Official Answer
Answer
Carbon steel springs (SAE 1070-1090) are susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement during acid cleaning or electroplating processes (e.g., zinc plating). Atomic hydrogen diffuses into the crystal lattice, leading to brittle fracture under static load. To mitigate this risk, springs must undergo a 'baking' process immediately after plating, typically at $375^{\circ}F \pm 25^{\circ}F$ ($190^{\circ}C$) for at least 4 to 24 hours, depending on the material's hardness and thickness. For critical aerospace or safety-critical applications, mechanical plating or alternative coatings like zinc-flake (Geomet) are preferred because they do not involve the electrolytic generation of hydrogen.
