Wave Springs & Washers

Wave springs and wave spring washers give a defined axial force in very little installation height. Choose wave springs with several turns for longer spring travel, often replacing a compression spring where height is limited, or single-turn wave spring washers for short travel, tolerance compensation and ball bearing preload. Available in spring steel and stainless steel. Filter by bore and shaft diameter or outer and inner diameter, free length and force, or ask Springy for help.

Bore diameter Dh (mm)
Shaft diameter Dd (mm)
Free length L0 (mm)
Force at L1, F1 (N)
Material
Loaded length L1 (mm)
Spring rate R (N/mm)
Number of turns n
Waves per turn i
Outer diameter Do (mm)
Inner diameter Di (mm)
Material height t (mm)
Free length L0 (mm)
Force at L1, F1 (N)
Loaded length L1 (mm)
Spring rate R (N/mm)
Number of waves
Type
Material
Wave spring dimensions
DhInside diameter of the bore or housing the spring works in. An installation dimension, not the measured outside diameter of the spring.
DdOutside diameter of the shaft or mandrel. Leave enough clearance to the spring.
L0Length of the unloaded spring.
L1Defined compressed length at which the force F1 is tested.
F1Axial spring force at the loaded length L1. A stated tolerance gives the permissible range.
RApproximate force increase per mm of deflection (N/mm), within the linear range.
nNumber of active turns. More turns generally give more spring travel.
iNumber of waves per turn. Half-wave values are possible.
Wave spring washer dimensions
DoMaximum outside diameter of the washer. Must suit the bore or housing.
DiDiameter of the central opening. Must clear the shaft or adjacent component.
tThickness of the spring strip. Affects force, spring rate and load capacity.
L0Length of the unloaded spring.
L1Defined compressed length at which the force F1 is tested.
F1Axial spring force at the loaded length L1. A stated tolerance gives the permissible range.
RApproximate force increase per mm of deflection (N/mm), within the linear range.
Part No. Dh (mm)i Dd (mm)i L0 (mm)i L1 (mm)i F1 (N)i R (N/mm)i Material Stock Price Ex. VAT
Part No. Do (mm)i Di (mm)i t (mm)i L0 (mm)i L1 (mm)i F1 (N)i Material Stock Price Ex. VAT
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How to select a wave spring

1
Installation diameters

Define the available bore diameter Dh and the required shaft diameter Dd. Both are installation dimensions.

2
Working height and travel

Establish the axial height available in the installed condition. The spring travel is the free length L0 minus the working height.

3
Force and tolerance

Choose a spring whose force F1 at a suitable loaded length L1 matches the required force, and check that the force tolerance is acceptable.

4
Loading and material

Distinguish between static preload, occasional movement and frequent cycling, and choose the material for humidity, corrosion, temperature and media.

Spring travel and spring force

s = L0 − L

F1 ≈ R × (L0 − L1)

Always consider the loaded length L1 and the force F1 together. The stated force applies only at the corresponding length.

Turns and waves

The number of turns n is the number of active turns; more turns generally allow more total spring travel. The number of waves i is the number of waves per turn and affects the force distribution and spring behaviour. Turns and waves alone are not enough for selection: the force F1, loaded length L1 and installation dimensions are decisive.

Material

Spring steel 1.1248 offers high strength for dry or protected environments but is not permanently corrosion-resistant without protection. Stainless spring steel 1.4568 (17-7 PH) combines high strength with good corrosion resistance.

How to select a wave spring washer

1
Radial installation space

Define the maximum permissible outer diameter Do and the inner diameter Di needed to clear the shaft or adjacent component.

2
Installed height and travel

Establish the axial height of the washer when installed. The spring travel is the free length L0 minus the installed height.

3
Force and tolerance

Choose a washer whose force F1 at a loaded length L1 close to your installed height matches the required preload, and check the stated force tolerance.

4
Loading and material

Distinguish between static preload, occasional movement and frequent cycling, and choose the material for humidity, corrosion, temperature and media.

Spring travel and spring force

s = L0 − L

F1 ≈ R × (L0 − L1)

Always consider the loaded length L1 and the force F1 together. The stated force applies only at the corresponding length.

Bearing preload

Wave spring washers are often used to preload ball bearings. Installed between the bearing ring and the housing or cover, they apply a continuous axial force that reduces bearing clearance, compensates for tolerances and reduces vibration and noise.

Material

Spring steels 1.1231, 1.1248 and 1.1274 offer high strength for dry environments but are not permanently corrosion-resistant without protection. Stainless spring steel 1.4310 suits humid environments and may be slightly magnetic.