo admissvel:

Molas de traco
As molas de traco tpicas tem usualmente o seguinte aspecto:

As molas de traco so normalmente fabricadas com uma traco inicial Fi que

pressiona as espiras umas contra as outras no estado livre da mola. Este facto
tem como consequncia que a relao fora-deformao no seja
verdadeiramente linear, quando medida a partir da posio de repouso. No
entanto uma vez que a traco inicial seja ultrapassada, a mola tem um
comportamento linear.

Tenses de corte
Dado que as molas de traco tm uma traco inicial na sua posio de
repouso, tm igualmente uma tenso de corte inicial instalada nas espiras no
estado de repouso. A tenso de corte mxima (em repouso), i ocorre na face
interior das espiras, e dada pela equao,

i = kW

8DFi
d 3

em que D o dimetro nominal do enrolamento, d o dimetro do arame, e

kW o factor de correco de Wahl .
Uma vez que a traco inicial ultrapassada, a mola de traco pode ser
analisada como uma mola de compresso com uma fora negativa. A tenso de
corte mxima (max) na mola aumenta com a fora e dada por,

max = i + kW

8 FD
d 3

A deformao da mola dada por,

8 nt ( F Fi )
Gd4

em que G o modulo de elasticidade transversal e

espiras.

nt

o nmero total de

Concentrao de tenses nas extremidades

Consideremos o arco tpico que normalmente existe nas extremidades das molas
de traco.
A geometria do arco frequentemente causa fenmenos de
concentrao de tenses que podem originar a falha da mola.
A ilustrao
seguinte mostra a geometria tpica das extremidades desta mola e define os
parmetros radiais r1 e r4,

A tenso mxima em flexo no ponto A e a tenso de corte mxima no ponto

B podem ser expressas pelas equaes, respectivamente,

Coeficiente de segurana nas molas de traco

Quando ocorre a rotura de uma mola de compresso, a falha catastrfica de todo
o mecanismo onde a mesma se insere, normalmente evitada porque os
componentes que suportam as extremidades da mola, na pior das hipteses
comprimem os restos da mola em rotura.
Com uma mola de traco, no existe este tipo de segurana de carcter
geomtrico uma vez que a mola est em traco. Por esta e outras razes, as
tenses de trabalho das molas de traco so normalmente limitadas a cerca de
do valor correspondente para uma mola de compresso com geometria
similar e do mesmo material.

Fadiga de Molas helicoidais

O fenmeno da fadiga constitui um problema em molas sujeitas a cargas
cclicas, em que as foras variam entre um valor mximo e um valor mnimo.
As molas do sistema de suspenso dos veculos, por exemplo, esto sujeitas a
fadiga. Um nmero excessivo de ciclos de tenso originar a falha da mola por
fadiga.
As tenses de corte mxima e mnima, , na face interior do enrolamento da
mola so proporcionais s foras actuantes na mola, Fmax e Fmin,

em que D o dimetro mdio do enrolamento (medido entre os centros da

seco transversal do arame, i.e. dimetro exterior do enrolamento menos o
dimetro do arame), W o factor de correco de Wahl que tem em conta o
efeito da curvatura da mola nas tenses, e C o ndice da mola

A tenso de corte mdia na mola mean, e a tenso de corte alternada, alt, so

dadas por

Critrio de Soderberg
Os componentes sujeitos a carregamentos alternados (mean = 0) falham quando
o nvel de tenses atinge a tenso limite de fadiga do material, fatigue, que se
obtm atravs dos ensaios de fadiga.
Quando os componentes esto sujeitos a uma dada combinao de tenses
mdias mean e tenses alternadas alt , o critrio de Soderberg permite prever
a falha em fadiga. No grfico abaixo, tenso mdia vs. tenso alternada, est
representada a linha correspondente ao limite imposto pelo critrio de falha por
fadiga de Soderberg, que representado pela recta que une os pontos, mean =
yield e alt = fatigue:

Se no grfico acima, o estado de tenso corresponder a um ponto abaixo da

recta de Soderberg (linha a azul) o critrio de Soderberg fadiga verifica-se. Se
o estado de tenso corresponder a um ponto acima da recta de Soderberg, ento
provvel a rotura por fadiga.
O critrio de Soderberg pode ser verificado analiticamente, atravs da equao,

Ocorrer falha por fadiga se a tenso alternada for superior tenso limite
imposta pelo critrio de Soderberg, ie.

