Design reference
General fastener spring-washer design practice (e.g. DIN 137, DIN 128 style curved/wave washers)
Spring Washers
Custom 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.
- Manufacturing basis
- Made to drawing
- Wire / thickness
- Thickness 0.15 - 3 mm typical
- Envelope
- 4 - 150 mm typical
- Length / height
- N/A (flat/curved washer form)
About Custom Wave, Curved & Conical Washers
Wave, curved and conical washers all provide axial compliance, but their force and travel ranges differ. They are useful when a small amount of movement must be absorbed under a fastener, bearing, cover or stack. The washer should be selected for preload behavior, not simply by matching the bolt diameter.
Key Design Characteristics
- Wave and curved forms generally provide more gentle preload over small movement.
- Conical forms can produce higher force over shorter deflection.
- ID and OD must support the washer without letting it slip into a chamfer, hole or edge.
- Flattening beyond the intended range can cause set and reduce useful preload.
What to Specify for a Custom Quote
- ID, OD, thickness and washer form
- Installed stack height and available deflection
- Required preload or load at working height
- Mating surface dimensions and bolt or shaft size
- Cycles, temperature, material, corrosion exposure and quantity
Manufacturing Review
Form height and thickness are the main geometric controls. When preload matters, a functional load-height check is usually more useful than relying only on free-state dimensions.
Common Assembly Roles
- Axial take-up under covers or bearings
- Light preload under fastened joints
- Tolerance compensation in thin stacks
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 bolt/screw diameter; confirmed against the fastener spec at quotation.
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
Carbon spring steel and stainless spring strip are common. Material and finish should be chosen together because coatings can affect friction, corrosion and the very small available stack height.
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
Wave Spring Washers
A washer-like wave spring for light preload, tolerance take-up and rattle control in very shallow axial spaces.
Disc Springs / Belleville Washers
DIN 2093 Belleville Disc Springs
Conical disc springs referenced to DIN 2093 / DIN EN 16983 for high axial force in short travel, with stack arrangements available to change total force and deflection.
Spring Washers
Serrated & Split Lock Washers
Spring-style lock washers with split or serrated features for applications that use local spring action and surface engagement beneath a fastener.
Product Questions
Wave, Curved & Conical Washers FAQ
How is a conical spring washer different from a Belleville disc spring?
They can look similar, but Belleville disc springs are generally designed as higher-force spring elements with more formal load-deflection control. Many conical washers are used for lighter preload duties.
Are these washers intended to lock a threaded fastener?
Their main function is spring preload or take-up. If resistance to thread loosening is critical, the joint should be designed and validated specifically for that purpose.
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.