Para que são utilizadas as anilhas de mola onduladas?

Want to know what the wave spring washers are used for? This article will give you the answer. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the use of wave spring washers from the perspectives of standards, types, working principles, uses, etc. If you want to know more about wave spring washers, read this article!

O que é uma arruela de mola ondulada?

Arruelas de pressão onduladas are elastic washers with wavy curves, usually made of high-strength spring steel, stainless steel, or copper alloys. It generates elastic reaction force in the axial direction through its unique wave structure, thereby providing continuous preload.

Its characteristics are: without increasing the axial space, a certain elastic force and tightening force are achieved, effectively preventing mechanical parts from loosening or deformation due to vibration or thermal expansion.

Standards of wave spring washers

In production and use, wave washers are often based on the following international and national standards:

DIN 137A/B: German industrial standard, type A is a single-sided wave, type B is a double-sided symmetrical wave;

GB/T 8487: Chinese national standard, covering dimensions, tolerances, materials and force requirements;

JIS B 1251: Japanese standard, mainly used in electronics and precision machinery;

ISO 7093-2: International standard, used for wave washers for certain special purposes;

Choosing produtos with appropriate standards will help improve assembly efficiency and ensure structural safety.

Working principle of wave spring washers

Wave spring washers store energy and release elastic force through axial wave crest and trough deformation. When installed under a bolt or nut, its wave structure will be compressed due to the clamping force, resulting in a continuous rebound force. This rebound force provides additional preload, effectively preventing parts from loosening and absorbing stress changes caused by axial displacement and thermal expansion.

Summary of working characteristics:

Provide constant elastic force;

Allow slight axial movement;

Buffer impact load;

Prevent thread loosening.

Common sizes of wave spring washers

The size of wave washers varies depending on the application. The main parameters include:

Inner diameter (ID): commonly from 3mm to 100mm;

Outer diameter (OD): usually 4~20mm larger than the inner diameter;

Thickness (T): 0.1mm to 2.0mm;

Number of waves (N): designed according to the washer diameter and load requirements, generally 2~6 waves;

Free height (H): that is, the height when not under pressure, which directly affects the elastic stroke and preload.

Manufacturers generally provide complete dimension tables and load-displacement curves for users to select.

Types of wave spring washers

According to the structure and purpose, wave spring washers are mainly divided into the following categories:

Uses of wave spring washers

Wave spring washers are widely used in the following industries and equipment:

Automobile manufacturing: used to prevent nuts in engine components and shock absorption systems from loosening;

Electronic equipment: prevent circuit board fixtures from loosening and absorb micro-vibrations;

Household appliances: such as washing machines, electric fans, air conditioning compressors, etc.;

Industrial machinery: used for bearing preload, coupling buffer, flange sealing;

Optical and medical equipment: positioning and locking of components requiring high precision and low vibration.

Quando é que as anilhas de mola ondulada devem ser utilizadas?

The use scenarios of wave spring washers usually include:

Bolt connections that need to maintain a constant preload;

Structures with thermal expansion and contraction in bolted connections;

Systems affected by vibration, such as motors, gearboxes, and compressors;

Occasions where the installation space is limited and spiral springs cannot be used;

Precision structures that require shock absorption and noise reduction.

It is particularly suitable for replacing traditional flat washers to improve connection stability without increasing the structural size.

The difference between wave washers and other spring washers

Guide to the use of wave spring washers

Installation suggestions:

Make sure the wave direction is correct, usually the crest is facing upwards;

Do not over-compress to avoid loss of elasticity;

Use with flat washers to prevent surface scratches;

Symmetrical force installation to avoid dislocation caused by partial load.

Precautions:

Avoid using non-corrosion-resistant materials in extremely high temperature or corrosive environments;

Choose washers that match the material of the bolt to avoid galvanic corrosion;

Check the compression state of the washer to prevent “fatigue collapse” from causing a decrease in preload.

Recommended suppliers of high-quality wave spring washers

To ensure safe use and stable performance, it is recommended to give priority to purchasing from regular manufacturers. The following are some recommendations for high-quality suppliers:

It is recommended to clarify the size, tolerance, and elastic force parameters when purchasing, and request samples for verification.

Conclusão

As a highly flexible fastener solution, wave spring washers have multiple advantages such as shock absorption, preload, and space saving. Whether in industrial equipment, automotive systems, or electronic products, it can ensure the stability and safety of the overall structure in subtle details. Mastering the correct selection criteria, usage skills, and procurement channels will provide a solid foundation for the reliability of engineering projects.