When Extension Springs are required in A2 Stainless Steel, the alternative grades and the trade-offs between them matter as much as the dimensions. This page covers both, plus mechanical and corrosion data.
Why Choose A2 Stainless Steel for Extension Springs
The most common stainless grade for indoor and general outdoor fasteners. For extension springs, this matters when good general corrosion resistance is the primary requirement.
Mechanical & Physical Properties
| Grade designation | A2-70 (304) |
|---|---|
| Magnetic response | Largely non-magnetic |
| Service temperature | approx. -200 °C to +400 °C |
| Corrosion characteristic | Good general corrosion resistance |
Galvanic & Galling Considerations
Two important notes for stainless extension springs: (1) stainless can gall on stainless threads under load — use a thread lubricant or anti-galling compound, especially for M6 and below; (2) when joined to aluminum or galvanized steel, stainless can drive galvanic corrosion of the less-noble metal in wet service — isolate with a coating or sleeve where appropriate.
Comparable Grades
For Extension Springs, the alternative stainless grade is A4 (316). A2 (304) suits general indoor and outdoor service; A4 (316) adds molybdenum for marine and chloride environments. Where higher strength matters more than corrosion, switch to plated alloy-steel class 8.8 or 10.9.
Sizes of Extension Springs Available in A2 Stainless Steel
| Wire dia d (mm) | Inner diameter Di (mm) | Outer diameter De (mm) | Free length Lo (mm) | Active coils n | Initial tension Fi (N) | Rate k (N/mm) | Material | Reference standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 20 | 12 | 10 | 0.7 | Spring steel | DIN 2097 / EN 15800 |
| 0.6 | 4.5 | 5.7 | 25 | 12 | 15 | 1.2 | Spring steel | DIN 2097 / EN 15800 |
| 0.8 | 5.5 | 7.1 | 30 | 12 | 30 | 2.5 | Spring steel | DIN 2097 / EN 15800 |
| 1.0 | 7.0 | 9.0 | 40 | 15 | 45 | 3.5 | Spring steel | DIN 2097 / EN 15800 |
| 1.2 | 8.5 | 10.9 | 50 | 15 | 70 | 6.0 | Spring steel | DIN 2097 / EN 15800 |
| 1.5 | 11.0 | 14.0 | 60 | 15 | 100 | 8.0 | Spring steel | DIN 2097 / EN 15800 |
| 2.0 | 13.0 | 17.0 | 80 | 15 | 200 | 16.0 | Spring steel | DIN 2097 / EN 15800 |
| 2.5 | 17.0 | 22.0 | 100 | 15 | 380 | 30.0 | Spring steel | DIN 2097 / EN 15800 |
| 3.0 | 22.0 | 28.0 | 120 | 15 | 680 | 55.0 | Spring steel | DIN 2097 / EN 15800 |
| 4.0 | 28.0 | 36.0 | 160 | 15 | 1500 | 120.0 | Spring steel | DIN 2097 / EN 15800 |
| 5.0 | 36.0 | 46.0 | 200 | 15 | 2900 | 210.0 | Spring steel | DIN 2097 / EN 15800 |
| 6.0 | 46.0 | 58.0 | 250 | 15 | 5200 | 380.0 | Spring steel | DIN 2097 / EN 15800 |