High Loads in Small Spaces

When your compression spring application requires a high load in small spaces, Lee Spring's Belleville Disc Washers can be the solution. Their conical configuration enables them to support high loads with relatively small deflections and solid heights compared to helical springs. Belleville Washers are often used to solve vibration, thermal expansion, relaxation and bolt creep problems.

You will get efficient and thoughtful service from HEGONG SPRING.

Lee Spring Standard Series Belleville Disc Washers are manufactured from 300 Series Stainless Steel. Additionally, Lee Spring Standard Series Belleville Disc Washers are passivated in accordance with specification ASTM A967 (supercedes QQ-P35) to remove contaminants and further improve resistance to corrosion. 300 Series Stainless Steel is slightly magnetic and is recommended for applications with temperatures up to 500°F (260 °C).

The Lee Spring DIN Belleville Disc Washer Series offers metric disc spring washers to meet global demand for sizes specified by DIN .  Lee Spring also expand on size options past DIN ’s standard size tables, made to DIN manufacturing and quality specifications to provide component flexibility for product designers. DIN Belleville Disc Washers are made with 51CrV4 spring steel (AISI ) and finished with a phosphate and oil surface for general protection from corrosion. 

DIN Belleville Disc Washer Series designs are classified into three groups based on the material thickness:

Group 1 – This range applies to disc spring washers with material thickness less than 1.25mm.  Lee Spring DIN Belleville Disc Washer Series include 88 sizes in Group 1, over a selection of outside diameters from 6mm (0.236”) to 40mm (1.575”) with inside diameters from 3.2mm (0.126”) to 20.4mm (0.803”).

Group 2 – This range applies to disc spring washers with material thickness from 1.25mm through 6mm.  Lee Spring DIN Belleville Disc Washer Series include 161 sizes in Group 2, over a selection of outside diameters from 20mm (0.787”) to 200mm (7.874”) with inside diameters from 10.2mm (0.402”) to 102mm (4.016”).

Understanding Belleville or Conical Washers

Belleville washers—also known as conical washers or disc springs—are designed to help fasten heavy loads and withstand vibrations or thermal expansion without a loss of torque. As a type of heavy-duty spring washer, their convex shape maintains optimal axial loading (i.e., applying force to a structure along its axis) to prevent hardware creep challenges.

Below, we’ll provide a breakdown of what you need to know about Belleville washers.

How Belleville Washers Work

To explain the belleville spring application, a Belleville washer’s conical shape operates as a simple spring when nuts and bolts are tightened. Rather than multiple coils that compress, a disc spring’s shape “deflects” until it resembles a flat washer. The resistance against this deflection secures the load and allows the hardware to withstand vibrations and other conditions.

When working with heavy loads in tight spaces or meeting heavy spring load requirements, Belleville washers will be the best choice for your application. This is because they allow significantly less movement and compression when fastening the same load compared to coil springs.

However, for the same reason, loads that are too light will not benefit from a Belleville washer’s deflection and will remain stationary instead.

For more information, please visit Belleville Spring Washers.

What Are Some Belleville Washer Applications?

Belleville washers are often used for the following applications:

• Securing heavy loads – The axial force applied by a Belleville washer helps fasten heavier loads to structures with less risk of movement around the hardware (e.g., “sagging” due to gravity).
• Spring applications in tight spaces – Coil springs generally result in a significant amount of compression “travel,” which increases their overall length. This limits their usage in tight spaces, whereas a Belleville washer’s limited movement and greater load capacity make them the perfect hardware for these locations.
• Applications subject to vibration – The inherent deflection provided by a Belleville washer will absorb vibrations, shock, and other forces that can loosen fasteners, making them an essential piece of hardware for some machinery and equipment.
• Applications subject to thermal changes – Metals expand with temperature increases and contract with decreases, which changes the stress placed on the hardware. A Belleville washer’s ability to maintain preload via deflection will minimize these effects on fasteners.
• Minimizing bolt creep or relaxation – Belleville washers minimize the occurrence of “creep” (i.e., the loss of tension from high-stress applications that permanently deform hardware) over time.

Are Belleville Washers Reusable?

Unlike some hardware, like crush washers, disc springs are reusable. However, you’ll want to inspect the hardware between uses to ensure that permanent deflection or deformation hasn’t occurred.

If it has, the washers must be replaced.

Are Belleville Washers Paired with Flat Washers?

Depending on your application, you may need to use a flat washer in addition to a Belleville washer.

Combining them ensures an even distribution of spring force. It also protects against the disc spring “biting into” or damaging either the load you’re securing or the structure it’s secured to.

Can You Stack Belleville Washers?

Belleville washers can be stacked to achieve optimal loads and deflections. The three ways they can be stacked are:

• In parallel – You can increase the load capacity of Belleville washers by stacking them so they face the same direction. The total load capacity achieved equals the number of washers times the load one supports (e.g., two washers double the load, three washers triple it).
• In series – You can increase the deflection Belleville washers provide by alternating them when stacking so they face opposite directions. The total deflection allowed equals the number of washers times the deflection one provides (e.g., two washers double deflection, three washers triple it).
• Series parallel – You can increase both load capacity and deflection by combining the other two stacking methods. For example, you may stack two sets of parallel washers facing opposite directions.

Whatever your application, the ability to stack multiple Belleville washers in different configurations allows you to achieve the perfect amount of load support and deflection.

Get The Tools You Need At American Belleville

American Belleville provides Belleville washers, flange washers, and disc springs manufactured to meet peak engineering performance and withstand the most rigorous applications—at globally competitive pricing. We also act as consultants.

That said, we started American Belleville with the mission of providing industry-best customer service. Our experts know that the same washer doesn’t suit every purpose, and we’re committed to always finding the perfect solution for your needs and delivering it quickly.

If you have questions about which Belleville washer best fits your application, please fill out the contact form at the bottom of this page, or give us a call at 440.721..

The company is the world’s best ring springs supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.