I have done some research on the topic but came up with nothing conclusive. Is there a certain time frame after forming a music wire spring that is crucial in the stress relief process (either by presetting or by heat treatment)? I have seen one article done awhile back that came back inconclusive for stress relief by heat treatment but they only compared 5 minutes vs 24 hours after forming the spring. I am curious of the difference between presetting or heat stress relieving the spring within 24 hours vs 5 days+.

Also how much does the diameter of the wire matter for stress relieving by heat? Most guidelines layout 200-230C for 10-30 minutes but if the wire diameter is very low (~.012" to .014") can less time be used?

The music wire has no coating or finish (pre or post).

Thanks!