Conventional Gap and Overlap Type Wave Springs are used in a wide variety of applications. For short deflections and low-medium forces, they function with precision and dependability.
These two types of Smalley Wave Springs permit radial expansion or growth in diameter within a cavity, without the binding or hang-up normally associated with die stamped wave washers. Just as their terms imply, the gap type is split to retain a gap between the ends; while the overlap type has overlapping ends. Thus, the ends are free to move circumferentially as the spring outside diameter grows during compression.
For example, the O.D. of a Gap Type Wave Spring would fit .020 loose per side in a bore. Its I.D. clears a shaft by .010 per ...
Smalley narrow section wave springs were originally designed to pre-load packings in telescoping hydraulic cylinders. They have also found other applications where working space is highly limited. This Smalley Wave Spring series is designed to fit into a bore with a light snap to assure perfect concentricity between the wave spring and assembly. When these narrow section wave springs are compressed, radial expansion is taken up by the gap in the spring to eliminate binding.
One of the most common wave spring applications world-wide is a bearing preload arrangement as illustrated. Having the proper load will often extend bearing life by lowering operating temperatures, reducing vibration, minimizing wear and providing for quieter & smoother performance.
Wavo Springs are produced from round-section wire to provide higher loads while maintaining the accurate loading found in wave springs. As an alternative to Belleville Springs, the Wavo provides similar loads but with an accurate, predictable spring rate.
Crest-to-Crest Wave Springs are prestacked in series, decreasing the spring rate proportionally to the number of turns. Uses are typically applications requiring low-medium spring rates and large deflections with low-medium forces. Among major advantages, this design eliminates the need to keep the wave crests aligned. The need to use a key locating device, or to insert a shim between individual springs is not necessary. Because the spring is integrally formed, the wave peaks hold their configuration.
As a replacement for helical compression springs, Crest-to-Crest springs can develop similar forces, yet occupy one-half ('A) or less the axial space. This allows for strict space constraints. Crest-to-Crest Wave Springs will ...
Crest-to-Crest Wave Springs are also available with squared-shim ends. Shim ends provide a 360° contact surface when compared to the wave point contact of plain ends. The shim-ends under load, more evenly distribute the springs force upon adjacent components. This feature is similar to the concept of double-disc grinding springs for a flat surface. Shim ends have also been used to affix springs to mating components, as a flat locating surface that may be attached by various methods in the assembly.
