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Understanding The Function of Spring Washers

Author: Site Editor     Publish Time: 2025-06-05      Origin: Site

Understanding The Function of Spring Washers

Spring washers are very important in mechanical systems. They stop bolts and nuts from coming loose because of shaking or hits. They can take in shock and keep things tight, which helps them work well in tough places.

1.  Car makers use spring washers a lot to make cars safer and work better.

2.  More electric cars mean more need for these parts to keep electrical connections safe.

3.  Lighter cars have led to new spring washer designs, making them more popular.

These features make spring washers a must-have for hard jobs.


What Are Spring Washers?

Definition and Primary Functions

Spring washers are special parts that improve how bolts work. Their cone shape acts like a spring, soaking up shocks and keeping things tight. This makes them great for places with lots of shaking or movement. You’ll see them used where bolts and nuts must stay tight, even with vibrations, heat changes, or repeated pressure.

These washers stop bolts from getting loose over time. They add pressure to keep joints tight and secure. This is very important in car-making, where safety matters a lot. For instance, Belleville spring washers, with their cone shape, can handle more weight and give better tension than regular springs.

Spring washers also spread out pressure evenly, like a cushion. This lowers stress and stops damage to materials. They absorb shocks and stop rattling, which is why they’re so useful in machines that shake a lot.

Tip: Pick the right size and material for your spring washer. Thicker and taller ones can hold more weight and give stronger tension, making them good for tough jobs.

Comparison with Flat Washers

Flat washers and spring washers do different jobs in machines. Flat washers spread out the pressure of a bolt over a bigger area. This helps protect softer materials from damage. But flat washers can’t hold tension or take in shocks, so they don’t work well in moving or shaking setups.

Spring washers are better when movement might loosen bolts. Their shape fills gaps caused by shaking, keeping things tight. Studies show spring washers are better at stopping bolts from loosening. After tightening, they hold pressure to keep joints secure, even when things move.

Here’s a simple comparison:

Feature

Flat Washers

Spring Washers

Primary Function

Spread out pressure

Hold tension and take in shocks

Anti-Loosening

Not great

Very good

Shock Absorption

None

Excellent

Ideal Applications

Still setups

Shaky environments

If your machine shakes a lot, spring washers are the best pick. Their flexibility keeps bolts tight and stops them from loosening, making them much better than flat washers for moving setups.


How Do Spring Washers Work?

Working Principle: Elastic Force and Anti-Loosening Mechanism

Spring washers have a special shape that creates elastic force. This force helps bolts stay tight. When you tighten a bolt with a spring washer, it gets squeezed and stores energy. This stored energy pushes back on the bolt, keeping it tight and stopping it from coming loose. The washer’s flexibility fills gaps caused by shaking or movement, keeping everything secure.

Scientists tested how this works using special tools. They built a machine to study how helical spring lock washers (HSLWs) handle pressure. The machine measured how the washers squeezed and released energy when pressed and let go. The tests showed that spring washers lose some energy over time. However, they still keep enough force to hold bolts tightly.

Here’s a quick summary of the test results:

Aspect

Description

Test Rig

A special machine studied how HSLWs handle pressure.

Purpose

To check how well HSLWs stop bolts from loosening.

Methodology

The machine measured how washers moved and reacted under pressure.

Findings

It showed how washers keep their elastic force during use.

Energy Loss Measurement

Some energy is lost, but washers still hold bolts tightly.

This elastic force is why spring washers work so well in shaky places.

Role in Maintaining Clamping Force and Absorbing Shock

Spring washers are great at keeping bolts tight and absorbing shocks. They help maintain clamping force, which is the pressure holding parts together. Without this force, bolts can loosen, making machines unsafe or less effective.

Belleville Disk Springs (DSs), a type of spring washer, are very good at keeping clamping force steady. Tests at the University of Salerno showed DSs lose only 10% of their preload, while flat washers lose 30%. This means DSs hold bolts tighter for longer. Different DS layouts also help machines handle repeated movement better, making them perfect for vibrating setups.

Spring washers also act like cushions to absorb shocks. When a machine moves or shakes, the washer squeezes and releases energy. This lowers the impact on bolts and joints, stopping damage and keeping things running smoothly.

Note: Adding spring washers to bolts can make them last longer and work better, especially in machines that move or shake a lot.


spring washer

Types of Spring Washers

Helical Spring Washers

Helical spring washers, called split washers, keep bolts tight. Their twisted shape lets them press down under weight. This creates a spring force that stops bolts from loosening. They work well in places with shaking or movement.

● These washers push between the bolt head and the surface below.

