When it comes to manufacturing JIS standard springs, material selection plays a crucial role in performance, cost, and service life. Two of the most common choices are 65Mn carbon spring steel and 50CrVA alloy spring steel. While both meet Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) requirements, their properties differ significantly, making each suitable for different applications.

In this guide, we will break down their chemical composition, mechanical properties, heat treatment characteristics, and best use cases so you can choose the right material for your needs.

What is 65Mn Spring Steel?

  • Chemical composition: High-carbon steel with ~0.65% carbon, manganese as the main alloy element.
  • Mechanical properties: High strength, good wear resistance, strong elasticity.
  • Heat treatment: Oil-quenching and tempering to improve hardness and fatigue resistance.
  • Advantages: Cost-effective, widely available, good elasticity.
  • Limitations: Lower toughness compared to alloy steels, lower high-temperature resistance.

What is 50CrVA Alloy Spring Steel?

  • Chemical composition: Chromium-vanadium alloy steel (~0.50% carbon, Cr, and V for added toughness and strength).
  • Mechanical properties: Excellent toughness, superior fatigue resistance, high hardness after treatment.
  • Heat treatment: Quenching and tempering, high-temperature tempering for improved resilience.
  • Advantages: Withstands heavy loads, resistant to high stress and cyclic fatigue, better performance at elevated temperatures.
  • Limitations: Higher cost, less available than 65Mn.

Key Differences Between 65Mn and 50CrVA

Property65Mn50CrVA
StrengthHighVery High
ToughnessModerateHigh
Fatigue ResistanceGoodExcellent
CostLowerHigher
High-Temp ResistanceModerateHigh

Best Use Cases

65Mn is ideal for:

  • General mechanical springs
  • Agricultural machinery
  • Medium-load die springs
  • Cost-sensitive projects

50CrVA is ideal for:

  • Heavy-load die springs
  • Automotive suspension systems
  • High-frequency stamping dies
  • Harsh operating environments

How to Choose the Right Material

When selecting a JIS spring material, consider:

  1. Load requirements and cycle life
  2. Operating temperature and environment
  3. Budget constraints
  4. Maintenance and replacement frequency

Conclusion

Both 65Mn and 50CrVA are excellent materials for JIS springs, but their performance differs. 65Mn offers a cost-effective solution with good strength for general applications, while 50CrVA provides superior toughness and fatigue resistance for heavy-duty use. Choosing the right one depends on your specific requirements.

Written by Cixi Dingli Spring Co., Ltd. — Experts in JIS Standard Springs
📧 Contact: [email protected]