Frequncia natural fundamental das molas helicoidais

Quando as molas helicoidais so utilizadas em mecanismos com movimento, o
seu comportamento dinmico tem de ser considerado.
A primeira frequncia natural (ressonncia) de uma mola helicoidal dada por,

em que
d
o dimetro do arame,
D o dimetro mdio nominal do
enrolamento, nt o nmero total de espiras, G o mdulo de elasticidade
transversal e a massa especfica do material da mola.

Deduo da expresso anterior por analogia

Uma forma fcil de obter a equao anterior consiste em usar a analogia entre
uma barra sujeita a uma fora axial e a mola helicoidal. A analogia vlida uma
vez que ambos os objectos possuem uma rigidez e uma massa uniforme ao
longo do comprimento L.

Tanto a mola como a barra obedecem Lei de Hooke, em aplicaes estticas,

em que L a variao no comprimento da mola ou da barra. A rigidez k para a

barra dada por,

em que E o mdulo de Young do material, A e L so, respectivamente, a

seco e o comprimento livre da barra.

10

No caso dinmico, a variao do comprimento da barra pode ser dada pela

expresso,

em que o nmero de onda n dado por,

e f a frequncia excitadora (em Hz). Para verificar a validade da equao

obtida, notemos os seguintes aspectos: A equao dinmica para L satisfaz a
equao diferencial do movimento para a barra e no limite para o caso esttico
(i.e. quando f tende para zero) a equao para L no mais do que a expresso
da Lei de Hooke,

Para obter as frequncias naturais da barra procuramos as condies para as

quais a variao de comprimento da barra tende para infinito. Isto ocorre
quando nL no denominador igual a: {, 2, 3, ...}. A primeira frequncia
natural ocorre quando,

Resolvendo em ordem a fres e substituindo na expresso de krod e notando que o

volume da barra (A*L), vem,

A massa especfica multiplicada pelo volume igual massa da barra. Assim

podemos simplificar a formula da frequncia natural, obtendo-se,

Por analogia, a primeira frequncia natural da mola, ter a mesma equao,

em que k agora a rigidez da mola, e M a massa da mola.

11

Frequncia natural da mola em funo de parmetros geomtricos

Podemos exprimir a frequncia natural da mola em termos dos parmetros de
carcter geomtrico e do mdulo de elasticidade transversal (em vez da sua
rigidez global k e da sua massa).
O volume material da mola dado por,

e notando que a rigidez da mola em termos da sua geometria, mdulo de

elasticidade transversal G e nmero de espiras activas na,

Substituindo estas duas equaes na formula da frequncia natural, fres , obtmse,

Se a mola for constituda por um nmero elevado de espiras, podemos assumir

que o nmero de espiras activas igual ao nmero total de espiras (desprezando
as espiras terminais). Podemos tambm assumir a seguinte aproximao
numrica,

Estas duas aproximaes permitem obter a expresso para a frequncia de

ressonncia da mola,

Para utilizar esta formula necessitamos de conhecer o modulo de elasticidade

transversal da mola e a sua geometria. muito mais fcil utilizar a frmula da
seco anterior que apenas requer o conhecimento da rigidez e da massa da
mola, especialmente quando se trata de molas das quais se desconhece o
material.

12

Referncias:
J. Shigley, C. Mischke Mechanical Engineering Design, McGraw-Hill 6th ed.

