At Western Steel & Wire, we supply two types of stainless steel wire: Stainless Steel Spring Wire and Stainless Steel Annealed Wire. Download our Stainless Steel Product Guide.

Stainless Steel Spring Wire:

  • Cold drawn
  • High tensile strength
  • Magnetic
  • Good corrosion and heat resistance
  • Long lifespan under extreme conditions
  • Springs back into shape when used
  • Used for automotive springs, medical instruments, electronics, any project that requires sturdy material that, once molded, won't lose shape under stress

Stainless Steel Annealed Wire:

  • Heat treated and drawn to set diameter and/or shape
  • Reduces stress of shaping through heat
  • Softest and most malleable of stainless steel wire
  • Good corrosion and heat resistance
  • Used for ties, woven wire, fencing, jewelry and art, any project that requires a lot flexibility to shape wire into various forms

Stainless Steel Spring Wire Coating Options

Coating Type Features Applications and Uses
Soap Coated Non-metallic coating Creates ease of drawing with 2 step process Least expensive options Lubricant for spring Used in application where handling the wire to mold and shape
Bright Coated Non-metallic coating Non-lubricating Creates shine and luster When visual aesthetic is high importance Often used in medical

Stainless Steel Spring and Annealed Wire Grade Options for High Strength

Grade Cost Strength Corrosion resistance Features Applications & Uses
T302 MED MED MED Good strength and toughness at cryogenic temperatures Resistant to corrosion and oxidation Most common spring grade Example applications: compression springs, tension spring, torsion spring and coil spring
T304 MED LOW to MED MED Softer than T302 Easier to form Oxidation resistant High melting point with tensile strength tradeoffs Susceptible to pitting Annealed conditions for fasteners Easy to clean and sanitize Example applications: auto moldings and trim, wheel covers, kitchen equipment and appliances
T316 HIGH LOW HIGH Incredible corrosion properties High amounts of chromium and nickel High melting point Used when wire will be exposed to salts and chlorides Example applications: marine parts, chemical equipment, outdoor electrical
T17-7 HIGH HIGH MED High strength General purpose corrosion resistance Excellent fatigue properties Comparable to T304 Similar uses as T302 but at a higher strength Example applications: compression springs, tension spring, torsion spring and coil spring
Download our Stainless Steel Product Guide.

For more detail, visit the Design Guidelines for the Selection and Use of Stainless Steel