Wave Washers

Wave Washers for Australian Spring-Loaded Fastening Applications

Wave washers (also called curved spring washers or wave springs) are flat washers with a wave-form bend that provides spring action when compressed. Used in fastener assemblies where the bolt must maintain preload despite thermal expansion, vibration, or component settling, wave washers compensate for small dimensional changes that would otherwise cause the joint to lose tension. For Australian engineering, machinery, and equipment applications requiring spring-loaded fastening, wave washers are essential. AIMS Industrial supplies wave washers in standard sizes and materials.

How wave washers work

The wave-form geometry of the washer means it has a natural spring rate — when compressed flat under bolt tension, the washer resists with a defined force determined by its material and dimensions. As the joint settles, expands thermally, or relaxes slightly under load, the wave washer maintains tension by partially un-compressing — keeping bolt preload more constant than rigid washers would. The result is a fastening that maintains tension across operating temperature ranges and component settling.

Where wave washers earn their place

• Bearing pre-load — maintaining axial preload on rolling bearings as the bearing seats and components warm to operating temperature
• Thermal-expansion compensation — bolted joints between materials with different thermal expansion coefficients
• Light spring assemblies — providing spring action where coil springs would be over-engineered
• Vibration-isolation mounting — light-load isolation in equipment fastening
• Bicycle and small-machinery applications — pre-load on bearings and component fittings
• Electrical contact assemblies — maintaining contact pressure between conductors

Wave washers versus other spring washers

• Wave washers — gentle spring action, low spring rate, accommodate small movement; suit precision applications
• Spring lock washers — split-ring locking action; minimal spring action, primarily anti-rotation
• Belleville (conical) washers — high spring rate, large force in small movement; suit heavy-load applications
• Schnorr safety washers — combined spring and serration for vibration locking

Match washer type to application: wave washers for gentle spring action and movement compensation; Belleville for high-force spring loading; Schnorr for vibration locking; spring lock for general anti-rotation.

Materials

• Spring steel (zinc-plated) — the everyday choice for indoor and protected applications
• Stainless steel 304 and 316 — for corrosive and food-grade environments
• Phosphor bronze — for non-magnetic and electrical applications
• Beryllium copper — for premium spring properties in high-cycle applications

Sizing

Wave washers are sized by the bolt or shaft they fit (inside diameter), with specific outside diameter, thickness, and wave height/count specifications. Common metric sizes range from M3 through M30. Specifications vary by intended spring rate and application — match the washer's load-deflection curve to the application's pre-load requirement.

Spring rate and pre-load

Wave washer spring rate (force per unit deflection) is determined by:

• Material modulus — stainless and beryllium copper have different rates than spring steel
• Wave count and height — more waves and higher waves give higher spring rate
• Material thickness — thicker washers have higher spring rate

For specific spring rate requirements, manufacturer data sheets list the load-deflection characteristics. Match the spring rate to the application's pre-load and movement compensation needs.

Brands stocked at AIMS

Wave washers are stocked from quality manufacturers across the standard sizes and materials. For specialty wave washers (specific spring rates, large diameters, exotic materials), sourcing through our distribution channels covers most options.

Companion ranges at AIMS

Wave washers sit alongside our broader washer and fastener range — see spring lock washers, safety washers, wedge lock washers, and retaining washers for the related products.

Need help speccing wave washers for specific spring-loading applications? contact our team — we'll match by size, material, and spring rate.