Flat Spring Steel Gaskets
High-Performance Flat Spring Steel Gaskets for Demanding Applications
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Bespoke Manufacturing
Instant Quote Service
Worldwide Delivery
Various Gauges/Thicknesses
Bespoke Manufacturing
Instant Quote Service
Worldwide Delivery
Various Gauges/Thicknesses
What is Flat Spring Steel?
Flat spring steel is a specially designed material known for its combination of strength, elasticity, and fatigue resistance. It is typically supplied in flat strips or sheets and used where components must bend or flex while returning to their original shape.
This makes it ideal for springs, clips, shims, and other dynamic parts.
Why Use Flat Spring Steel?
1. Durable and Reliable
Flat spring steel is engineered to resist deformation under load. It maintains its performance over time, even in high-cycle environments.
2. Excellent Elasticity
This material flexes when needed and returns to shape without cracking or fatigue. It’s ideal for energy-absorbing or tension-holding components.
3. Heat Treatable
It can be hardened and tempered to achieve precise mechanical properties, enhancing strength and lifespan.
4. Wear Resistant
Thanks to its toughened surface, it resists wear and cracking in harsh operating conditions.
5. Easy to Form and Machine
When supplied in the annealed state, it can be cut, stamped, or formed. Heat treatment can then follow for final hardness.
6. Cost Effective
Its long service life and low maintenance needs reduce downtime and replacement costs, especially in industrial settings.
Common Applications of Flat Spring Steel
Grades and Materials
Choosing the correct material for your application ensures durability and value. We supply a variety of grades tailored to your performance and environmental needs.
1. EN42 (C75)
A popular carbon steel used in blades, shims, and pressing tools. Offers strength and formability.
2. CS70 / CS80 / CS95
Excellent for clips and high-cycle components. Delivers reliable strength and fatigue resistance.
3. EN47
A silicon-manganese steel ideal for shock-loaded or high-movement parts. Common in suspension systems.
4. Stainless Spring Steels (301, 302, 316)
Used in corrosive or hygienic environments. Offers rust resistance and long service life in medical, food, and marine settings.
5. Beryllium Copper (BeCu)
Highly conductive, fatigue-resistant, and non-sparking. Perfect for electrical springs and connectors.
6. Phosphor Bronze
Combines good electrical performance with corrosion resistance. Often used in switch components and precision devices.
Benefits at a Glance
- High tensile strength
- Fatigue resistance
- Machinability and formability
- Wide grade and thickness availability
- Suitable for custom forming and heat treatment
- Available in both small quantities and large production runs
We offer materials in coil, strip, and sheet form with optional edge finishing, slitting, and shearing to size.
Customisation and Processing
We offer:
- Coil slitting
- Shearing to length
- Edge rounding
- Heat treatment
- Deburring
- Custom profiles
If you need a non-standard size or shape, our in-house production team can help you engineer the right solution.
Addressing Common Challenges
Even high-performance materials like flat spring steel have specific challenges. We help you overcome these issues to ensure successful outcomes.
1. Brittleness After Heat Treatment
Improper hardening can lead to cracks. We advise on appropriate treatment levels for your application.
2. Difficult to Machine After Hardening
We recommend performing all cutting and forming before hardening. We can also supply pre-cut and pre-formed parts to save time.
3. Prone to Corrosion in Carbon Grades
Non-stainless grades can rust. We offer stainless options or protective coatings to extend life in damp environments.
4. Flexibility Loss in Thicker Gauges
Thicker strips may crack under strain. We help you select the right gauge and grade for your movement needs.
5. Batch Quality Variability
Low-quality suppliers can cause performance issues. At Stephens Gaskets, we provide consistent tolerances and quality control.
6. Fatigue Under High Load
Over time, even strong materials can fail. We assist with selecting the right grade and thickness for the intended load cycle.
Industry-Specific Use Cases
- Automotive Engineering
Used in locking systems, throttle assemblies, suspension elements, and brake applications. High fatigue resistance keeps vehicles running reliably. - Industrial Production
Supports control systems, tension springs, and safety mechanisms that operate under load in harsh environments. - Aerospace Components
Supplied to spec for landing gear, switches, and flexible mountings that require strength without compromise. - Consumer Goods and Electronics
Supplied as strips or cut parts for battery contacts, wear parts, and snap-fit plastic reinforcement. - Renewable Energy and Power Systems
Used in spring-loaded terminals, seals, and motion parts exposed to variable weather and vibration.
Why Choose Stephens Gaskets?
We are an experienced flat spring steel manufacturer and trusted partner to UK and international clients.
- Over 70 years of manufacturing expertise.
- Full traceability and certified materials.
- Custom orders with no minimum quantity.
- Quick turnaround and technical support.
- UK-based stock and production.
Whether you need a single precision shim or thousands of custom-formed spring parts, we’re ready to deliver to your specification.
Contact Us
Let us help you find the right grade, finish, and format for your project.