● Their twisted shape grips surfaces tightly, stopping bolts from turning.

● They are great for setups needing to adjust for material changes.

For example, in cars or machines, these washers absorb shocks and protect parts. They handle movement better than flat washers, making them very useful.

Tip: Install helical spring washers with the split facing outward for best results.

Belleville Spring Washers

Belleville spring washers, also called cone washers, handle heavy loads. Their cone shape flattens under pressure, storing energy to keep bolts tight. They are perfect for jobs where loose bolts could cause problems.

Studies show Belleville washers keep bolt tension steady. For example, they work well in structures that need to stay strong during earthquakes. Research also shows they hold bolt tension better than flat washers over time.

Belleville washers are used in construction and airplanes because they stay tight under heavy loads. They are reliable and help keep machines safe and working well.

Note: Stack Belleville washers together to change how much weight they can handle.

Wave Spring Washers

Wave spring washers have a wavy shape that acts like a cushion. They absorb shocks and vibrations while keeping bolts tight. These washers are better for lighter jobs and small spaces.

They are often used in electronics or small tools where space is tight. Their wavy design lets them adjust to tiny movements or heat changes.

Wave spring washers also reduce noise and stop wear in moving parts. For example, they are used in electric motors to keep parts steady and quiet.

Tip: Pick stainless steel wave washers for outdoor or wet areas to avoid rust.

Curved Spring Washers

Curved spring washers are made to stay flexible and strong. Their curved shape helps them handle movement well. This makes them great for jobs needing steady pressure over time. They are often used in antennas and electrical setups to keep fasteners tight.

Key Benefits of Curved Spring Washers:

● Spread force evenly to protect materials from damage.

● Stay flexible to keep fasteners tight in changing conditions.

● Work well in places with lots of movement or shaking.

Curved spring washers stop bolts from loosening when loads change. They absorb shocks and hold tension, making them useful in electronics and telecom industries.

Tip: Choose curved spring washers for jobs needing steady pressure and shock absorption.

Finger Spring Washers

Finger spring washers have three curved flanges that make them unique. They are made for special fastening and sealing needs. These washers reduce vibrations and noise, so they are common in cars and factories.

Performance Highlights of Finger Spring Washers:

● Lower vibrations, noise, wear, and extra movement.

● Absorb vibrations and make machines quieter.

● Keep fasteners tight in setups that move or shake.

These washers are great for places needing less noise and vibration. Their design keeps bolts tight and protects nearby parts from damage.

Note: Use finger spring washers for jobs needing vibration control and noise reduction, like car engines or big machines.

Disc Spring Washers

Disc spring washers, also called Belleville washers, handle heavy loads well. Their cone shape stores energy and keeps bolts tight under pressure. They are used in machines and buildings needing specific load responses.

Key Features of Disc Spring Washers:

● Handle heavy loads while keeping bolts tight.

● Can be stacked to change how they work under pressure.

● Stay reliable even when loads change repeatedly.

Tests show stacking these washers changes how they handle pressure. Special tools prove they adjust well to different load needs. This makes them great for jobs needing exact tension control.

Tip: Stack disc spring washers carefully to get the right load response.

Toothed Spring Washers

Toothed spring washers help bolts stay tight in shaky places. They have sharp edges, called "teeth," that grip surfaces. These teeth create more friction, keeping bolts from coming loose. They are great for spots where movement might loosen bolts over time.

How Toothed Spring Washers Work

The teeth dig into the material they touch. This locks the bolt in place and stops it from turning. When tightened, the teeth grip the surface and add friction. This extra friction keeps the bolt tight, even with heavy loads or shaking.

Tip: Use toothed spring washers on hard materials like metal. Softer materials may not hold the teeth well enough.

Benefits of Toothed Spring Washers

Toothed spring washers have many advantages for tough jobs:

● Better Grip: The teeth add strong friction to keep bolts secure.

● Stops Loosening: They work well in places with lots of shaking.

● Useful Everywhere: They are used in cars, factories, and buildings.

Applications of Toothed Spring Washers

These washers are common in machines, vehicles, and tools that shake a lot. For example:

1.  Car Parts: They keep bolts tight in engines and frames.

2.  Electrical Gear: They stop bolts from loosening in moving parts.

3.  Big Machines: They hold bolts tight under heavy, changing loads.

Toothed spring washers are a smart pick for keeping bolts secure in tough conditions.

Note: Always check if the washer fits the material and bolt size before using it.


Selecting the Right Spring Washer

Key Considerations: Bolt Diameter, Hole Size, and Load Capacity

Picking the right spring washer means knowing what your setup needs. The bolt diameter and hole size are very important. A washer that doesn’t fit tightly can fail to work well. Always match the washer size to the bolt for better stability and tension.

