Wave Spring Substitution, Compression and Performance

Welcome back to our Smalley Talk Blog where our engineers answer commonly asked ring and spring design questions. Today Product Manager, Simon Ward fields some questions about wave springs and their performance.

I have six pocketed coil springs that load a coupling connection, these are difficult to handle and easily clog with dirt. Can a Smalley Wave Spring be used to replace the coil springs in this application?
In many applications, wave springs can serve as a replacement for coil springs. For a coupling connection, a single wave spring can be designed to work along the circumference of the housing and remove the need for individually pocketed springs. We may be able to offer a standard, off-the-shelf item that can serve this need, or to achieve exact requirements we can look at a bespoke design.

How does spring performance change over time in a static application?
Typically, a spring™s performance will not change over time in a static application. However, if a spring is being compressed close to solid or is operating at elevated temperatures than it could experience some deformation or load loss. In these cases it is important that we know the environment where the spring operates to ensure optimum performance.

That™s all for now, check back next time when the team will answer more Smalley related questions. You can see more blog entries and other application examples on our technical articles page.
If you would like to know whether TFC’s Smalley Flat Wire Wave Springs could replace a conventional coil spring in your application please contact Simon or other members of his team today!