The 1.4310, X10CrNi18-8, is the most widely used stainless steel for the production of springs. It reaches very high mechanical strength through cold working. Its austenitic structure is rather unstable and its corrosion resistance is lower than, for example, that of the 1.4435, 316L, or of the 1.4301, X5CrNiMo 18- 10. An increase of the mechanical strength of the 1.4310, X10CrNi18-8, by more than 250 N/mm2 can be achieved by tempering at 280 to 420°C after having been highly cold worked. This tempering is interesting in that it also increases the fatigue strength limit .
