DIN137

What Makes a Wave Spring Washer Different From Other Spring Washer Types?

Unlike conventional spring washers—such as split lock washers or disc (Belleville) spring washers —wave spring washers are characterized by their wavy or sinusoidal profile . Instead of relying on a cut or conical form to generate elastic force, a wave spring washer uses one or more uniform wave curves around its circumference to produce controlled elastic compression.

This design achieves several functional differences:

Smooth Elastic Response: The wave shape compresses more gradually and predictably than split washer designs, which rely on deformation of a helical cut. This provides a more consistent spring force under load.

Limited Axial Space Requirement: Wave profiles allow elastic behavior within a relatively thin section. In assemblies with limited axial clearance, wave spring washers deliver spring force where other spring types cannot fit.

Reduced Stress Peaks: Because the load is distributed over a smooth curved surface instead of sharp edges, wave washers are less likely to introduce stress concentrations or damage to the bearing surfaces.

Multiple Deflection Options: By increasing the number of “waves” in the profile, manufacturers can tailor the washer’s stiffness and load-deflection behavior to specific requirements without changing overall thickness significantly.

What Materials Are Used for This Wave Spring Washer?

The performance of any spring washer is highly dependent on the material used, and wave spring washers are no exception. At our company, we manufacture wave spring washers using a range of high-quality metal materials to meet diverse application needs:

Carbon Steel: This is the most commonly used material for general-purpose wave spring washers. Carbon steel offers good elasticity, strength, and cost-effectiveness. After proper heat treatment, carbon steel wave washers exhibit stable spring characteristics and long service life in general industrial environments.

Stainless Steel: For applications where corrosion resistance is critical, stainless steel wave spring washers provide superior performance. Stainless steel resists oxidation and chemical attack, making it suitable for outdoor, marine, or hygienic applications in addition to industrial machinery.

Copper: Used in applications requiring electrical conductivity, copper wave washers are often chosen for electronics assemblies or grounding connections. Although copper’s mechanical strength is lower than steel’s, its unique properties make it suitable for specific technical uses.

Aluminum: This lightweight material is used where weight reduction is a priority and load demands are moderate. Aluminum wave washers provide corrosion resistance and ease of machining, although their spring force is typically lower than that of steel variants.

By offering multiple material options, we ensure that wave spring washers can be tailored to meet performance requirements related to strength, corrosion resistance, conductivity, or environmental exposure.

What Specific Fastening Problems Does a Wave Spring Washer Solve?

Wave spring washers provide reliable preload in limited axial space , making them ideal for compact fastening assemblies. Their wave-shaped profile delivers elastic spring force without increasing stack height .

They help compensate for thermal expansion, material settling, and minor wear , ensuring stable clamping force over time . The smooth deflection characteristic also  absorbs micro-vibration and reduces noise , lowering the risk of loosening in dynamic conditions.

Unlike aggressive locking washers, wave spring washers apply gentle, controlled preload , helping reduce stress concentrations  and protect sensitive or precision components from surface damage.