Automotive Springs and Titanium

The smooth functioning of springs depends upon the material used and its attributes. For automotive springs to yield better results and have longer working life, they need to be durable enough to withstand the pressure. Titanium is the ideal engineering alloy at present that has a number of features required for high production volume automobiles.

Till date, steel was considered the best material for auto springs, but titanium alloy is definitely better. Titanium alloy springs do not need as many turns as required by the springs made of steel. This alloy's density is around half of the steel and therefore less material is used to make a titanium spring. Though there is a major difference in density, there is no difference in ability to perform the same task.

The other benefits that these titanium made car springs have are the strength, density, and modulus for almost any weight- or space-sensitive application. These springs have the same manufacturing processes (cold spring winding, cold setting or blocking and shot peening) like that of steel springs. The shear modulus of titanium is low that minimize the need of turns of the springs. Weight is another essential factor that gives these springs an edge over the steel ones. Titanium automotive springs are around 60-70% lighter in weight than the steel springs.

Titanium's inherent attribute of corrosion resistance also makes this alloy ideal for being used in automobile spring. No protective coating is required for titanium springs which is very essential in steel springs. With so many attributes of titanium, the only disadvantage is that of its high cost.