Wave springs use alternating crests and valleys in a ring or coiled flat-wire form to resist axial compression. As the waves flatten under load, the spring stores energy and produces a reaction force. It recovers toward its original shape as the load is removed.
This geometry suits applications requiring a short working deflection and a compact installation. Depending on the design, space requirements can be reduced by up to 50% compared with conventional helical compression springs using the same bore and shaft diameters. The saving depends on the spring geometry and application.
Wave springs can maintain a small axial preload to take up endplay in bearings and transmission components. Their contact surfaces distribute the load, helping limit wear at the housing or shaft. Flat-wire construction can also reduce weight compared with a comparable coil spring.
Wave count and wave height can be adjusted to achieve a linear or nonlinear stiffness characteristic. Specify the available space and the intended preload or compression function when defining a custom spring.
Uses include bearing preload in precision machine tools and automotive transmissions, space- and weight-sensitive aerospace assemblies, medical instruments, hard disk drives and electrical connectors. Valves, pumps and sealing assemblies also use wave springs to apply preload.
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Size | Custom made. |
| Material options | Spring steel (SWC), piano wire (SWP), stainless steel (SUS), mild steel, phosphor bronze, 60Si2Mn, 55CrSi, T9A, A3, titanium alloy, nickel-plated wire, galvanized wire, tinned wire and enameled wire. |
| Surface treatment options | Galvanizing, nickel plating, anodizing, black oxidation, electrophoresis, powder coating, gold plating, silver plating, tin plating, paint, chrome plating, phosphating, Dacromet, oiling, copper plating, sandblasting, passivation and polishing. |
| Packaging | PE bags, cartons and pallets, with packaging customized to customer needs. |
| Application areas | Automotive hardware accessories, electrical equipment, electronic products, medical equipment, fitness equipment parts, industrial equipment, mechanical parts, office equipment and children's toys. |
| Spring and stamping manufacturing experience | 31 years. |
