Disc Springs

Disc Springs for High Forces in Limited Installation Space

Disc springs are conically shaped annular discs that are loaded in the axial direction. They can generate high spring forces while requiring comparatively little installation space and only short spring travel.

By combining several disc springs, the spring force, spring travel and spring characteristic can be adapted to the specific application. Disc springs are therefore particularly suitable for clamping, compensating, damping and preloading functions in mechanical and plant engineering.

The Febrotec range includes disc springs to EN 16983 and DIN 2093, Belleville disc springs, ball bearing disc springs and Clover®Dome disc springs.

Which Disc Spring Is the Right Choice?

The available disc spring types differ in their geometry, spring travel and typical applications.

Select the appropriate product group according to the required spring force, available installation space, required spring travel and intended application.

Disc Springs to EN 16983 and DIN 2093

Disc springs to EN 16983 and DIN 2093 are available in defined combinations of outside diameter, inside diameter, material thickness and free height. The standard distinguishes between different series and groups.

The series mainly influence the spring force and the shape of the load-deflection characteristic:

• Series A: high spring force and comparatively short spring travel,

• Series B: medium spring force and medium spring travel,

• Series C: lower spring force and greater spring travel.

The groups are mainly determined by the material thickness and the design of the disc spring. Detailed information about the series, groups and tolerances can be found on the product page for disc springs to EN 16983 and DIN 2093.

Using Disc Springs Individually or in Stacks

A disc spring can be used individually or combined with other disc springs to form a disc spring stack.

Parallel Stacking

With parallel stacking, several disc springs face in the same direction. This increases the spring force, while the spring travel remains approximately the same as that of a single disc spring.

Two disc springs stacked in parallel generate approximately twice the force of a single spring.

Series Stacking

With series stacking, the disc springs are arranged alternately in opposite directions. This increases the total spring travel, while the spring force remains approximately equal to that of a single disc spring.

Two disc springs arranged in series provide approximately twice the spring travel.

Combined Disc Spring Stacks

Parallel and series arrangements can be combined. This makes it possible to increase both the spring force and the total spring travel.

When designing a disc spring stack, friction, guidance, lubrication, installation length and the required number of load cycles must also be taken into account.

How to Select the Right Disc Spring

Proceed in the following order:

1. Determine the required spring force: Define the force required at the intended operating point.

2. Define the spring travel: Determine the difference between the unloaded and loaded installation height.

3. Check the installation space: Consider the outside diameter, inside diameter and available axial installation height.

4. Select an individual spring or stack: Determine whether one disc spring is sufficient or whether a disc spring stack is required.

5. Consider the operating conditions: Distinguish between static, occasionally cycled and dynamic loading.

6. Select the material: Consider corrosion, temperature, contact with media and the required service life.

7. Check the guidance and supporting surfaces: Disc springs must be guided securely and supported on suitable flat surfaces.

For dynamic applications, disc springs should not regularly be compressed to the flat position. The test values and load limits specified for the individual product must be observed.

Materials for Disc Springs

Depending on the design and dimensions, disc springs are available in different spring materials.

Spring Steel

Spring steels such as 1.1231, 1.1248 or 1.8159 offer high strength and are suitable for many standard industrial applications. Disc springs made from carbon steel require suitable corrosion protection and, depending on the version, may be supplied phosphated and oiled.

Stainless Spring Steel 1.4310

Material 1.4310 is suitable for many applications in humid environments. It has limited suitability for permanent contact with seawater or media containing high levels of chloride. Due to cold forming, the material may be slightly magnetic.

Stainless Spring Steel 1.4568

Precipitation-hardening stainless spring steel 1.4568, also known as 17-7 PH, offers high strength and is suitable for dynamically loaded applications.

Nickel-Based Alloys

For elevated temperatures and demanding environments, disc springs can be manufactured from materials such as Inconel X-750 or Inconel 718. Suitability must be assessed according to the actual temperature, load and required service life.

Typical Applications of Disc Springs

Disc springs are commonly used in:

• clamping and retaining devices,

• bolted joints,

• clutches and brakes,

• valves and fittings,

• machine tools,

• presses and stamping tools,

• bearing preloading systems,

• pumps and compressors,

• automotive engineering,

• energy and wind power systems,

• chemical and process engineering equipment.

They can compensate for settling, wear, thermal expansion and dimensional deviations while maintaining a defined axial preload.

Custom Disc Springs

In addition to the available standard dimensions, disc springs can be manufactured according to individual requirements. Depending on the geometry and material, custom versions are also available with large outside diameters.

Customisable characteristics include:

• outside and inside diameter,

• material thickness and free height,

• spring force and spring travel,

• load-deflection characteristic,

• material,

• surface treatment and corrosion protection,

• temperature resistance.

For a technical enquiry, please provide information about the available installation space, required spring force, working stroke, type of loading, required number of load cycles and operating conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Disc Springs

What is the advantage of a disc spring compared with a helical compression spring?

Disc springs can generate very high forces while requiring only a small axial installation height. Helical compression springs, by comparison, often provide greater spring travel with lower force in a similar installation space.

How can the force of a disc spring stack be increased?

The force is increased by stacking several disc springs in parallel. The forces of the individual disc springs are added approximately.

How can the spring travel be increased?

The spring travel is increased by arranging the disc springs in series. The deflections of the individual disc springs are added approximately.

What are ball bearing disc springs used for?

Ball bearing disc springs generate an axial preload on deep-groove ball bearings. They can compensate for dimensional deviations, absorb vibrations and reduce operating noise.

What is the difference between Clover®Dome disc springs and conventional disc springs?

Clover®Dome disc springs have a special geometry that permits greater deflection. They are used when a conventional disc spring does not provide sufficient spring travel.