Have you ever come across wave springs? Also referred to as coiled wave springs, they are characterized by their unique wavy design. Unlike traditional springs, wave springs do not lie flat when placed on a surface. Instead, their wavy structure causes certain parts of the spring to lift up. Here are five interesting facts about wave springs:

1) Manufactured Using On-Edge Coiling Technique

Although there may be exceptions, the majority of wave springs are manufactured using a process called on-edge coiling. This technique involves using flat wire, which is then coiled on the edges using a winding machine. The end result is a wave spring. On-edge coiling is a fast and efficient manufacturing process that is well-suited for producing this type of alternative spring.

2) Waves Store Mechanical Energy

The waves present in wave springs play a crucial role in storing mechanical energy. Unlike other types of springs that rely on a coiled design, wave springs utilize their wavy structure to store energy. When a load is applied, the waves in the spring compress and store the mechanical energy.

3) Minimal Radial Space Requirement

One of the advantages of using wave springs over other types of springs is their minimal requirement for radial space. Wave springs are compact and have a low profile, allowing them to occupy minimal radial space. In contrast, other types of springs tend to be larger and consume more radial space.

4) Available in Various Materials

Wave springs are available in a range of materials. While they all share the wavy design, some are made from different materials than others. Stainless steel is a common material used for wave springs, with options such as Commercial Type 302 and Government AMS 5906 stainless steel. Additionally, wave springs can be found in high-carbon steel, which offers increased strength at the expense of corrosion resistance.

5) Offered in Three Primary Types

Wave springs come in various types, apart from different materials. There are three primary types of wave springs: single turn, multi turn, and nested. Single-turn wave springs are the most prevalent type. Multi-turn wave springs are taller and more intricate, as they possess multiple turns. Conversely, nested wave springs comprise stacked or nested multiple turns.