If you’re planning to use a wave spring washer, you’ll need to choose the right type. All wave spring washers feature a curved shape. They aren’t completely flat like traditional washers. Instead, wave spring washers live up to their namesake by featuring a curved, wave-like shape. Here are five important things to consider when choosing a wave spring washer.
#1) Material
Not all wave spring washers are made of the same material. Some of them are made of stainless steel, such as Type 302 steel, whereas others are made of high-carbon steel, such as 1074 steel. Stainless steel wave spring washers offer a higher level of protection against rust and corrosion. They have a higher concentration of chromium, which shields the underlying metal from oxidation. High-carbon steel washers, on the other hand, are stronger and able to withstand heavier loads.
#2) Spring Rate
You should consider the spring rate when choosing a wave spring washer. Like all springs, wave spring washers change in size when exposed to a load. Wave spring washers specifically compress to become slimmer when exposed to a load. Spring rate is a measurement of how much force is needed to compress a wave spring washer. A wave spring washer with a spring rate of 50 lbs/in, for instance, will compress by 1 inch per 50 pounds of force.
#3) Thickness
Don’t forget to consider the thickness when choosing a wave spring washer. Some wave spring washers are just 0.0057 inch thick. Others are up to 0.0120 inch thick. Thickness plays a key role in a washer’s spring rate. Thick wave spring washers require more force to compress than their thinner counterparts.
#4) Inner and Outer Diameters
Always check the inner and outer diameters when choosing a wave spring washer. All wave spring washers have a hole in the center. The inner diameter represents the distance from the one inner edge of the hole to the inner edge on the opposite side. The outer diameter represents the distance from one outer edge of the hole to the outer edge on the opposite side.
#5) Number of Waves
How many waves does the wave spring washer have? All wave spring washers have waves. It’s what distinguishes them from other types of washers. Some wave spring washers, though, have more waves than others. There are wave spring washers with two waves, and there are wave spring washers with three or more waves.