Wave Washers and Wave Springs

Product detail · Updated 9 October 2026

Product and application brief

Wave washers and wave springs provide an axial elastic element through a waved profile. A stamped washer ring and a coiled wire spring are not interchangeable merely because their diameters match. Identify the construction, end geometry and required working points before choosing a catalogue reference or drawing-based part.

Product forms and reference names

Choice or field	What to identify
Waved washer ring	A washer-form waved annulus; state whether it is closed or has an opening, its profile and the controlled drawing. Do not substitute a flat washer or continuous conical disc.
Single-turn gap or overlap spring	A coiled single-turn element with either a gap between the ends or overlapping ends. Smalley distinguishes both constructions and their radial movement during compression.
Multi-turn series spring	A continuous multi-turn waved-wire form. Smalley's Crest-to-Crest product describes turns arranged in series; identify plain or flat shim ends and the exact maker reference.
Nested multi-turn spring	Smalley describes nested turns coiled in parallel from continuous flat wire. This is a different arrangement from series turns, not a loose stack to be chosen by turn count alone.

Do not turn a legacy number into a current approval

DIN Media identifies DIN 137:1994-05 as Wave spring washers and marks it withdrawn. Its 1987-10 predecessor was titled Curved and wave spring washers and is also withdrawn. Treat a DIN 137 callout as an edition-specific legacy reference requiring an agreed drawing; neither the number nor appearance establishes current compliance. Full normative dimensional and delivery requirements are not reproduced here.

Washer ring, single turn and multi-turn are separate choices

Rotor Clip's original product information distinguishes single-turn spring series from multi-turn series. Match the required force at the installed height and the travel envelope to the actual product data. A single-turn washer, a multi-turn spring and a disc spring should not be substituted on bore size alone; no universal force or space-saving ratio is promised here.

End form and mating faces matter

Gap and overlap ends are different construction details. Smalley describes end movement during radial expansion of single-turn springs; clearance still needs the selected product's design data. Flat shim ends on a multi-turn form differ from waved point contacts. State end configuration, guide arrangement and mating-face requirements in the enquiry, rather than requesting an unspecified wave ring.

Use the selected spring data, not a generic multiplier

Series and nested forms are intentionally different. Request the exact force-versus-height data, working limits, tolerances and installation instructions for the proposed part. Material, duty and environment must be checked for that design. Shape alone does not establish fatigue life, permitted temperature, corrosion resistance, vibration locking or sealing qualification.

Specification fields

Choice or field	What to identify
Product identity	Washer ring or coiled spring; single-turn gap/overlap, series multi-turn or nested; exact maker code or controlled drawing/revision and requested specification/edition.
Envelope and profile	Inside/outside diameters, section thickness and radial width, free height, wave/turn arrangement and end geometry; state units and drawing tolerances.
Working points	Required force at specified installed heights, available travel and application limits; obtain the proposed part's force/height data.
Mating arrangement	Bore, shaft or guide geometry, radial and axial space, abutment faces and assembly orientation; request selected-product clearance instructions.
Duty and environment	Static or cycling duty, loading pattern, requested cycle requirement, actual operating temperature and exposure; these are inputs, not guaranteed ratings.
Material and finish	Requested material/condition and finish against the selected drawing; appearance does not verify alloy, hardness or treatment.
Quantity and verification	Units as individual springs or defined assemblies, required dimensional/force inspection and documentation; final supply scope and delivery require confirmation.

Common product questions

Is every wave washer a single-turn coiled spring?

No. Washer rings and coiled gap/overlap springs can have different sections, end geometry and behaviour. Specify the drawing and required working points.

Is DIN 137 a current standard?

DIN Media marks DIN 137:1994-05 withdrawn. Agree the exact legacy edition and controlled requirements when it appears on a drawing; do not infer current compliance.

Can more turns be assumed to mean more force?

No. Series and nested arrangements are different constructions. Use the selected product's force/height data and installation requirements instead of an unspecified turn-count multiplier.

Product references

References checked 9 October 2026 identify structures, not FastenerBridge stock, certification or brand affiliation. Final requirements follow the selected specification. No universal dimensions, load rating or tightening torque is stated.