Conventional Gap and Overlap Type Wave Springs are used in a wide variety of applications. For short deflections and low-medium forces, they function with precision and dependability.

These two types of Smalley Wave Springs permit radial expansion or growth in diameter within a cavity, without the binding or hang-up normally associated with die stamped wave washers. Just as their terms imply, the gap type is split to retain a gap between the ends; while the overlap type has overlapping ends. Thus, the ends are free to move circumferentially as the spring outside diameter grows during compression.

For example, the O.D. of a Gap Type Wave Spring would fit .020 loose per side in a bore. Its I.D. clears a shaft by .010 per side. As the spring is deflected, the O.D. and I.D. grow larger until the O.D. contacts the bore. Continued deflection causes the gap ends to move closer together while the O.D. presses against the bore. An Overlap Type Wave Spring permits this type of cycling action in a similar manner.

-The 18th China(Guangzhou)Int’l Spring Industry Exhibition