Ugitech's Advanced UGI 4462 HS Spring Wire: High Mechanical Properties & Corrosion Resistance

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Ugitech, a subsidiary of the Swiss Steel Group, has launched the UGI 4462 HS spring wire, designed to meet the stringent demands of spring manufacturers by offering a notable combination of high mechanical properties and corrosion resistance.

Spring manufacturers require materials that offer high mechanical properties and cost efficiency. Traditional carbon steel springs fulfill these requirements but fall short in corrosive environments, where stainless steel becomes necessary. Stainless steel wire, however, tends to have lower mechanical properties and higher costs due to its high nickel and chromium content.

Ugitech’s UGI 4462 HS spring wire is a duplex steel that tackles these challenges effectively, providing several key benefits. The duplex structure of 1.4462 steel in UGI 4462 HS offers significantly better corrosion resistance compared to conventional austenitic stainless steels like 1.4310/AISI 302. Tests measuring pitting potential in various chloride media demonstrate the superior corrosion resistance of UGI 4462 HS.

Collaborative efforts between the Ugitech Research Centre and its wire drawing mills have resulted in wire drawing programs that produce high mechanical properties. According to ISO standard 6931-1 for stainless steels for springs, the minimum tensile strength (U.T.S.) of UGI 4462 HS is on average 200 to 250 MPa higher than that of spring wire made from 1.4310 NS / AISI 302 (Normal Strength).

The nickel content in UGI 4462 HS is reduced to 5 percent, compared to over 8 percent in 1.4310 / AISI 302 spring wire, leading to more stable pricing. This reduction in nickel content cuts price fluctuations by nearly half. Ugitech’s control over the entire production chain, from liquid metal to drawn wire, and rigorous quality controls at every production stage ensure adherence to high standards for critical applications.

These attributes make UGI 4462 HS an attractive option for spring manufacturers aiming to cater to more demanding applications, such as those in medical technology and automotive manufacturing.

Ugitech operates from Uginé, France, and is part of the Swiss Steel Group with production sites across Europe, the USA, and Canada. The company’s comprehensive expertise in the production chain from liquid metal to drawn wire positions it to develop and supply advanced materials like UGI 4462 HS to meet the evolving needs of the industry.

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