Anexos
Materiais para molas

13

14

Spring wire

Sandvik 12R10/gusab T302

Sandvik 12R10/gusab T302 are general purpose steel grades which meet most requirements with regard to mechanical
properties and corrosion resistance.
Service temperature.............................-200 to 250 C (-330 to 480F)
Chemical composition (nominal) %
Steel
grade
12R10
T302

Si

Mn

0.08
0.07

0.6
0.5

1.2
1.3

P
max
0.030
0.035

S
max
0.015
0.015

Cr

Ni

18
18.5

9
8

Standards

Sandvik Grade: 12R10/gusab T302

ASTM: 302
ISO: X9 CrNi 18-8 Grade 1 NS
EN: 1.4310 NS
EN Name: X 10 CrNi 18-8 NS
W Nr.: 1.4310
JIS: SUS 302/304-WPB
Product standards
EN
10270-3
ISO
6931-1
ASTM
A 313/A 313M
JIS
G 4314

Mechanical properties

Mechanical properties in delivered condition

Tensile strength and proof strength, MPa (ksi)
Wire diameter
Nominal, Rm1
mm
inch
MPa
ksi
0.15 0.20
0.0059 - 0.0079
2365
343
>0.20 0.30
>0.0079 - 0.012
2310
335
>0.30 0.40
>0.012 - 0.016
2260
328
>0.40 0.50
>0.016 - 0.020
2200
319
>0.50 0.65
>0.020 - 0.026
2150
312
>0.65 0.80
>0.026 - 0.031
2095
304
>0.80 1.00
>0.031 - 0.039
2045
297
>1.00 1.25
>0.039 - 0.049
1990
289
>1.25 1.50
>0.049 - 0.059
1935
281
>1,50 1,75
>0.059 - 0.069
1880
273
>1.75 2.00
>0.069 - 0.079
1830
265
>2.00 2.50
>0.079 - 0.098
1775
257
>2.50 3.00
>0.098 - 0.118
1720
249
>3.00 3.50
>0.118 - 0.138
1665
241
>3.50 4.25
>0.138 - 0.167
1615
234
>4.25 5.00
>0.167 - 0.197
1560
232
>5.00 6.00
>0.197 - 0.236
1505
218
>6.00 7.00
>0.236 - 0.276
1450
210
>7.00 8.50
>0.276 - 0.335
1400
203
>8.50 10.00
>0.335 - 0,394
1345
195
Flat wire
800-2200
116 - 319
Other strength levels

Nominal Rp0.2
MPa
ksi
1890
274
1850
268
1810
262
1760
255
1720
249
1680
244
1635
237
1590
231
1550
225
1505
218
1465
212
1420
206
1375
199
1330
193
1290
187
1250
181
1205
175
1160
168
1120
162
1075
156
0.85*Rm
0,85 * ksi

On request

1)

tolerance on tensile strength + /- 7.0 % in accordance with EN 10 270-3 (ISO 6931-1).

By tempering the tensile strength can be increased by 150250 MPa (22 - 36 ksi). The tensile strength variation
between spools/coils within the same production lot is maximum 50 MPa (7ksi). The proof strength in tempered
condition is approx. 85 % of the tempered tensile strength. The tensile strength values are guaranteed and are
measured directly after production. At storing the strength will increase somewhat due to ageing. Depending on storing
condition the ageing can increase the stength with 0 - 50 MPa (0 - 7 ksi)

15

Shear modulus, MPa (ksi)

as delivered ............................................... approx 71 000 (10 295)
tempered ................................................... approx 73 000 (10 585)
Modulus of elasticity, MPa (ksi)
as delivered ............................................. approx 185 000 (26 825)
tempered ................................................. approx 190 000 (27 550)
The strength will decrease by 34% per 100C (184oF) increase of service
temperature.
Straightened lengths
After straightening the strength is approx. 7% lower.

Fatigue strength - tempered and pre-stressed cylindrical helical springs

Whler diagram, mean stress 450 MPa
The curve is valid for springs coiled from wire 1 mm in
diameter and represents 90% security against failure.
Shear stress range = double the stress amplitude.
To reach 99.9% security against failure the curve
must be lowered to about 80 % of present values.

