Application of self-annealing effect to the manufacturing of strips and wires showing high fatigue strength

The results of industrial tests which concern localisation of the occurrence of the self-annealing effect in AISI 301 and AISI 302 acid resistant steels are presented in the paper. The results of this research allowed the design of the processes producing round wire drawing, strip rolling and wire flattening, during which the self-annealing effect took place in the material being deformed. The wires and strips were subjected to detailed mechanical testing, hardness measurements and metallographic examination. Finally, the springs manufactured from the obtained strips and wires were subjected to fatigue testing. The results of investigations showed the possibility of producing acid resistant steel wires and strips which can be used for manufacturing of springs showing high fatigue strength.