Multi-Turn Wave Springs End Types
Plain Ends
Plain ends are the standard and generally most commonly spec’d end-type for multi-turn wave springs, in which the end stops at the next peak.
Shim Ends
Shim-ends have two extra flat turns/layers of material to support even loading on the top and bottom surface. Although, wave springs typically sit flat, in certain cases a shim-ended part would be beneficial if there’s an uneven surface that the spring is sitting upon. The shim end bridges unevenness in the application, such as when waves can potentially fall into a trough, a hole or slot.
Shim ends can occasionally have alternative design functions that allow them to positively impact application performance. On occasions, multiple shims have even been added to help affix the spring to the mating component by winding the ends into a groove.
Single-Turn Wave Springs End Types
Gap
These types of ends have a physical gap, the distance of the gap can be controlled as there may be components that need to clear it. Rotor Clip have even patented a type of single-turn wave spring with flat ends. These flat-ends protect bearings by eliminating sharp, damaging corners from the spring ends, instead flattening them so they rest smoothly against the mating assembly. It’s another reason why designers are increasingly discovering flat wire wave springs as an attractive option for spring-loaded applications.
Overlap
An overlap single-turn wave spring has ends that come together with one end “overlapping” the other. The result of this end-type offers no digging while mating with the surface and eliminates the likelihood of parts being tangled in a bulk packaging arrangement.
Specialty End-types
Floating Ends
Typically, with multi-turn wave springs the end comes down and rests on a peak of the turn below it. When the wave spring is compressed, that end is sitting on the mating surface, which could be an area that can allow scratching. This is especially the case if the wire thickness is very thick and promotes scratching in that concentrated area. For floating ends the end is cut back so it is not resting on the peak. Like the name implies, the end is floating and when compressed the end curls down into the part itself. This type of end configuration greatly mitigates any ability to scratch the mating surface.
Need assistance on your selecting the right wave spring and end-type contact an engineer today.
