Wave Springs offer many advantages:

• Compact design reduces spring height by 50% with equal deflection and force as coil springs
• Edge-wound wave springs have a circumferential grain structure that provides exceptional strength and dimensional stability
• Fit tight radial and axial spaces
• Custom rings available in 0.200" to 90" diameters
• Exotic alloys available

Wave Spring Application Examples

Water Valve

A Flat Wire (Crest-to-Crest) Compression Spring prevents the valve handle from rotating, by maintaining a constant load and engaging the threads on the main shaft. As the handle is rotated counter-clockwise, spring resistance increases and rotation is less likely.

Face Seal

The Wave Spring applies pressure, to precisely load the carbon face against a mating surface, to properly seal fluids. The spring operates over a fixed working range and provides an exact force, unlike the stamped wavey washer it replaced which could not maintain the necessary spring rate. Exact pressure of the carbon face against the sealing surface is essential to avoid excessive wear, yet maintaining a good seal.

Multi-Tooth Cutter

A specially designed Wave Spring with locating tabs is contained in the housing. The spring applies pressure to the two cutter halves, holding them together with enough pressure allowing them to oscillate.

Pressure Valve

An exact load applied to the top sealing plate was accomplished using a Flat Wire Compression Spring. Air pressure entering the top slots forces the plate away from the sealing surface, providing the pressure relief mechanism.

Slip Clutch

Clutch drives when the "V"-detents are in the "V"-slots. Smalley wave spring maintains pressure to hold this position. As torque is increased the "V"-detents will ride up and out "V"-slots, depressing the wave spring and developing the slip mechanism. When torque is decreased, the wave spring forces the "V"-detents firmly into the "V"-slots to drive.

Bearing Preload

Single turn wave springs are ideal for bearing preload. The wave spring preloads the bearing through its outer race, taking up play in the bearing. By preloading a bearing, you will reduce bearing damage and wear. This particular application benefits from the wave spring by preventing sliding between the rolling elements. Another benefit to using a bearing wave spring in this application is that it reduces noise and vibration in the assembly.