Curved disc
cylindrical profile
Most uniform spring rate over the widest deflection range. Delivers the greatest deflection with the lowest compression force.
Curved disc spring
washers
Curved-profile spring washers (curved disc spring washers · crescent washers) that produce a light axial force when compressed between two surfaces.
Uniform spring rate between 10 % and 80 % of deflection: the load-deflection curve is virtually linear and predictable in dynamic applications.
Load
Light · g — ~45 kg
Deflection
Linear 10 – 80 %
Standard
DIN 137 · forms A and B
Material
Steel · stainless 301 / 316
01
What is a curved disc spring washer
Curved disc spring washers, also known as crescent washers, are curved-profile spring washers that produce a light axial force when compressed between two surfaces. The DIN 137 standard classifies them into two forms: form A (curved) and form B (wave).
Their main feature is a uniform spring rate: between 10 % and 80 % of their available deflection, the load-deflection curve is virtually linear. This makes them especially predictable and controllable in dynamic applications, where they deliver the greatest deflection with the lowest compression force compared with other types of spring washer.
Wave
wave profile
Saves axial space at low-to-medium loads. Multiple waves spread the contact around the washer.
Belleville (conical)
conical profile
Generates high forces in tight spaces with short travel. For high loads, not light ones.
Nomenclature and standard
| Spanish | Muelle de disco curvado · arandela muelle curvada |
| English | Curved disc spring washer · crescent washer |
| German | Gewölbte Federscheibe (DIN 137 form A) |
| Standard | DIN 137 · form A (curved) · form B (wave) |
02
Profiles · cylindrical curved and spherical
Within curved disc spring washers it is worth distinguishing two geometries; the choice determines the linearity of the load-deflection curve.
Cylindrical curved
cylinder segment · saddle shape
Uniform spring rate over the widest deflection range; linear load-deflection relationship. It is the ideal profile for dynamic applications with repeated cycles.
Spherical (cupped)
sphere segment · spherical cap
Characteristics close to those of a conical (Belleville) disc spring, with progressive stiffening and a somewhat higher spring rate, but with considerable load variation as it approaches the flat position.
Which to choose
The cylindrical curved profile offers the most uniform and predictable spring rate over the widest travel range, ideal for dynamic applications with repeated cycles. The spherical profile provides progressive stiffness, close to that of a conical disc spring, when more force is needed at the end of travel.
03
Load-deflection behavior
The elastic behavior of the curved disc spring washer is linear and predictable only within its useful range. The typical load range runs from a few grams up to approximately 45 kg (light thrust).
- 10 % – 80 % Linear range. Force is proportional to travel and can be modeled reliably. This is the recommended working range.
- > 75-80 % Non-linear range. As it approaches full compression, the spring rate becomes unpredictable. The working point should not be placed here.
Under load, the washer flattens and changes its diameters: the external diameter (Do) increases and the internal diameter (Di) decreases. This change must be allowed for when designing the seat and the clearance with the shaft or bolt.
The shaded zone (10 % – 80 % of travel) marks the recommended working region, where the load-deflection relationship is virtually linear.
Let's talk about your project
Tell us the load, deflection, diameters and service environment — we'll return the optimal profile and size. Free engineering support, manufacturer since 1974.
04
Materials · by working environment
Curved disc spring washers are manufactured in hardened and tempered carbon steel and in stainless steel, depending on the working environment. For corrosion requirements, stainless steel is the usual choice.
Carbon spring steel
Catalog standard; hardened to ~40 – 45 HRC and double tempered. General use where there are no corrosion requirements.
Stainless AISI 301
Corrosion resistance and high mechanical strength. A common choice for demanding environments.
Stainless AISI 316
Demanding corrosive environments — chemical, food, marine.
05
Industrial applications
Curved disc spring washers are used wherever a light, controlled preload or the compensation of tolerances between two surfaces is required.
- Bolted joints
Elastic preload that maintains assembly tension and compensates for loosening; form A acts as an anti-vibration safety element under the bolt head or nut.
- Shafts and bearings
Reduction of axial play (end play) between static or rotating surfaces.
- Assemblies subject to vibration
Elimination of clearances and rattle, maintaining assembly tension.
- Thermal compensation
Absorption of expansion and contraction between components.
- Intermittent shock loads
Damping of light impacts in precision mechanisms.
Constant elastic preload · form A anti-loosening
Eliminates axial play (end play) between surfaces
06
Manufacturing · DIN 137 and custom
Surisa manufactures curved disc spring washers both in standardized sizes to DIN 137 and custom, adjusting load, deflection and diameters to your application. A specialist manufacturer since 1974.
To select the most suitable profile (cylindrical curved or spherical) and size the load, deflection and diameters for your application, the technical team offers free engineering support.
07
Frequently asked questions
01 What is the difference between a curved disc spring washer, a wave washer and a Belleville disc spring?
All three are types of spring washer, but with different load-deflection curves. The cylindrical-profile curved washer offers the most uniform and predictable spring rate over the widest deflection range, ideal for light loads and repeated cycles. The wave washer saves axial space at low-to-medium loads. The Belleville (conical) disc spring generates high forces in tight spaces with short travel. The choice depends on whether linearity, space saving or maximum force is the priority.
02 What is the load range of a curved disc spring washer?
They work in the light-thrust segment, from a few grams up to approximately 45 kg. That is why they are used where a gentle, controlled preload is needed —bolted joints, reduction of axial play in shafts, vibration compensation— rather than high forces. For high loads in a small space, the right option is the disc spring (Belleville) to DIN 2093.
03 Why is the spring rate of a curved washer considered "uniform"?
Because between approximately 10 % and 80 % of its available deflection the load-deflection curve is virtually linear: force grows in proportion to travel and can be modeled reliably. This makes it very predictable in dynamic applications. Beyond 75-80 % of travel, as it approaches the flat position, the spring rate becomes non-linear and unpredictable, so the working point should not be placed there.
04 What is the difference between the cylindrical curved profile and the spherical one?
The cylindrical curved profile is a cylinder segment and offers the most uniform spring rate. The spherical (cupped) profile is a sphere segment: its behavior is close to that of a conical disc spring, with a progressive stiffening effect that gives somewhat higher spring rates, but with considerable load variation as it approaches the flat position. If linearity and predictability are the goal, the cylindrical profile is preferable; the spherical one provides more progressive stiffness.
05 Are they available in stainless steel and custom-made?
Yes. In addition to carbon spring steel (hardened and tempered), they are made in stainless steel AISI 301 (X12 CrNi 17-7) and AISI 316 (X5 CrNiMo 17-12) for environments with corrosion requirements. Surisa manufactures both standardized sizes to DIN 137 and custom springs, adjusting load, deflection and diameters. For sizing, the technical team offers free engineering support.
Need a light, predictable preload?
Send us the load, deflection, diameters and service environment — we'll reply with the optimal profile and size: a curved disc spring washer standardized to DIN 137 or custom. Free engineering support, manufacturer since 1974.