Spring Washers Information

Huyett Marketing Department
02/11/2021
Updated 03/21/2024

The term spring washers encompasses a group of washers that, in a nutshell, use deflection properties to provide spring tension to bolted assemblies. Unlike typical flat washers, these fasteners have a dynamic surface shape that allows them to not only distribute the load of a mating fastener, but to also provide additional support in applications with excessive motion or tolerances.

What is a Spring Washer?

Spring washers are circular fasteners with a hollow center that feature different characteristics (like curves or cones, cupped edges, waves, or tangs). These characteristics facilitate spring-like resistance that helps resist vibrational loosening and increase deflection. They can withstand a wide range of pressures (depending on the type) and are often an economical choice when the application has limited space or specific weight design factors.

What are Spring Washers Used For?

Generally, these washers can be found in a wide range of applications as components that resist loosening due to vibration, use tension to take up end play and absorb shock or stress, and keep mechanically fastened joints connected. Different styles are suited for different ranges of load-bearing capabilities, but they are typically well suited for applications with tight spaces.

Different Types of Spring Washers

The major spring washer groups include Belleville (conical) washers, curved washers, finger washers, waveform washers, and lock washers. We've split out the major groups of spring washers below.

Belleville Washers

Also known as conical or disc spring washers, belleville washers provide the greatest load‑bearing capacity for their size. They compensate for expanding and contracting joints, span holes, and maintain high tension in screw and nut assemblies. By combining them in varying sequence, each size gives numerous load carrying possibilities.

Key benefits include:

Precise dimensional tolerance
Load deflection curve can be linear or non‑linear depending on height to thickness ratio
Can be stacked in different configurations to change deflection properties.

Curved Washers

Also known as single wave spring washers or cylindrically curved washers, curved washers exert relatively light thrust loads and are often used to absorb axial end play or as lock washers for fasteners. The height of the form and material thickness are variables which can be adapted to a specific load/deflection function.

Key benefits include:

Linear spring rate
Suitable for light loads in repetitive motion cycles

Finger Washers

Finger washers counteract excess wear, vibration, noise, and end play. They promote efficiency and smooth operation, reducing skidding wear on rotating elements. They are also extremely useful in cases of unavoidable loose internal clearances due to special application conditions. They are frequently used for preloading ball bearings and general applications.

Key benefits include:

Combined qualities of curved and wave washers in one fastener
Cost savings

Wave Washers

Also known as waveform washers, wave spring washers provide greater load‑bearing capability because of their three‑point contact and sharper curves. They are typically used in thrust‑loading applications for small deflections, particularly where radial space is limited. Applied loads are evenly distributed and there are no sharp edges to interfere or gall. The height and material thickness regulate the load function.

Key benefits include:

Linear until washer is almost flat
Expands less on compression than curved washers
Often used for bearing preload and shock absorption

Spring Washers and Split Lock Washers

While split helical (or split ring) washers are lock washers, they are often referred to as spring washers because they use a similar spring mechanism to facilitate extra locking power. They feature a full split on one side of the circle, with one cut end raised above the other. When the ends are compressed during installation, they apply spring pressure to mating threaded assemblies, creating frictional tension between threads.

Key benefits include:

Cost effective solution for decreasing the risk of loosening caused by vibration
Used with a variety of materials, including wood, metal, plastic, and composite work pieces
Compact design reduces bulk in assemblies
Easy installation

SPRING WASHERS AT A GLANCE

Belleville Washers	Linear and non-linear deflection Stackable for increased deflection Precise dimensional tolerance	Used in tight tolerance applications with high load requirements
Curved Washers	Increased diameter when compressed Ideal for repetitive motion cycles and light loads Near linear spring rate	Commonly used to disperse loads in bolted assemblies involving rounded mating surfaces, such as those found in lawn and garden equipment
Finger Washers	Flexibility of curved and wave washers Promote efficiency and smoother operation Counteracts excess wear, vibration, noise, and end play	Use in applications where axial load to bearing races is desired
Wave Form Washers	Expands less on compression than curved washers Available with various waves and heights Smaller, space saving form factor than conventional springs	Controls play in bearing assemblies by applying preload
Tooth Lock Washers	Provides minimal deflection High holding capacity Teeth grip into workpiece and fastener to prevent loosening	A popular solution for preventing loosening of bolted assemblies
Helical Spring Lock Washer	Provides minimal deflection Provides uniform load distribution Protects fastened assemblies against loosening from vibration	A popular solution for preventing loosening of bolted assemblies