Stress range for different wire diameters, mean stress 450 MPa
Shear stress range at 107 load cycles as a function of the
wire diameter.

At elevated temperatures the fatigue strength decreases at:

100C (210F) by about 5 %
200C (390F) by about 10%

Heat treatment

By tempering the springs at 350C (660F)/0.53 h, the tensile strength will increase by about 100-250 MPa (15 - 35
ksi). If a shorter tempering time is used the tempering effect will be lower. In continuous conveyor furnaces, where the
holding time at temperature is very short (min. 3 minutes), the temperature can be increased to about 425C (780F).
In the as-delivered condition the ratio proof strength/tensile strength is about 0.80. After tempering the ratio will be
about 0.85.
Please note that tension springs coiled with initial tension must not be tempered at the same high temperature as
other types of springs. We recommend batch annealing at 200C (390F)/0.53 h, or continuous tempering in a
conveyor furnace with a holding time of 320 minutes at about 250C (480F).

16

Spring wire

Sandvik 11R51
General description

Sandvik 11R51 in comparison with standard grades Sandvik 12R10/gusab T302 these grades have:
higher tensile strength and tempering effect
higher relaxation resistance, especially at elevated temperatures
higher fatigue strength
better corrosion resistance thanks to the molybdenum addition

Chemical composition (nominal) %

C

Si

Mn

0.08

1.50

1.80

P
max
0.025

S
max
0.015

Cr

Ni

Mo

17.0

7.5

0.70

Standards

Sandvik Grade: 11R51

ASTM: 302
ISO:
EN: 1.4310 HS
EN Name: X10 CrNi 18-8 HS
W Nr.: 1.4310 HS
JIS: SUS 302 Mod.
Product standards
EN
10270-3
ISO
6931-1
JIS
G 4314
ASTM
A 313/A 313M - 98
Mechanical properties
Mechanical properties in delivered condition
Tensile strength and proof strength, MPa (ksi)
Wire diameter
Nominal, Rm1
mm
inch
MPa
ksi
0.15 0.20
0.0059 - 0.0079
2530
367
>0.20 0.30
>0.0079 - 0.012
2470
358
>0.30 0.40
>0.012 - 0.016
2420
351
>0.40 0.50
>0.016 - 0.020
2365
343
>0.50 0.65
>0.020 - 0.026
2310
335
>0.65 0.80
>0.026 - 0.031
2260
328
>0.80 1.00
>0.031 - 0.039
2200
319
>1.00 1.25
>0.039 - 0.049
2150
312
>1.25 1.50
>0.049 - 0.059
2100
305
>1.50 1.75
>0.059 - 0.069
2040
296
>1.75 2.00
>0.069 - 0.079
1990
289
>2.00 2.50
>0.079 - 0.098
1880
273
>2.50 3.00
>0.098 - 0.118
1830
265
>3.00 3.50
>0.118 - 0.138
1775
257
>3.50 4.25
>0.138 - 0.167
1720
249
>4.25 5.00
>0.167 - 0.197
1670
242
>5.00 6.00
>0.197 - 0.236
1610
233
>6.00 7.00
>0.236 - 0.276
1560
226
>7.00 8.50
>0.276 - 0.335
1505
218
Flat wire
850-2400
123 - 348
Other strength levels
1)

Nominal Rp0,2
MPa
ksi
2150
312
2100
305
2060
299
2010
292
1960
284
1920
278
1870
271
1830
265
1785
259
1730
251
1690
245
1600
232
1555
225
1510
219
1460
212
1420
206
1370
199
1330
193
1280
186
0.85 * Rm
0,85 * ksi

On request

tolerance on tensile strength + / - 7.0 % in accordance with En 10 270-3 grade 1.4310HS.

By tempering the tensile strength can be increased by 150300 MPa ( 22 - 44 ksi). The tensile strength variation
between spools/coils within the same production lot is maximum 50 MPa (7 ksi). The proof strength in tempered
condition is approx. 90 % of the tempered tensile strength.

