For example, wave springs can reduce axial space by up to 50 percent, decreasing assembly size, weight and thereby the overall cost of the assembly. Here, Simon Ward, Technical Manager at TFC (European partner of Smalley), shares the key differences between coil springs and wave springs.
Wave springs and coil springs are both types of compression spring, primarily used to provide an axial force in either a static or dynamic application. However, there are differences. Coil springs are typically made of round wire, whereas wave springs are made from flat wire. Flat wire takes up less axial space, significantly reducing working heights within any assembly. This can be a huge benefit – for example, in medical applications, such as handheld instruments like dental tools and insulin pens, which must be lightweight and compact.
Read the full article in the May issue of DPA