Hello, Does spring have a shelf life? if Spring produces to-spec custom designs, stored for 1-3-5 years can we use them without concern? any limitation(time) for spring use after storage? what would you recommend?
Dear Aharon Danesh,
Thank you for your question!
Whether or not a spring can be used without problems depends on the condition of the fabricated spring before it is used.
Even if the springs have been plated, coated with rust-preventing paint, or coated with corrosion-preventing oil, if peeling or deterioration can be seen, we do not recommend using the springs.
We do not recommend using them.
Also, the surface may be scratched, dented, or even deformed by being moved during storage, so it is necessary to check the condition and shape of the surface.
It is better to store them in a box with cushioning material so that they can withstand shocks.
Plastic cases, not cardboard boxes, are preferable.
The spring itself should be packaged in a bag with a high gas barrier or low moisture permeability, and inside the bag, a desiccant such as silica gel should be used to reduce humidity.
In the bags, desiccants such as silica gel should be placed to reduce humidity. In addition, to reduce the amount of oxygen, etc., as much as possible, it may be a good idea to vacuum pack the springs.
Vacuum packaging is also a good idea to reduce the amount of oxygen. Corrosion can also occur when springs are in continuous contact with dissimilar metals.
Therefore, it is necessary to avoid contact with dissimilar metals.
Some painted products are sensitive to ultraviolet rays, so it is better to store them indoors.
Incandescent, fluorescent, and mercury lamps also emit ultraviolet rays.
It is also a good idea to use LED bulbs.
Temperature differences can cause condensation, so it is best to keep the temperature constant.
If corrosion preventing oil or grease has been applied, it is necessary to check the condition of the springs periodically and apply additional grease.
If grease or rust-preventive oil is applied, the condition of the spring should be checked periodically and additional application is necessary. In addition, grease, corrosion preventing oil, and resin products such as plastic will deteriorate.
If resin products are used for packaging materials, these materials also need to be replaced periodically.
Even if grease or corrosion preventing oil is not used, packing materials will gradually deteriorate.
Periodic checks of the condition are necessary. Desiccants must be replenished or replaced on a regular basis to be effective.
Dear Tokai,
Thanks for your replay
Spring made of 17-7 stainless steel , no coating no surface treatment We consider applying Passivation Any concern or limitation on shelf life for the springs?
I really appreciate any help you can provide.
Aharon
Dear Aharon Danesh,
With proper storage, corrosion can be prevented semi-permanently.
However, if not properly stored, corrosion will begin to occur gradually, regardless of the number of years of storage.
In some cases, the corrosion may not be visible to the naked eye.
Since the number of years that corrosion will affect the product depends on the storage conditions, we cannot give you a specific figure.
We cannot give you a specific figure.
Please keep the following in mind. The appropriate packing materials, storage methods, and condition monitoring to make this possible.
The following items should be kept in mind when storing the products.
・Prevent contact with dissimilar metals and adhesion of iron powder to prevent rusting.
・Avoid contact with sharp or hard objects and impacts on the product to prevent the breakdown of the passive state.
・Do not expose the product to acidic or alkaline solutions or the atmosphere.
・Do not expose the product to chlorinated substances (e.g. salt, seawater). Do not expose the product to chlorinated substances (e.g., salt, seawater).
・Avoid contact with dirt, dust, or moisture.
We hope it helps.