17

Shear modulus, MPa (ksi)

as delivered ................................................. approx. 71 000 (10 295)
tempered ..................................................... approx. 73 000 (10 585)
Modulus of elasticity, MPa (ksi)
as delivered ............................................... approx.185 000 ( 26 825)
tempered ................................................... approx. 190 000 (27 550)
The strength will decrease by 34% per 100C increase of service temperature.
Straightened lengths
After straightening the strength is approx. 7% lower.

Fatigue strength - tempered and pre-stressed cylindrical helical springs

Whler diagram, mean stess 450 MPa

The curve is valid for springs coiled from wire
in size 1.00 mm and represents 90 %
security against failure.
The shear stress range = double the stress
amplitude. To 99.9 % seccurity against
failure the curve must be lowered to about
80 % of present values.

Stress range for different wire diameters, mean stress 450 MPa
Shear stress range at 107 load cycles as a
function of the wire diameter.

Heat treatment

By tempering the springs at 425C (780F)/0.5 - 4 h, the tensile strength will increase by about 150-300 MPa (20 - 45
ksi). If a shorter tempering time is used the tempering effect will be lower. In continuous conveyor furnaces, where the
holding time at temperature is very short (min. 3 minutes), the temperature can be increased to about 475 (780F).
In the as-delivered condition the ratio proof strength/tensile strength is about 0.85. After tempering the ratio will be
about 0.90.
Please note that tension springs coiled with initial tension must not be tempered at the same high temperature as
other types of springs. We recommend batch tempering at 250C (480F)/0.53 h, or continuous tempering in a
conveyor furnace with a holding time of 35 minutes at about 300C (570F).

18

Spring wire

Sandvik 13RM19
Sandvik 13RM19 combines high mechanical strength with a non-magnetic structure. This combination of properties has
previously been found mainly in expensive Co-Ni-base or Cu-Be-alloys. The steel has very good corrosion resistance
comparable to that of AISI 302.
Sandvik 13RM19 is characterised by
non-magnetic structure in all conditions
very high mechanical strength in the cold drawn condition. The strength can be further increased without any effect
on the non-magnetic structure by a simple tempering operation
high elastic limit and energy storing capacity in the cold drawn and tempered condition
Sandvik 13RM19 also possesses good fatigue properties and exellent ductility, which makes it a most suitable choice
for springs and other high strength applications where ferromagnetic materials cannot be used.
Service temperature ...............................up to 250C (480F)

Standards

Sandvik Grade: 13RM19

EN: 1.4369
For Sandvik 13RM19 is the standard EN 10270-3 valid excluding chemical composition and mechanical properties.

Chemical composition (nominal) %

C

Si

Mn

0.11

0.8

6.0

P
max
0.030

S
Max
0.015

Cr

Ni

Mo

18.5

0.25

Magnetic permeability

From a magnetic point of view materials can be divided into three groups, para-, dia- and ferromagnetic materials. For
many practical cases para- and diamagnetic materials will however strongly interact with the magnetic fields. In some
cases the ferromagnetic properties are desired while in other situations no interaction with a magnetic field can be

, or often as the magnetic

= 1 + . By definition the magnetic susceptibility is put to 0 for vacuum from which is follows that

accepted. The magnetic properties of a metrial is expressed as the magnetic susceptibility,

permeability

vacuum=1.
, which is its relative permeability versus vacuum.
Further, as , may vary with the magnetic field strength the maximum value of max is often given as a representative

The magnetic permeability for a certain material is expressed as

value of the material.

Most types of high strength steel are ferromagnetic in spring hard conditions. The spring properties are achieved by
hardening, e.g. carbon and chrominum steels or by cold drawing as e.g. for AISI 302/304 (W.Nr 1.4310). The origin of
the properties is the martensitic structure. Higher alloyed steels e.g. AISI 316 suffer, side from being more expensive,
from the difficulties to reach a high strength by cold working. If high strength is needed together with a non-magnetic
(para-magnetic) material the option has traditionally been expensive Copper-Beryllium or Cobalt base alloys.
Sandvik 13RM19 is alloyed in a way that the structure is very stable against a martensitic transformation but still
allowing a strong work hardening effect at deformation. Thus it is possible to obtain mechanical properties similar to
the ones of AISI 302 but maintaining a non-magnetic structure. The following diagram shows typical values for the
maximal relative magnetic permeability for different stainless steels.

