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TFC Talks Smalley: Exploring the Benefits of Different Wave Spring Styles
Simon Ward
Simon Ward
Simon leads the UK technical team and specialises in the design and development of Smalley wave springs and spiral retaining rings. With over 25 years of experience, Simon develops bespoke parts for major clients around the world and across a wide range of industry sectors. He is now widely considered the leading authority on Smalley products.
~Answering questions about wave springs and their unique advantages in various applications~
Welcome back to our Smalley Talk Blog where our engineers answer commonly asked ring and spring design questions. Today Product Manager, Simon Ward fields some questions about Wave Springs and what benefits each style can offer.
What is a Wave Spring?
Crest to Crest wave springs operate as a load bearing device, utilizing a bending moment instead of relying on torsion. Providing the same force and deflection as traditional springs, wave spring technology cuts down on material usage by up to 50%, leaving a light-weight, versatile product that can solve problems and enhance new product design.
Edge coiling spring-tempered flat wire to form our Single Turn Springs is more durable, precise, and repeatable than its stamped counterparts. For many applications having an option to fit the spring exactly to the right diameters improves performance and can often aid the assembly process.
Are there different types of Wave Spring? If so, what are the benefits of each one?
Yes, TFC Wave Springs come in a variety of styles, each offering different features and benefits.
Popular types include:
- Crest-to-Crest Wave Springs reduce spring height by up to 50%.
- Crest-to-Crest Wave Springs + Shim Ends reduce height and provide 360° surface contact.
- Single Turn Wave Springs gap and overlap styles to replace stamp wave washers.
- Wavo Springs round wire instead of flat, provides higher forces than single turn wave springs.
- Linear Springs straight lengths to obtain axial pressure.
- Nested Wave Springs Pre-stacked springs from a single continuous filament.
That’s all for now, check back next time when the team will answer more Smalley related questions. You can see more blog entries and other application examples on our technical articles page.