Spring Tension Washers

This graph illustrates general the general stress strain behavior of spring tension washer types relative to each other.
(note – this graph is not to scale)

Spring tension washers have a wide range of mechanical uses in an even wider range of products.

Hubbard Spring’s general-purpose spring tension washers are the most cost-effective and for applications not requiring a controlled force at a specific height.

Hubbard Spring’s load rated spring tension washers were originally engineered for the side loading of bearings in housings. These spring tension washers have a controlled force at a specific height. They have more processing steps and controls than our general-purpose series.

Load rated spring tension washers are also be used in applications other than pre-loading of bearings – anywhere consistent and repeatable load in a tight space is required.

General Purpose Spring Tension Washers

	Curved Washers – general purpose (CW) Curved washers have minimum load build up with maximum washer deflection. Light thrust loads compared to other styles of spring washers. Used to apply tension between two rotating or static surfaces, eliminate “play”, and prevent rattles. The spring rate is approximately linear between 10% and 80% of available deflection. Curved (bowed) washers have the longest length of “beam” of all spring washers. This gives the most washer deflection with a minimum of pushing effort (load build up) of all spring washers.
	Wave Washers – general purpose (WW) Wave washers have more load build up and less deflection than a bowed washer. Wave washers are usually used in thrust loading applications for small deflections, particularly where space is limited. Wave washers are used to provide a controlled amount of friction between two surfaces and to prevent rattles. The spring rate is approximately linear between 20% and 80% of available deflection.
	Slotted Washers – general purpose (EW) Provides soft, uniform friction between two surfaces. Provides less load build up and more flexibility than a standard disc washer, it offers a wide range of flexibility. Intended for maintaining a uniform pressure between surfaces, not for repeated flexing. Developed for use in electrical boxes, slotted washers are sometimes referred to as electrical washers.

Load Rated Spring Tension Washers

	Finger Spring Washers – load rated (FSW) Provides a light load with the greatest deflection of the load rated spring tension washers series. Provides a light load at 0.062” height with 0.062” deflection typical. Used to tension ball bearings with 16mm to 52mm OD. Used to take up tolerance stack on axial assemblies. The OD of the finger spring washer does not grow when compressed. Very well suited for rotating applications. Reduces noise and vibration, especially under rapid rotation.
	Wave Spring Washers – load rated (WSW) Provides a light to medium load with medium deflection of the load rated spring tension washers. Used to tension ball bearings with 10mm to 38mm OD. Wave washers are usually used in thrust loading applications for small deflections, particularly where space is limited. The spring rate is approximately linear between 20% and 80% of available deflection. Vibra-ground for burr-free finish and smooth action with rotating surfaces.
	Disc Spring Washers – load rated (DSW) DIN EN 16983 Provides the highest load with smallest deflection of the load rated spring tension washers. Used to tension ball bearings with 10mm to 52mm OD. Precision processing: stamped, heat treated, pre-set, and vibra-ground, and tested to the highest standards. Vibra-ground for burr-free finish and smooth action with rotating surfaces.

Providing Innovative Engineering and Manufacturing Solutions Since 1905

Since 1905, Hubbard Spring has been a manufacturer of a broad range of standard and custom parts made from strip, wire, and tube. We produce standard product lines of expansion plugs, spring tension washers, hair pin cotters, as well as custom stampings, slide formed components, wire forms, and all types of springs.