How to find the right Wave Washers AI guide
Written by an AI model from its trained knowledge.
What the AI looks for in Wave Washers
- Load at working height
- Specify the force needed at the installed compressed height. Wave washers are light springs, used mainly for bearing preload and axial take-up.
- ID and OD for the housing
- Fit the wave washer to the shaft and bore, usually sized to the bearing outer race. It must sit on the race without touching the rotating part.
- Washer versus multi-turn spring
- Use a single-turn wave washer for small travel. Use a multi-turn wave spring for more deflection in a short height. A single wave washer has very limited travel.
- Material
- Use carbon spring steel for general use and stainless such as 17-7 PH for corrosion or heat. Spring force fades as the washer corrodes or relaxes.
Brands that matter
- Smalley: Wave washer and wave spring specialist.
- Associated Spring Raymond: Spring catalog that includes wave washers.
- Lee Spring: Stock wave springs and washers.
What to avoid
- Using wave washers as lock washers on high-torque bolts, because they flatten
- Listings with no load data