A multi-turn wave spring consists of several continuous layers of wave-formed flat wire, typically structured crest-to-crest, to fulfill high deflection requirements.
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The number of waves per turn is determined by design calculations based on the required diameter, spring rate, load capacity, and clearance constraints to avoid binding.
Free height is the uncompressed total axial length of the wave spring when no external load or force is applied.
Solid height is the length of the spring when it is compressed completely flat. Operating a spring at or near solid height should be avoided to prevent permanent deformation or fatigue failure.
Work height is the exact axial dimension at which the wave spring is compressed to deliver its designated target working load.
Edgewise coiling preserves the grain structure of the metal wire without waste, offering superior structural integrity, custom diameters without tooling costs, and better material efficiency compared to stamping.
Yes, they are engineered for both. Dynamic applications require careful fatigue calculations to ensure longevity under repeated cycling.
While customized configurations dominate, standards like DIN 2094, corporate aerospace standards, and ISO 9001 quality guidelines govern their dimensional tolerances and testing metrics.
Wave springs offer highly accurate and predictable linear spring rates over a larger deflection range, whereas Belleville washers generate exceptionally high loads over very tiny deflections with highly non-linear rates.
An overlap wave spring features overlapping ends. This configuration prevents the ends from catching on each other during compression, providing uniform radial expansion inside a tight bore.
The gap allows the ends of the spring to expand radially outward without binding when compressed inside a bore or housing.
Plain ends are lighter and less expensive. Choose them when the adjacent components can handle localized point contacts at the crests without wear or indentation.
Shim ends are flat, continuous surfaces added to the top and bottom waves of the spring. They provide a 300-degree flat bearing surface for more uniform distribution of forces onto adjacent parts.
A linear wave spring is a straight wave-formed strip of flat wire that acts as a spring when wrapped around a cylinder or laid flat, providing radial or linear pressure.
Nested wave springs are coiled in parallel from a single continuous strand of flat wire. This nesting multiplies the spring rate proportionally to the number of turns, generating high forces in a minimal space footprint.
Crest-to-Crest wave springs feature multiple turns preloaded together where the crests meet crests, providing higher deflection over a longer stroke. Single-turn springs are ideal for short strokes and low-to-medium forces in tight spaces.
Because it is made from flat wire and utilizes waves for deflection, the operating height is significantly reduced. This allows for smaller housings and overall more compact product designs.
A wave spring is a coiled piece of flat wire with waves added to it to give it a spring effect. It provides the same force and deflection as a conventional round wire coil spring but occupies up to 50% less axial space.
During the manufacturing of wave springs, the wire or strip is cold-rolled and then coiled. This process increases the yield strength but decreases the remaining plasticity. The actual stress $S$ in the spring is calculated as $S = \frac{3 \pi P D_m}{4 n^2 b t^2}$. This calculated stress must be compared against the 'Work-Hardened' yield strength, not the annealed strength. For SAE 1070, the cold-work can increase the tensile strength from $100$ ksi to $200$ ksi. However, the 'Residual Stress' from coiling must be relieved through a stress-relief heat treatment (typically $600^{\circ}F$ for 1 hour). If the residual stresses are not managed, the spring will exhibit 'creep' or 'set' during its first few cycles of compression, leading to an immediate loss of designed preload.
Fretting corrosion occurs when there is minute relative motion (vibration) between the retaining ring and the groove face under load. This motion breaks down the protective oxide layer of the metal, leading to rapid oxidation and the formation of abrasive debris. In aerospace gearboxes, this can lead to groove thinning and eventual ring ejection. The solution is twofold: (1) Increase the axial preload using a wave spring in conjunction with the retaining ring to eliminate the relative motion. (2) Apply a surface treatment such as Silver plating or Tungsten Disulfide ($WS_2$) dry film lubricant. These coatings act as a sacrificial layer and reduce the coefficient of friction, preventing the 'cold welding' and tearing of the metal surface that characterizes the fretting mechanism.