Answer
Nested Wave Springs are wound in parallel from a single continuous flat wire ribbon, resulting in multi-layered, concentric coils where the waves are perfectly in-phase and nested together.
When to Specify Nested Wave Springs:
1. Extreme Loads with Minimal Deflection: Since the layers act as parallel springs, the combined spring rate scales proportionally with the number of turns ($N$):
$$k_{total} = N \times k_{single\_turn}$$
They produce 2x to 5x higher forces than a single-turn wave spring of identical diameter.
2. Space Constraints: Ideal for applications requiring immense forces within very tight axial envelopes (e.g., heavy-duty seals, clutches, high-pressure valves, electrical connector loading).
3. No Stacking Misalignment: Unlike stacked single-turn springs which can shift out of alignment under vibration, nested springs are physically a single component, eliminating stack-up errors and internal friction rubbing.
