When space is limited in an application, engineers have specified wave springs to reduce springs heights. Wave springs have been used in most industries to save space, reduce assembly size, assembly cost and the overall weight of an assembly.

The two springs depicted (spring comparator.eps) show the space saving capabilities of Crest-to-Crest wave springs. The spring on the right is 50 per cent smaller than the coil spring, yet offers the same force and deflection.

Crest-to-Crest wave springs are pre-stacked in series, decreasing the spring rate proportionally to the number of turns. Uses are typically applications requiring low to medium spring rates and large deflections with low-medium forces.

As a replacement for helical compression springs, Crest-to-Crest springs can develop similar forces; yet occupy half or less the axial space. This allows for strict space constraints. Wave springs will maintain the same force and load specifications of a conventional round wire spring, but with the advantages of resultant lowered and compacted operating heights, free heights and solid heights.

With height restrictions accounted for, the wave spring maintains constant pressure on the pop-up head, holding it firmly closed. In operation, water pressure releases the head by overcoming the spring’s force.

Wave springs operate as load bearing devices. They take up play and compensate for dimensional variations within assemblies. A virtually unlimited range of forces can be produced whereby loads build either gradually or abruptly to reach a predetermined working height. This establishes a precise spring rate in which load is proportional to deflection.

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Smalley Steel Ring Company is based in Lake Zurich, IL, USA. www.smalley.com