Wave Spring Washer for Bearing

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Wave spring washers are widely used in a wide range of fields, including machinery, electronics, automobiles, aviation, etc. They are very important elastic components. Compared with traditional washers, wave spring washers not only have buffering and preload functions, but also can realize spring force in a small space, which is powerful. This article will systematically explain the value and function of wave spring washers from the perspective of wave spring washer size, specifications, working principle to application fields and supplier recommendations.

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What is a wave spring washer?

Wave spring washer is a thin-sheet washer made of metal material with a wavy appearance. Its main function is to provide axial elastic load, compensate for assembly errors, reduce noise or vibration, and improve the stability of the connection.

Core characteristics:

Wave-shaped appearance;

Works in the axial force direction;

Can provide a large elastic force in a limited axial space;

Commonly used in fastening systems with high preload requirements but limited space.

Wave spring washer size parameter table

Different application scenarios require wave spring washers of different sizes. The following are the English parameter representations of common specifications:

Parameter Description
Outer Diameter (OD) External diameter of the washer
Inner Diameter (ID) Central hole diameter fitting the fastener
Material Thickness Thickness of the metal strip (usually in mm)
Free Height (H) Original height before compression
Number of Waves Typically 3, 4, or 6 waves based on load design

Common specifications

Standard Description
DIN 137 (Type A/B) German standard with either curved or waved design
ASME B18.21.3 U.S. standard for metric/inch-based wave washers
Customized Spec Tailored to specific axial force or fit constraints

Changes in axial load of wave spring washers under different compression amounts

2025 06 19 10.26.38

As can be seen from the figure:
The axial load increases nonlinearly with the increase in compression amount;
Between 0.4mm and 1.0mm, the elastic effect is more obvious, which is suitable for precision parts for pre-tightening and vibration buffering;
This feature makes wave spring washers very suitable for occasions where space is limited but constant elastic force is required.

Types of Wave Spring Washers

Wave spring washers can be divided into various types according to their shape and structure to meet different loads and space restrictions:

Industry Application Examples
Automotive Bearing preload, clutch assemblies, door hinges
Electronics PCB mounting, sensor tensioning
Medical Devices Small motor systems, surgical tools
Aerospace Avionics, vibration dampening in cabin systems
Machinery Hydraulic pumps, gear preload, industrial tools

How do wave spring washers work?

The working principle of wave spring washers is to provide a controllable axial force between two assemblies through the elastic deformation of their wave-shaped structure. When external force is applied, the washer will compress along the wave direction and continue to maintain a certain contact force under the reaction force, thereby achieving the following functions:

Maintain a stable preload of the bolt fastener;

Absorb the gap caused by shock, vibration and thermal expansion and contraction;

Avoid loosening or sliding, and improve system reliability;

Applicable to occasions with frequent thermal expansion and contraction.

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Use and industry application of wave spring washers

Due to their compact structure and strong adaptability, wave spring washers are widely used in the following fields:

Industry Application Examples
Automotive Bearing preload, clutch assemblies, door hinges
Electronics PCB mounting, sensor tensioning
Medical Devices Small motor systems, surgical tools
Aerospace Avionics, vibration dampening in cabin systems
Machinery Hydraulic pumps, gear preload, industrial tools

Recommended high-quality wave spring washers suppliers (international and domestic)

Supplier Location Key Strengths
LISHENG spring China No-gap wave washers, aerospace and medical grade
Boker’s Inc. USA Rapid prototyping and custom specifications
Heinrich Kipp Werk Germany DIN-compliant high-performance metal parts
BoXing Hardware Co., Ltd. China (Guangdong) OEM/ODM for electronics and light machinery
HengYue Precision Metals China (Dongguan) Custom wave washers, supports batch prototyping

Comparison of Wave Spring Washers vs. Other Spring Washers

Feature Wave Spring Washer Belleville Washer (Disc Spring) Split Lock Washer
Shape Wavy/undulating ring Conical (disc-shaped) Helical split ring
Axial Load Capacity Moderate to high (depending on turns & material) Very high axial load, especially in stacks Low axial load, mainly used for locking
Deflection Range Large deflection under light load Small deflection under high load Minimal deflection
Space Efficiency Excellent in axial space-constrained designs Requires more axial space when stacked Compact but less reliable for load distribution
Vibration Dampening Good vibration absorption and noise reduction Moderate Low vibration resistance
Typical Applications Electronics, bearings, gear assemblies, preloading Heavy machinery, valves, bolted joints requiring high force General fastener locking (basic mechanical connections)
Precision Control Suitable for precise load control Suitable for precise and heavy-duty applications Not designed for precision
Cost Medium to high (depending on customization) High (especially in stainless or Inconel materials) Low

Key points for interpretation:

Wave spring washers are more suitable for applications with limited space and stable light and medium loads, such as electronic equipment, micro-machines or bearing assembly.

Belleville spring washers are suitable for high-load applications, such as heavy equipment, wind turbines, and construction machinery.

Split washers are low-cost but are prone to failure due to vibration and are generally not recommended for high-vibration applications or important connectors.

Conclusion

Wave spring washers are a kind of mechanical accessories with powerful functions. They have super elastic force, are not limited by space, and can effectively absorb dynamic loads while keeping parts tight. Moreover, wave spring washers meet the wide range of needs of different industries in high-precision and high-reliability application scenarios due to their rich types and flexible structural design. Whether it is automotive, electronics or aerospace engineering, choosing the right wave spring washers can effectively improve assembly and product life. I believe that after reading this article, you will have a more comprehensive understanding, and it will definitely help you choose a more cost-effective product.

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