Automotive spring-grade wire rod from Corus is being used to manufacture transmission springs for the first time, the steel maker said on Wednesday.
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What Corus dubs a “super-clean, high-performance grade of rod” developed in-house has been undergoing fatigue tests for approval to be processed into valve springs with wire drawers and spring manufacturers.
Automotive springs such as valve, transmission and suspension springs are among the most demanding applications for any steel, and the approval and testing procedures are extremely arduous, Corus said.
Specialist oil tempered spring wire manufacturer, Haldex-Garphyttan, has conducted lengthy trials of the new material and has now begun placing regular orders of the steel for transmission spring applications.
Haldex is now keen to extend the market for Corus transmission spring wire to other spring manufacturers.
Corus ventured into automotive spring steels after success producing super-clean steel for tyre cord, which is now supplied world-wide. It claims that few steel makers are can produce material that meets the stringent quality requirements of automotive spring applications, and said it is establishing a reputation in this niche market.
Corus sales manager John Morrisroe, said: “Our development of a grade of steel for transmission springs has been a process of continual, incremental improvement. Every cast we have rolled has involved some refinement or process improvement to ensure we deliver the quality of material demanded by the automotive industry.”
Transmission springs are used in gearbox mechanisms, controls and clutches and have to perform under demanding temperature and vibration conditions. In clutch assemblies, springs play an important role in improving torque fluctuations transmitted down the driveline by the engine, thereby helping to reduce noise and vibration, resulting in a better driving environment for vehicle occupants.
Following its trial successes to date, Corus is extending the reach of its super-clean steel grades, and is now working on suspension spring trials.
Major investment at the company’s rod mill is helping to secure its future in these high-value markets.
