444 stainless steel spring wire

Alloy 444 is a low-carbon, low-nitrogen ferritic stainless steel that offers exceptional pitting and crevice corrosion resistance, surpassing many other ferritic stainless steels. This makes 444 stainless steel spring wire an ideal choice for applications in demanding environments.

Applications

• Food processing industry screens
• Brewery and winemaking equipment
• Heat-exchanger components
• Automotive components

Typical Chemistry of 444 Stainless Steel Spring Wire

• Carbon: Max 0.025
• Manganese: Max 1.00
• Silicon: 0.60
• Chromium: 17.50-19.50
• Nickel: Max 1.00
• Molybdenum: 1.75-2.50
• Titanium + Columbium: Min 0.20 + 4x (Carbon + Nitrogen), Max 0.80
• Phosphorus: Max 0.040
• Sulfur: Max 0.030
• Iron: Balance

Physical Properties

• Density: 0.280 lbs/in³, 7.75 g/cm³
• Electrical Resistivity: 22.50 microhm-in (57 microhm-cm) at 68°F (20°C)
• Specific Heat: 0.102 BTU/lb/°F (0.427 kJ/kg•K) from 32-212°F (0-100°C)
• Thermal Conductivity: 15.5 BTU/hr/ft²/ft/°F (26.8 W/m•K) at 212°F (100°C)
• Thermal Expansion: 6.1 x 10 in/in/°F (11.0 μm/m•K) from 32-212°F (0-100°C)
• Modulus of Elasticity: 29.0 x 10³ KSI (200 x 10³ MPa) in tension
• Magnetic Permeability: Magnetic
• Melting Range: 2700-2790°F (1482-1532°C)

Mechanical Properties at Room Temperature (Annealed)

• Ultimate Tensile Strength: Min 60 KSI (414 MPa)
• Yield Strength (0.2% Offset): Min 40 KSI (276 MPa)
• Elongation: Min 20%
• Hardness: Max Rb 90

Tempered Properties

444 Stainless Steel Spring Wire can be cold rolled to achieve specific temper requirements based on customer or manufacturing needs. Contact Ulbrich Wire for details.

Additional Properties

Corrosion Resistance: For applications requiring enhanced corrosion resistance, refer to the NACE (National Association of Corrosion Engineers) guidelines for material recommendations.

Standard Wire Finishes

• Extra Clean: Known as "bright annealed" or "bright annealed and cold rolled"
• Grease (round wire only): Heavy grease for an ultra-bright decorative finish
• Soap (round wire only): Used as a drawing lubricant, which remains on the wire for part forming
• Plated: Various plating options available

Special finishes and plating options are available upon request.

Forms

444 stainless steel spring wire is available in continuous coils, cut lengths, and with precision cutting options.

Heat Treatment and Welding

444 stainless steel spring wire is non-heat-treatable. For optimal welding results, consult SSINA's "Welding of Stainless Steels and Other Joining Methods."