Official Answer
Answer
Nested wave springs must be installed such that each turn is perfectly nested within the other. If the waves are out of phase, the spring will function as a series stack or a chaotic hybrid, resulting in a much lower spring rate. Most manufacturers provide nested springs pre-aligned. During assembly into a valve or seal, the technician must ensure no debris enters the nested layers, as even a small particle can prevent the waves from nesting fully, creating a 'thick spot' that alters the load at the specified work height.
