Gap wave spring, also known as wave springs, are a type of compression spring that are designed with several waves instead of a single helical coil. This unique design allows them to have a smaller operating height compared to traditional springs, making them ideal for applications with limited space. Gap wave springs are typically made from materials such as stainless steel, carbon steel, and alloys.
HEGONG SPRING are exported all over the world and different industries with quality first. Our belief is to provide our customers with more and better high value-added products. Let's create a better future together.
Gap wave springs are used in a wide range of applications across various industries. They are commonly used in the automotive industry for shock absorbers, steering systems, and transmissions. In the aerospace industry, they are used in landing gear systems, control systems, and actuators. Gap wave springs are also used in medical devices, consumer electronics, and industrial equipment.
One of the main advantages of gap wave springs is their ability to maintain a constant load over a wide deflection range. This makes them ideal for applications where a consistent force is required, such as in valves and pumps. Gap wave springs are also able to handle high loads in a small space, making them useful in applications where space is limited.
Gap wave springs offer several advantages over traditional springs. One of the main advantages is their ability to reduce the overall size of a design. Because of their unique design, gap wave springs can operate with a smaller height compared to traditional springs, allowing for more compact designs. This is particularly useful in applications where space is limited, such as in mobile devices, medical implants, and automotive parts.
Another advantage of gap wave springs is their ability to maintain a constant load over a wide deflection range. This means that they can provide a consistent force, even when compressed or extended beyond their original length. This makes them ideal for applications where a consistent force is required, such as in valves, pumps, and clutches.
There are several types of gap wave springs, each designed for specific applications. The most common types of gap wave springs include:
1. Nested Wave Springs
Nested wave springs are designed with multiple waves that are nested inside each other. This design allows them to provide a higher load capacity compared to traditional springs of the same size.
1. Multi-Wave Springs
Multi-wave springs are designed with several waves that are evenly spaced and have different heights. This design allows them to provide a higher load capacity compared to traditional springs of the same size.
Gap wave springs work by compressing or extending the waves in the spring. When a load is applied to the spring, the waves compress, providing a force that is proportional to the amount of compression. The force provided by the spring is directly proportional to the amount of deflection, making it easy to control the force provided by the spring.
When selecting a gap wave spring, there are several factors to consider. These include:
1. Load Capacity
The load capacity of the spring is an important factor to consider when selecting a gap wave spring. The load capacity is the maximum force that the spring can provide before it reaches its solid height.
2. Operating Height
The operating height of the spring is the height at which the spring can provide the required force. It is important to select a spring with an operating height that is suitable for the application.
3. Material
The material of the spring is important as it affects the strength and corrosion resistance of the spring. Common materials used for gap wave springs include stainless steel, carbon steel, and alloys.
4. Environment
The environment in which the spring will be used is also an important factor to consider. This includes factors such as temperature, humidity, and exposure to corrosive substances.
Gap wave springs are easy to install and maintain. When installing a gap wave spring, it is important to ensure that the spring is compressed to the correct height for the application. This can be done by using a spring compressor or by hand.
To maintain a gap wave spring, it is important to regularly inspect the spring for signs of wear or damage. If the spring is damaged or worn, it should be replaced immediately to prevent failure.
Gap wave springs are used in a wide range of applications across various industries. Some of the most common applications of gap wave springs include:
1. Automotive Industry
In the automotive industry, gap wave springs are used in shock absorbers, steering systems, and transmissions. They are also used in clutches and brakes.
2. Aerospace Industry
In the aerospace industry, gap wave springs are used in landing gear systems, control systems, and actuators. They are also used in satellite deployment mechanisms.
3. Medical Industry
In the medical industry, gap wave springs are used in medical implants such as pacemakers and insulin pumps. They are also used in surgical instruments.
4. Consumer Electronics
In consumer electronics, gap wave springs are used in mobile devices, cameras, and audio equipment. They are also used in computer keyboards and mice.
Are you interested in learning more about belleville washers? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
5. Industrial Equipment
In industrial equipment, gap wave springs are used in pumps, valves, and actuators. They are also used in clutches and brakes.
In recent years, there have been several advancements in gap wave spring technology. These advancements have led to the development of new materials, designs, and manufacturing processes.
One of the most significant advancements in gap wave spring technology is the use of additive manufacturing. Additive manufacturing allows for the production of complex geometries that were previously impossible to produce using traditional manufacturing methods.