19

Mechanical properties

Mechanical properties in delivered condition

Tensile strength and proof strength, MPa (ksi)
Wire diameter
Nominal, Rm
mm
inch
+/- 100 MPa +/- 15 ksi
0.15 0.20
0.0059 - 0.0079
2200
319
>0.20 0.30
>0.0079 - 0.012
2150
312
>0.30 0.40
>0.012 - 0.016
2100
305
>0.40 0.50
>0.016 - 0.020
2100
305
>0.50 0.65
>0.020 - 0.026
2000
290
>0.65 0.80
>0.026 - 0.031
2000
290
>0.80 1.00
>0.031 - 0.039
1900
276
>1.00 1.25
>0.039 - 0.049
1900
276
>1.25 1.50
>0.049 - 0.059
1800
261
>1,50 2,00
>0.059 - 0.078
1800
261
>2.00 2.50
>0.078 - 0.098
1650
239
>2.50 3.00
>0.098 - 0.118
1650
239
>3.00 3.50
>0.118 - 0.138
1500
218
>3.50 4.00
>0.138 - 0.157
1500
218

Nominal Rp0.2
MPa
ksi
1760
255
1720
249
1680
244
1680
244
1600
232
1600
232
1520
220
1520
220
1440
209
1440
209
1320
191
1320
191
1200
174
1200
174

By tempering the tensile strength can be increased by up to 300 MPa (44 ksi) without deterioration of the magnetic
properties. The tensile strength variation between spools/coils within the same production lot is maximum 50 MPa
(7 ksi). The proof strength in tempered condition is approx. 85 % of the tempered tensile strength. The tensile
strength values are guaranteed and are measured directly after production. At storing the strength will increase
somewhat due to ageing. Depending on storing condition the ageing can increase the stength with 0 - 50 MPa (0 - 7
ksi).

Shear modulus, MPa (ksi)

as delivered ...............................................approx. 69 000 (10 005)
tempered ...................................................approx. 73 000 (10 585)
Modulus of elasticity, MPa (ksi)
as delivered ............................................approx. 180 000 (26 100)
tempered ................................................approx. 190 000 (27 550)
The strength will decrease by 34% per 100C (184oF) increase of service temperature.

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Fatigue strength

The Whler diagram is valid for spings coiled from wire 0.5 mm in diameter and represents 90 % of security against
failure. Mean stress = 450 MPa
Stress range = double the stress amplitude
To reach 99.9 % security aganist failure the curve must be lowered to about 80 % of present values.
At elevated temperatures the fatigue strength decreases at
100oC
by about 5 %
200oC
by about 10 %
Cryogenic properties

13RM19 has excellent properties by means of magnetic and mechanical properties at low temperatures. The diagram
shows the magnetic permeability down to 4.2 K (-268.95C) for a tensile strength of approx. 800 MPa (116 ksi) at
20C (70F).
Tensile strength values at different
temperatures and material conditions.

Heat treatment
By tempering the springs, the tensile strength will increase up to 300 MPa (45 ksi). We recommend 350C
(660F)/0.53 h for batch tempering. To obtain best results when tempering in a continuous conveyer furnace, where
holding times at full temperature are very short, the temperature can preferably be increased to about 425C (780F).
The holding time should be at least 3 minutes as shorter times might result in uneven tempering.
In the as-delivered condition the ratio 0,2 % offset proof stress/tensile strength is about 0.80. After tempering the
ratio will be about 0.85.
Please note that tension springs coiled with initial tension must not be tempered at the same high temperature as
other types of springs. We recommend batch annealing at 200C (390F)/0.53 h, or continuous tempering in a
conveyor furnace with a holding time of 35 minutes at about 250C (480F).

