Smalley Wave Springs are a series of flat wire compression springs offering numerous functional advantages over traditional coil or compression springs. While providing the same force and deflection as a traditional coil spring, wave spring technology enhances load precision and cuts down on material usage by up to 50%, leaving a light-weight, versatile product.
Operating as a load bearing device, the wave spring design functions by bending instead of relying on torsion. The difference in the number of crests and the material thickness of each spring grants engineers great design flexibility across industrial applications. The coiling spring-tempered flat wire of a Single Turn Spring, for example, is more durable, precise, and repeatable than its stamped counterparts.
The thin flat wire and crest-to-crest shape of the wave springs reduce overall spring height by up to 50% compared to a traditional coil spring. The reduced operating height and spring cavity result in less material used during manufacturing, which in turn cuts down on costs. Smalley manufactures Wave Springs in standard carbon and stainless steel, as well as several exotic alloys.
Wave Springs come in a variety of styles, each offering different benefits. Popular types include:
- Crest-to-Crest Wave Springs – Reduce spring height by up to 50%.
- Crest-to-Crest Wave Springs with Shim Ends – Flat shim ends provide 360° surface contact.
- Single Turn Wave Springs – Available in conventional gap (for radial expansion) and overlap styles to replace stamp wave washers.
- Wavo® Springs – Rounded, instead of flat. Provide higher forces than single turn wave springs.
- Linear Springs – Springs laid out in a straight line to obtain axial pressuree.
- Nested Wave Springs – Pre-stacked springs from a single continuous filament.
- Interlaced Wave Springs – Two or more crest-to-crest springs interlaced to increase spring rate.
When it comes to springs, rings and custom capabilities, Smalley is your solution. We offer over 4,000 standard spring materials and diameters, as well as a No Tooling ChargesTM policy on custom designs. To see the difference in Smalley Wave Spring technology, download our free infographic today.