Another advancement in gap wave spring technology is the development of new materials. These materials offer improved corrosion resistance, strength, and durability compared to traditional materials.
Gap wave springs are an important component in many applications across various industries. They offer several advantages over traditional springs, including a smaller operating height, the ability to maintain a constant load over a wide deflection range, and the ability to handle high loads in a small space.
With advancements in technology and manufacturing processes, gap wave springs are becoming increasingly popular in various industries. As we continue to push the limits of what is possible, gap wave springs will play an increasingly important role in modern engineering.
Wave washers, coil springs, disc springs, the list goes on – these are all traditional springs that work well in many engineering applications. But what if there was a more compact, light-weight design?
Whether you have space constraints, need more design flexibility or are looking to meet a specific load requirement, adding a Smalley wave spring to your design toolkit can open up a world of new design possibilities.
AdvertisementKnowing when to use a wave spring, and understanding the value it brings, can take your designs to the next level. So when should you use a wave spring? Below are the top 6 advantages of using a wave spring.
Top 6 Reasons to Use a Wave Spring
1. Reduce axial space
Spring operating height can be reduced by up to 50%.
In applications with tight space constraints, Crest-to-Crest wave springs optimize space concerns. The ‘multiple waves per turn’ design can offer the same spring force as a traditional coil spring, but at a reduced operating height.
AdvertisementA reduction in operating height also decreases the spring cavity, yielding an overall smaller assembly size. Significant cost savings may be seen with a smaller, more light-weight assembly, as it takes less time and material to produce.
2. Design flexibility
Quick and economical customization with Smalley’s No-Tooling-Cost™ edgewinding manufacturing process.
We can customize wave springs to fit your exact application requirements. The number of turns, end type, material type, and thickness are just a few parameters we can customize.
AdvertisementOur ability to accommodate virtually any design comes from our unique edgewinding process, where we take flat wire and then coil it on edge. With the freedom to coil to nearly any diameter (0.157 – 120 in.; 4 – mm), we can efficiently optimize your design, all without the need for additional tooling.
3. Accurate and predictable loads where you need it
Accurate and predictable loads are achieved by putting a tolerance on load(s) at specific working height(s).
Whether it’s a static or a dynamic application, you’re able to pinpoint the load that a wave spring outputs. This is because we tolerance critical load(s) at specified working height(s), so you can expect reliable, consistent performance in your application.
4. Versatility
Wave spring technology is the trusted solution across many different industries and applications.
From small to large diameters, light to heavy-duty parts, carbon steel to exotic materials, wave springs has been the trusted solution for tens of thousands of applications. From everyday consumer products like the smartwatch on your wrist, or the coffee maker in your kitchen, to an oil well deep under the Earth’s surface, to as high as, well, Mars, there is virtually no limit for wave springs. Below are some examples of common applications that utilize the benefits of a wave spring.
Flow Valves: As fluid pressure increases, a Crest-to-Crest Wave Spring precisely controls the linear displacement of the piston.
Pressure Relief Valves: Air pressure under the assembly causes the spring load to increase, which forces the plate away from the sealing surface and provides a pressure relief mechanism. As pressure decreases, the spring returns to its original work height, allowing the unit to seal again.
Face Seals: The wave spring applies pressure to precisely load against a mating surface, properly sealing fluids.
Vibration Isolators: Under constant loading, the isolator dampens vibration from equipment operation. Wave springs are used to provide precise and predictable loading.
5. Exotic alloys
Exotic alloys are an option for your applications in extreme environments.
There are a variety of key factors when it comes to choosing the right material for your application, including environment, budget, and cycle life. Using a material that is not optimized for the environment that it’s in can lead to performance issues and decreased application life. If our carbon and 17-7 stainless steels do not meet your application’s unique requirements, we offer a variety of custom materials.
From cryogenic to high temperatures, magnetically-sensitive to electrically conductive, deep-sea to outer space, our engineering team will tailor a wave spring fit for optimal performance.
6. Free samples and economical prototypes
We know it’s important to ensure fit and function with prototype testing, so we offer free samples of our standards.
We also offer custom, economical prototypes that can be delivered to you in a short lead time with no minimum order quantity. This is a unique benefit of our edgewinding process, as traditional stamped parts have high up-front tooling costs, minimum order quantities, and traditionally longer lead times.