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Strip steel

Sandvik 15LM and 20C

General description

Sandvik 15LM and 20C are characterised by good properties in respect of:

Fatigue strength and wear resistance

Hardness combined with ductility
Dimensional tolerances
Surface and edge finishes
Shape

The materials also have good blanking and forming properties with retaining shape of the parts after the blanking
operation.

Chemical composition (nominal) %

Sandvik
15LM
20C

C
0.75
1.00

Si
0.20
0.25

Mn
0.75
0.45

AISI
1074
1095

W.-Nr.
1.1248
1.1274

SS
1770
1870

Specifications
Sandvik
15LM
20C

Dimensions

Sandvik 15LM and 20C are available in a wide range of sizes. The following chart indicates the approximate stand-ard
size range.

Figure 1 Standard size range

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Mechanical properties

Nominal values at 20C.

Thickness

Tensile strength,
sRm*

mm..........

inch

<0.125
0.125-<0.175
0.175-<0.225
0.225-<0.275
0.275-<0.375
0.375-<0.425
0.425-<0.475
0.475-<0.625
0.625-<0.825
0.825-<1.000
1.000-<1.575
1.575-<2.500
2.500-<3.500

<.005
.005-<.007
.007-<.009
.009-<.011
.011-<.015
.015-<.017
.017-<.019
.019-<.025
.025-<.032
.032-<.039
.039-<.062
.062-<.098
.098-<.118

Sandvik 15LM Sandvik 20C

MPa
MPa
1950
2100
1900
2050
1850
2000
1800
1950
1750
1900
1700
1850
1700
1800
1650
1750
1600
1700
1550
1650
1500
1600
1500
1600
1500
1600

Proof strength,
Rp0.2
Sandvik 15LM
MPa
1750
1700
1650
1600
1600
1550
1550
1500
1450
1400
1350
1350
1350

Sandvik 20C
MPa
1900
1850
1800
1750
1700
1650
1600
1600
1550
1500
1450
1450
1450

Blanking & Bending

Blanking
In order to achieve optimal blanking results tools and presses must be accurate and stable in dealing with hardened
and tempered strip. A lubricant is recommended to minimize tool wear.

Clearance between punch and die

A radial clearance of 410% of the strip thickness is
recommended. This will give low burr height in combination
with long tool life and a sheared edge with a narrow shear
zone and a wide break zone.

Tools
Tool steels of type AISI D2 or D4 with hardness about 63
HRC can be used except where thick gauges, slender tool
sections and small corner radii are involved. In that case
we recommend high-speed steel, type AISI M2 hardened
and tempered to about 63 HRC. Carbide tools are
recommended for blanking in very long runs, unless the
strip is too hard and thick or the shape of the items is
unsuitable. More detailed recommendations will be
furnished on request. The corner radii should be min. 0.25
x the strip thickness, but not smaller than 0.25 mm (0.010
inch), and the diameter of the punch not smaller than 2 x
the strip thickness. The risk of the hole slug or the blanked
item being carried along with the punch on its return stroke
can be lessened by using a die without a taper, i.e. with a
straight section starting from the edge of the tool. The
straight section should be at least 5 x the strip thickness or
at least 3 mm (0.118 inch) in length.

Bending
Table 6 shows average values for the least bending radius, r min . These figures refer to strip with a nominal tensile
strength as per table 5. The bending tests were carried out according to Swedish Standard SS 11 26 26 method 3,
i.e.in a 90 vee block with a 25 mm (1 inch) die opening, the blanked test pieces being 35 mm (1.38 inch) wide and
turned so that their burr edge was facing inwards in the bend.

23

Applications

Sandvik 15LM

Springs in general
Spring washers in cars
Scraper blades for the pulp and paper industry

Sandvik 20C

Washers in automatic transmissions

Lapping carriers and cutter blades for the semiconductor industry
Coater and scraper blades for the pulp and paper industry
Springs in general
Doctor blades for printing processes
Knives
A document from the Sandvik Materials Technology web-site.

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