


Valve Spring
This micrograph displays the hardened structure of spring steel used to control rapid valve motion in an engine. The steel has been quenched and tempered, producing a classic martensitic microstructure (dark) uniformly formed from high-carbon steel containing 0.6% to 0.8% carbon. This treatment gives the spring exceptional strength and toughness, enabling it to withstand millions of compressive cycles without losing performance or mechanical integrity.
Raymond Thompson MAG. 500x
This micrograph displays the hardened structure of spring steel used to control rapid valve motion in an engine. The steel has been quenched and tempered, producing a classic martensitic microstructure (dark) uniformly formed from high-carbon steel containing 0.6% to 0.8% carbon. This treatment gives the spring exceptional strength and toughness, enabling it to withstand millions of compressive cycles without losing performance or mechanical integrity.
Raymond Thompson MAG. 500x