What causes annealed springs to form?

Annealed springs form as a result of the application of heat which causes a controlled reduction in the mechanical properties of the metal, particularly resulting in a loss of tension. This process, known as annealing, involves heating the metal to a specific temperature and then allowing it to cool slowly. The purpose of annealing is to eliminate internal stresses, soften the material, and enhance its ductility.

When a spring is subjected to heat, it alters the microstructure of the material, reducing its hardness and increasing its ability to deform without breaking. This is especially important for springs, as it allows them to return to their original shape after being stretched or compressed. In the context of annealed springs, this process helps in achieving the desired performance characteristics for the specific application they will be used in.

While high pressure applications, cold temperatures, or excessive pulling can have an effect on springs, these factors do not lead to the formation of annealed springs, which specifically requires the heat treatment process to achieve its properties.