Crest-to-Crest® Multi-Turn Wave Springs
Engineered for Space Efficiency, Accurate Load Control, and Consistent Force.
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Crest-to-Crest® Multi-Turn Wave Springs
Crest-to-Crest® Wave Springs are multi-turn, flat-wire compression springs designed to reduce axial space by up to 50% compared to traditional coil springs while delivering similar force capabilities. Their integrally formed, series-stacked wave design provides accurate load control, low-to-medium spring rates, and greater deflection in a compact package. This makes them ideal for applications where space savings and reliable performance are critical.
- Space-Efficient
Reduced spring height by up to 50% compared to traditional coil springs
- Compact & Light Design
Design advantage helps reduce overall product size, weight, and manufacturing costs of assembly
- Accurate Load Control
Predictable loads toleranced at specific working heights
- Replaces Round-Wire Coil Springs
Same force and deflection in lower operating and free heights
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Overview
Crest-to-Crest Wave Springs are engineered for applications that require significant space savings without sacrificing performance. They are typically used in applications requiring low-to-medium spring rates, medium-large deflections, and low-to-medium forces, while providing accurate and predictable loads across the operating range.
Compared to traditional round-wire helical compression springs, Crest-to-Crest Wave Springs provide similar force capabilities while reducing axial space by up to 50%. This unique combination of compactness and performance helps engineers maximize available design space.
The Crest-to-Crest design is integrally formed to maintain the position of each wave, eliminating the need for separate alignment features or shims between spring turns. The turns are pre-stacked in series, decreasing the spring rate proportionally with the number of turns and providing greater deflection in a compact design. For applications requiring a full 360° contact surface, shim-end versions are also available.
Types
Explore our Crest-to-Crest multi-turn wave spring series options.
Crest to Crest Multi-Turn Wave Spring
Crest-to-Crest Wave Springs deliver substantial axial space savings while maintaining reliable spring performance. Designed for low-to-medium spring rates and medium-large deflections, they provide accurate, predictable loads and forces comparable to traditional compression springs while reducing axial height by up to 50%.
Crest to Crest Multi-Turn Wave Spring with Shim Ends
Crest-to-Crest Wave Springs with Shim Ends offer the same space-saving benefits and predictable load performance as standard Crest-to-Crest designs. They also feature integrated shim ends, providing a full 360° contact surface for more even force distribution and can serve as a flat locating surface for attachment within an assembly.
Designed to Meet Your Exact Specifications
Smalley stocks more than 4,000 Wave Spring part numbers in carbon steel and stainless steel. When a standard part won't do, our engineers can help you develop a custom solution built around your application's requirements. We offer custom springs in diameters ranging from 0.118 to 120" (3 to 3000 mm).
With more than 40 material options and countless configurations available, Smalley provides the design flexibility needed for unique applications. Our edgewinding process minimizes material scrap, making premium materials such as Elgiloy, Inconel, and titanium cost-effective choices. Best of all, all custom parts come with No-Tooling-Charges™.
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Applications
Crest-to-Crest Wave Springs are trusted across many industries for their space-saving design and consistent performance.
An exact pressure is accomplished using a Crest-to-Crest Wave Spring. Air pressure under the assembly causes the spring load to increase, forcing the plate away from the sealing surface, providing the pressure relief mechanism. When the load against the spring decreases, the spring’s force decreases, allowing the unit to seal once again.
Functioning in a contained bracket, a Crest-to-Crest Wave Spring loads the gear with light, yet accurate force, allowing axial movement. The gear shown in this application self-aligns with its mating gear during operation.
A Crest-to-Crest Wave Spring provides a compact preload within the mirror pivot assembly, maintaining consistent tension while allowing the mirror housing to be manually adjusted. Its low operating height enables smooth pivoting action and reliable position retention in the limited space available inside the mirror mechanism.
A Crest-to-Crest Wave Spring applies a continuous axial load to the coupling components, helping maintain engagement of the locking mechanism during operation. The spring's large deflection capability accommodates movement during connection and disconnection while providing reliable contact force in a compact envelope.
Engineering Resources & Literature