No, stainless steel and spring steel are not the same. They are two distinct types of steel with different compositions, properties, and applications.

1. Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is an alloy of iron with a minimum of 10.5% chromium content by mass. It is known for its excellent corrosion resistance due to the formation of a passive oxide layer on the surface that protects the steel from rust and staining. Stainless steel comes in various grades, each offering different levels of corrosion resistance, strength, and other properties. Stainless steel is widely used in applications that require resistance to corrosion, such as kitchen utensils, cutlery, medical instruments, and architectural components.
2. Spring Steel: Spring steel refers to a category of high-carbon or low-alloy steels that are specifically designed to exhibit desirable spring properties, including good elasticity, resilience, and the ability to return to their original shape after being deformed. Spring steel is often used to manufacture various types of springs, including compression springs, extension springs, torsion springs, and others. It is valued for its strength, toughness, and ability to withstand repeated stress and deformation.

While some types of stainless steel may exhibit spring-like properties to a certain extent, they are not specifically formulated or optimized for spring applications. Stainless steel is primarily chosen for its corrosion resistance, whereas spring steel is chosen for its ability to function as a reliable and durable spring.

It's important to select the appropriate type of steel based on the specific requirements of the application. For spring applications, it is generally recommended to use spring steel rather than stainless steel to ensure the desired spring properties and performance.