Abstract |
This paper discussed the development of high strength, conductive stainless steel wire
for springs. Although copper-alloyed metals such as phosphor bronze and beryllium copper
have been conventionally used when high strength, electrically conductive materials are
required, they have, in fact, presented such problems as insufficient strength (including
fatigue and torsion), poor heat resistance and corrosion resistance, as well as virtually
no abrasion resistance. The material discussed in this paper is a stainless steel wire
containing a copper core, and thus greatly improves upon the above problems. The
conductivity of this material was 200 to 400% greater than that of high strength copper
alloys : its strength was of course superior to copper alloys, being only 10-30% less than
stainless steel itself. Accordingly, this material is expected to be used in springs,
shafts, electrical poles, and other applications requiring electrical conductivity. |