Wave Spring Washers

Stamped Wave Spring Washers for Preloading and Tolerance Compensation

Stamped wave spring washers are axially loaded spring elements with a wave-shaped geometry. When compressed, the waves flatten elastically and generate a defined spring force.

Compared with many helical compression springs, wave spring washers require very little axial installation space. They are particularly suitable for compensating for dimensional deviations, axially preloading components and reducing play, vibrations and operating noise.

The spring washers offered here are stamped from flat spring strip and manufactured as closed rings. They are suitable for applications including ball bearings, electric motors, gearboxes and compact mechanical assemblies.

Versions with three waves provide three contact areas distributed around the circumference. This allows the axial force to be transferred evenly to the adjacent component or bearing ring. In general, stamped wave spring washers are used for moderate axial forces and short spring travel where installation space is limited.

Meaning of the Specifications in the Product Table

The following specifications will help you select a suitable stamped wave spring washer:

The test height L1 and test force F1 must always be considered together. A force value without the corresponding installed height is not sufficient for proper spring selection.

Calculating Spring Travel and Spring Force

The spring travel is calculated from the difference between the free height L0 and the compressed height L:

s = L0 − L

where:

• s = spring travel in mm,

• L0 = free height in mm,

• L = current installed height in mm.

Within the approximately linear working range, the spring force can be estimated using:

F ≈ c × s

For the test height L1 specified in the table, the following therefore applies approximately:

F1 ≈ c × (L0 − L1)

This calculation is intended for preliminary selection only. The test force F1 specified for the individual article is decisive, as friction, geometry, settling behaviour and manufacturing tolerances may lead to deviations.

How to Select the Right Stamped Wave Spring Washer

Proceed in the following order:

1. Determine the radial installation space: Define the maximum permissible outside diameter Da and the required inside diameter Di.

2. Determine the available installed height: Establish the axial height of the spring washer in its installed condition.

3. Calculate the spring travel: Subtract the intended installed height from the free height L0.

4. Define the required spring force: Select a spring washer whose force F1 at a suitable test height L1 corresponds to the required preload.

5. Consider the force tolerance: Check both the nominal force and the specified upper and lower tolerances.

6. Assess the type of loading: Distinguish between static preload, occasional movement and frequently cycled dynamic loading.

7. Select the material: Consider corrosion, humidity, temperature and contact with surrounding media.

The spring washer should not be selected solely by its outside and inside diameters. The intended working height and the required spring force at that height are equally important.

Precision Versions and Load-Deflection Characteristics

For precision spring washers in the 0W61 series, the load-deflection characteristic can be considered approximately linear over a large part of the available spring travel. At the beginning and towards the end of the spring travel, the characteristic may become steeper due to contact and friction.

For this series, the force F1 is specified at approximately 50% of the unloaded height L0. However, the specific values shown in the product table for each article must always be used for the final design.

Other versions may have a greater free height and are particularly suitable for preloaded applications involving medium deflection. Initial settling may occur during the first installation.

Versions with more than three waves should not be compressed below the specified test height L1 unless a separate technical assessment has been carried out.

Use for Bearing Preload

Stamped wave spring washers are frequently used to axially preload ball bearings. The spring washer is installed between the bearing ring and a housing or cover surface and generates a continuously acting axial force.

Suitable preload can:

• reduce axial bearing clearance,

• compensate for dimensional deviations in the housing,

• absorb temperature-related changes in length,

• reduce vibrations and operating noise,

• stabilise contact between the rolling elements and raceways.

The preload must be suitable for the bearing and the application. Insufficient force may not adequately compensate for the required clearance. Excessive preload may increase friction, heat generation and bearing wear.

Installation Recommendations

For reliable operation, we recommend:

• applying the load evenly and in the axial direction,

• providing flat and parallel supporting surfaces,

• allowing sufficient radial clearance at the outside and inside diameters,

• avoiding sharp edges and burrs on the supporting surfaces,

• not compressing the spring washer beyond its intended working travel,

• maintaining a sufficient safety margin from maximum compression in dynamically loaded applications.

The spring washer must be guided adequately during compression. Tilting or one-sided loading may result in uneven forces and a reduced service life.

Parallel Stacking

Depending on the installation conditions, several identical stamped wave spring washers can be arranged in the same direction, or in parallel.

With parallel stacking, the spring forces are approximately added together, while the spring travel remains approximately equal to that of a single spring washer. Two identical spring washers arranged in parallel therefore generate approximately twice the spring force.

Friction, dimensional tolerances and uneven loading may cause the actual total force to differ from the calculated sum.

Materials for Stamped Wave Spring Washers

Depending on the dimensions, the stamped wave spring washers are available in spring steels 1.1231, 1.1248 and 1.1274 as well as stainless spring steel 1.4310.

Spring Steels 1.1231, 1.1248 and 1.1274

These carbon spring steels provide high strength and are suitable for many industrial applications in dry environments.

Without a suitable coating or protective treatment, they are not permanently corrosion-resistant. The spring surface should therefore be protected against humidity and corrosive media.

Stainless Spring Steel 1.4310

Material 1.4310, also known as X10CrNi18-8, provides good corrosion resistance for many industrial applications and humid environments.

It has limited suitability for permanent contact with seawater or media containing high chloride concentrations. Due to cold forming during manufacture, 1.4310 may be slightly magnetic.

Typical Applications

Stamped wave spring washers are commonly used in:

• ball and roller bearing arrangements,

• electric motors and generators,

• gearboxes,

• pumps and compressors,

• fans and blowers,

• automotive components,

• electrical and electronic assemblies,

• precision mechanical devices,

• measuring and control equipment,

• machinery and fixtures.

They are particularly suitable for assemblies requiring compact axial preload or compensation for manufacturing tolerances.

Custom Stamped Wave Spring Washers

In addition to the standard dimensions available from stock, stamped wave spring washers can be manufactured according to individual requirements.

Customisable characteristics include:

• outside and inside diameters,

• material thickness,

• free height,

• number and geometry of the waves,

• test height and spring force,

• spring rate,

• material,

• surface finish and corrosion protection.

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

Further information about the different versions, load-deflection characteristics and technical selection can be found in our Spring Washer FAQ.

Frequently Asked Questions About Stamped Wave Spring Washers

What is the difference between free height L0 and test height L1?

L0 is the height of the unloaded spring washer. L1 is a defined compressed height at which the test force F1 is measured or specified.

What does the spring rate c mean?

The spring rate indicates approximately how many newtons the spring force increases by for each additional millimetre of deflection. It only applies approximately within the linear range of the load-deflection curve.

Can a stamped wave spring washer be compressed completely flat?

This depends on the specific design. The test height and product-specific load limits stated in the table must be observed. In particular, spring washers with more than three waves should not be compressed below L1 without technical verification.

Which spring washer is suitable for preloading a ball bearing?

Selection depends on the outside and inside diameters, the available installed height and the required axial preload. The force F1 should be specified at a test height L1 that is as close as possible to the actual installed height.

What is the difference between a stamped and a coiled wave spring washer?

The stamped wave spring washers offered here are manufactured from flat spring strip and form a closed ring. Coiled wave spring washers are wound into a ring from spring strip and, depending on the design, have either an open gap or overlapping ends.