Design reference
General wave-washer design practice; confirm bolt/bore fit from drawing
Wave Springs
Custom Wave Spring Washers
A washer-like wave spring for light preload, tolerance take-up and rattle control in very shallow axial spaces.
- Manufacturing basis
- Made to drawing
- Wire / thickness
- Thickness 0.2 - 2 mm typical
- Envelope
- 6 - 150 mm typical
- Length / height
- Height 0.5 - 4 mm typical
About Custom Wave Spring Washers
Wave spring washers are compact formed rings with one or more waves around the circumference. They are useful when the assembly needs only a small amount of axial movement but must maintain contact as parts wear, expand or vary in stack height. They should not be confused with locking washers whose main purpose is fastener retention.
Key Design Characteristics
- Free wave height sets the available initial deflection.
- Thickness and number of waves have a strong effect on load.
- The washer should seat on surfaces wide enough to support the wave contact points.
- Deflection is limited; over-flattening can create permanent set or reduce life.
What to Specify for a Custom Quote
- ID, OD and material thickness
- Free wave height and number of waves if known
- Installed stack height and required preload
- Maximum axial movement expected in service
- Cycles, temperature, corrosion exposure and quantity
Manufacturing Review
Because these parts are thin, material thickness and forming height need close control. A simple functional load at installed height is often the most useful acceptance check.
Common Assembly Roles
- Axial tolerance take-up
- Light bearing preload
- Rattle reduction and contact maintenance
Made to Order
How This Product Is Quoted
This category is reviewed from the drawing and working requirement rather than from a fixed public stock list.
Typical material direction
Carbon spring steel, 301 stainless
Why there is no fixed table
Sized to the fastener or bearing bore; not sold from a fixed public catalog.
Next Design Decisions
Next Steps for Your Spring Design
Once the spring style is selected, confirm how it works in the assembly, which material suits the environment, how it will be manufactured and which dimensions and performance points should be controlled on the drawing.
Applications
Where this spring style fits
Review best-fit uses, assembly constraints and situations where another spring style may be a better choice.
View application guidance →Materials
Choose the material for the environment
Stainless spring strip is common for exposed or clean assemblies; carbon spring steel can be efficient in protected service. Finish thickness should be considered when the available axial space is very small.
Compare spring materials →Manufacturing
Plan prototype and production
Review forming, heat treatment, secondary operations, inspection and the path from first samples to repeat production.
View manufacturing capabilities →Engineering Data
Use the engineering guide for design support
Use the engineering library to review materials, sizing considerations and applicable standards for the custom design.
Open Spring Engineering Guide →Material Direction
Common Material Families to Review
The links below are selection guides, not a claim that every grade is suitable for every size or load.
Compare Designs
Related Spring Products
Use these alternatives when the available space, connection style, travel or force direction changes.
Wave Springs
Single-Turn Wave Springs
A single-turn wave spring for light axial preload and take-up where a conventional coil spring would occupy too much height.
Wave Springs
Multi-Turn Wave Springs
A multi-turn wave spring for more axial travel than a single-turn wave form can provide while keeping the package lower than many conventional coil springs.
Spring Washers
Wave, Curved & Conical Washers
Spring washers in wave, curved or conical forms for light-to-moderate axial preload, tolerance compensation and contact maintenance in compact bolted or stacked assemblies.
Product Questions
Wave Spring Washers FAQ
Is a wave washer a locking washer?
Not necessarily. A wave spring washer is primarily an axial spring element. Fastener locking should be treated as a separate requirement.
Can several wave washers be stacked?
They can, but the stack behavior depends on orientation and contact. If substantial travel or force tuning is needed, a purpose-designed wave spring or disc-spring stack may be clearer.
RFQ
Send the Working Requirement
A drawing is ideal. If you do not have one yet, provide the dimensions, load or torque, travel, environment and expected quantity that matter in the assembly.
CustomSprings Engineering Catalog
Request This Spring
Send your dimensions, quantity and drawing for engineering review.