Single-turn
one layerSingle-turn ring (< 360°).
Typical applicationShort travel · low-to-medium forces
Wave springs
single-turn · multi-turn · crest-to-crest
The same load and deflection as a conventional compression spring, in up to 50% less axial space.
Axial space saving
up to 50% vs. helical spring
Types
single-turn · multi-turn
Engineering support
in-house engineering since 1974
01
What is a wave spring
A wave spring —known as a wave spring in international technical terminology— is a spring formed from edge-wound flat wire, with a series of waves (crests and troughs) around its perimeter. This wave geometry is what allows it to generate axial load in far less space than an equivalent helical compression spring.
Its main advantage is the reduction in axial space: for the same load and deflection, a wave spring takes up to half the height of a conventional compression spring. This makes it ideal for housings where axial length is the critical design factor:
- Mechanical seals and precision bearings with axial preload.
- Low-profile hydraulic and pneumatic valves and actuators.
- Compact assemblies where the available height limits the design.
They are classified by the number of layers or turns of material: single-turn (a single turn) and multi-turn (several wave turns stacked in series in one continuous part).
side elevation
02
Types · single-turn and multi-turn
Wave springs are classified by the number of layers or turns of material. The choice depends on the required travel, the load and the available space.
Single-turn with gap
free endsEnds separated by a gap.
Typical applicationPreload in grooves · axial tolerance
Single-turn with overlap
overlapOverlapping ends.
Typical applicationGreater bearing surface in a single turn
Multi-turn
crest-to-crestSeveral wave turns stacked in series in one continuous part.
Typical applicationLarge deflections · wide load range
Multi-turn shim ends
flat endsWave turns with the ends flattened to 360°.
Typical applicationBetter load distribution over adjacent parts
Multi-turn advantage
A multi-turn spring is equivalent to stacking several wave springs in series, but formed as a single continuous part: the crests keep their position without locating keys or intermediate shims. This reduces the risk of incorrect assembly and simplifies installation compared with stacking individual wave washers.
03
Wave geometry and space saving
A wave spring keeps the same load and specification as a conventional round-wire compression spring, but with significantly lower working, free and solid heights.
The more critical the axial space of the housing, the greater the advantage of the wave spring over the helical compression spring.
Rule of thumb · working height
The spring must work within its elastic range. Compressing it below its recommended working height can cause it to take a set (permanent deformation) and the force to become unpredictable.
Shall we talk about your project?
Tell us about your use case and our engineering team will advise you on choosing the optimal solution.
04
Materials · by operating environment
Wave springs are manufactured in different materials depending on the operating environment: corrosion, temperature and cleanliness requirements. For high-stress and fatigue applications, stainless steel and precipitation-hardened alloys offer the best performance.
Carbon steel
Standard material, optimal cost.
Stainless 17-7 PH
UNS S17700 · AMS 5528High mechanical and fatigue strength.
Stainless AISI 302 / 304
General corrosion resistance.
Inconel 718
AMS 5596High temperature and corrosive environments.
Hastelloy C276
Extreme chemical resistance.
Beryllium copper
Electrical conductivity · marine environments.
Selection
In corrosive or high-temperature environments, nickel superalloys such as Inconel and Hastelloy retain their elastic properties where a standard steel would fail.
05
Industrial applications
Wave springs are used in any assembly that requires preload or axial compensation in a confined space.
Mechanical seals
Sealing faces
They keep the contact pressure constant between the sealing faces throughout the life of the assembly.
Valves and actuators
Hydraulic · pneumatic
Preload and return in compact spaces where the available axial height is minimal.
Precision bearings
Axial preload
Axial preload to eliminate clearance and reduce noise and vibration in the assembly.
Electrical connectors
Conductive contact
Continuous, constant contact between conductive surfaces, compensating for thermal expansion.
Medical devices
Surgical instrumentation
Preload in low-profile assemblies with strict cleanliness and biocompatibility requirements.
Transmissions
Clutch · tolerances
Clutch assemblies and axial tolerance compensation in gearboxes and rotating assemblies.
06
Manufacturing · standardized and custom
In addition to standardized sizes, Surisa manufactures fully custom wave springs, adjusting load, deflection, internal and external diameter, number of waves and number of turns. This makes it possible to obtain the exact combination of force and travel that each application requires.
For sizing your application —load, deflection, internal/external diameter and number of waves—, Surisa's technical team, a specialist manufacturer since 1974, offers free engineering support.
07
Frequently asked questions
01 What advantage does a wave spring have over a conventional compression spring?
A wave spring generates the same load and deflection as a helical compression spring while taking up to 50% less axial space. That is why it is used in housings where the available length is the limiting design factor: mechanical seals, precision bearings, valves and low-profile assemblies. It keeps the same force specifications with a considerably lower free and solid height.
02 What is the difference between a single-turn and a multi-turn wave spring?
The single-turn (one layer) is a single-turn ring, ideal for short travel and low-to-medium forces. The multi-turn (multi-layer or crest-to-crest) is made up of several wave turns stacked in series in a single continuous part, allowing large deflections and a wide load range. A multi-turn spring is equivalent to stacking several springs in series, but without the need for shims or locating keys between parts.
03 What materials can wave springs be manufactured in?
In carbon steel (standard), stainless steel (17-7 PH UNS S17700, AISI 302/304), and high-performance alloys such as Inconel 718 (AMS 5596) and Hastelloy C276 for corrosive or high-temperature environments. For high-stress and fatigue applications, stainless steel and precipitation-hardened alloys offer the best performance. The choice depends on the operating temperature, the corrosiveness of the environment and the cleanliness requirements.
04 What are shim ends on a wave spring?
Shim ends are ends flattened to 360° instead of ending at a wave crest. They provide a full contact surface compared with the point contact of plain ends, distributing the load more evenly over the adjacent parts of the assembly. They are recommended when the surface the spring bears against is sensitive to point contact or when better alignment of the assembly is required.
05 Can wave springs be custom-manufactured?
Yes. In addition to standardized sizes, Surisa manufactures fully custom wave springs, adjusting load, deflection, internal and external diameter, number of waves and number of turns. This makes it possible to obtain the exact combination of force and travel that each application requires. For sizing, the technical team offers free engineering support.
Need technical help?
Send us load, deflection, diameters and available height — we'll reply with the optimal combination of standardized or custom wave spring. Free engineering support, manufacturer since 1974.