Whether it’s an application designed for space exploration or a more down to earth need for spring technology in a smaller ‘space’ envelope, the Smalley Wave Spring could be just what you’re looking for.
While traditional round wire compression or coil springs have been a staple in engineering design for decades, Crest to Crest wave springs provide a compelling alternative that can solve many of the limitations inherent in coil spring technology. Both types of springs serve to manage force and absorb or store energy, but they do so with unique characteristics that impact design possibilities.
One of the primary advantages of Crest to Crest wave springs over coil springs is their compact form. These wave springs can produce equivalent force and deflection while occupying up to 50% less axial space than a typical coil spring. This reduction in size is invaluable in applications where space is at a premium, such as aerospace components, automotive systems, and consumer electronics. By enabling designers to reduce the spring height, wave springs contribute to a sleeker, more efficient component layout – allowing for smaller, lighter, and more portable products.
In terms of versatility, our wave springs offer additional benefits. The performance of wave springs can be finely tuned by altering the number of waves, number of active turns, wire section or material used, often without requiring new tooling. This flexibility enables more precise control over spring characteristics, allowing engineers to achieve specific force requirements or meet tight tolerances with minimal adjustments. With coil springs, such changes often require re-tooling or re-manufacturing, which can add time and expense, especially in the prototyping stage.
Overall, the advantages of wave springs make them a preferred choice for engineers across all industry sectors seeking to optimise their designs and push the limits of what’s possible in their applications and have transformed design possibilities across multiple industries, where their space-saving, high-performance characteristics provide a significant advantage over traditional coil springs.
In aerospace, for instance, where weight and space limitations are especially pressing, wave springs are employed in critical areas such as aircraft control actuation systems and satellite deployment mechanisms. Their compact form allows engineers to reduce the overall size of components without sacrificing reliability, making them an essential choice for applications that require both precision and durability under extreme conditions.
The automotive industry has also benefited greatly from wave spring technology across numerous applications. As vehicle designs evolve to become more efficient and lightweight, wave springs offer a streamlined solution in clutch assemblies and transmission systems. They enable designers to minimise component bulk, ultimately improving fuel efficiency and performance.
The medical field is another area where wave springs are making an impact. In devices where precision and miniaturisation are critical, such as surgical instruments, diagnostic equipment, and drug delivery systems, wave springs help manufacturers create smaller, more reliable tools and equipment. Their ability to maintain consistent force in a compact design is invaluable in applications that demand both accuracy and the efficient use of space, supporting the development of advanced medical technologies.
Wave springs also play an important role in consumer electronics, where demand for slimmer, more compact devices is ever-present. With wave springs, designers can integrate components like connectors and battery compartments in ways that preserve valuable space. This is essential in the production of thinner, lighter consumer devices, enhancing portability and functionality.
In the energy and oil & gas sectors, Interlaced Crest to Crest wave springs stand up to some of the harshest and most challenging conditions. Used in downhole tools, pumps, and valves, they can maintain performance under high pressure and temperature extremes, making them ideal for applications where both durability and reliability are crucial.
These varied applications across multiple industries demonstrate the versatility and effectiveness of wave springs in helping companies push the boundaries of design and performance. No matter the sector, wave springs offer tailored solutions that meet industry-specific demands, driving innovation while optimising space and weight efficiency.
For over 40 years, TFC has partnered with Smalley®, the pioneer of wave spring technology and the world’s leading manufacturer of Wave Springs and Spirolox Retaining Rings. The TFC team are available to offer advice as to the most appropriate wave spring solution in applications where space and weight are a critical factor. With a wide range of standard product held in stock within TFC’s facilities in Europe, along with TFC’s geographic footprint across the UK and Germany, you are also assured of first-class product delivery to support your production build requirements.
TFC has decades of expertise across a wide range of industries and applications, that equips them to anticipate potential issues, streamline design processes, and suggest optimal solutions that leverage the full potential of wave spring technology.
This depth of knowledge means that TFC engineers can guide you through every stage of your project. Whether you’re developing a high-precision medical device or a robust solution for energy exploration, TFC’s engineers know how to tailor wave spring technology to suit the specific requirements of your application.
With TFC’s expert support, you can be confident that you’re making the most of wave spring technology – minimising space, reducing weight, and improving efficiency in ways that set your product apart in a competitive market.