You also need to think about load capacity. Spring washers are made for certain weights and pressures. For example, Belleville washers are great for heavy loads, while wave washers are better for lighter jobs.

Guides often explain how spring washers absorb shocks and keep things stable. They also show how these washers stop bolts from loosening, even in shaky setups.

Tip: Measure the bolt diameter and hole size carefully. This helps you pick a washer that fits perfectly and avoids problems.

Material Selection: Stainless Steel, Carbon Steel, and More

The material of a spring washer affects how well it works. Stainless steel washers resist rust because of their chromium content. They stay strong in high heat, making them good for tough jobs. But they cost more and don’t conduct electricity well.

Carbon steel washers are cheaper and handle heavy loads. They’re great for projects like building work. Adding coatings can stop rust, but without them, they might corrode over time.

Studies show stainless steel is better for high-stress jobs, while carbon steel works best for heavy loads. Wave washers, often made from these materials, bend under pressure to stop bolts from loosening.

Note: Think about cost, strength, and rust resistance when picking a washer material.

Environmental Factors: Corrosion Resistance and Temperature

The environment can affect how well spring washers work. Rust resistance is key for washers used outside or in wet places. For example, Nord-Lock steel washers last over 1,000 hours in rust tests, proving they’re durable.

Heat tolerance is also important. Washers in high heat need to stay strong and keep their shape. Stainless steel handles heat well, but carbon steel may need coatings to improve its resistance.

Tests show good-quality washers work well even in tough conditions. This makes them last longer and perform better.

Tip: For outdoor use, pick washers with strong rust and heat resistance to avoid early wear.


Installing and Using Spring Washers

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Installing spring washers the right way helps them work well. Follow these simple steps for a strong and secure setup:

1.  Pick the Right Washer: Choose a washer that fits the bolt size and load. It should fit tightly without moving around.

2.  Clean the Surface: Make sure the area where the washer will sit is clean. Dirt or dust can make it less effective.

3.  Place the Washer: Put the washer between the nut or bolt head and the surface. Usually, it works best on the nut side to stop loosening.

4.  Tighten the Bolt: Use a wrench or torque tool to tighten the bolt. Press down steadily to compress the washer and create tension.

5.  Check Your Work: Look at the setup to ensure the washer is in place and the bolt is tight.

Tip: Always check the manufacturer’s instructions for exact installation steps.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Wrong installation can make spring washers fail. Avoid these mistakes to keep them working properly:

● Using split washers on very hard surfaces. They might not grip well and could flatten under pressure.

● Tightening bolts too much, which can squash the washer and make it useless.

● Putting the washer on the wrong side, like under the bolt head instead of the nut.

● Ignoring the type of vibration. Side-to-side shaking loosens bolts faster than up-and-down movement, as shown in tests by Gerhard Junker.

Note: Bad installation can make bolts loosen faster than if no washer was used. Always double-check your setup.

Correct Torque Application and Positioning

Using the right torque and placing the washer correctly are very important. Spring washers are made to stop movement from vibrations or heat changes. To do this:

● Use a torque wrench to tighten the bolt to the recommended level. This compresses the washer enough to hold tension but not flatten it.

● Always put the washer on the nut side. This helps it absorb vibrations and keep things tight.

● For setups needing some flexibility, like airplane parts, don’t over-tighten. This allows small movements without losing tension.

Tip: Check the setup often to make sure the washer stays tight and in the right spot.


Troubleshooting and Maintaining Spring Washers

Common Issues: Breakage, Fatigue, and Misalignment

Spring washers can break, wear out, or get misaligned. Breakage happens when they handle too much weight or are installed wrong. Fatigue occurs when washers face repeated stress, making them lose their springiness. Misalignment can happen if surfaces are uneven or washers are placed incorrectly.

Lack of lubrication can also cause problems. Without it, washers may rust or get damaged, lowering their performance. Research shows proper lubrication prevents these issues. Keeping washers well-lubricated helps them last longer and work better.

Tip: Check washers often for rust, wear, or misalignment to fix issues early.

Troubleshooting Steps: Verifying Size, Torque, and Damage

Fixing washer problems means checking their size, tightness, and condition. Using the right methods ensures washers work properly. Here’s a table of helpful inspection techniques:

Inspection Technique

Description

ISO 2859 Sampling Program

A global standard for checking samples.

Random Sampling

Picking samples randomly to avoid bias.

Stratified Sampling

Taking samples from different groups for accuracy.

Size Exceeds Difference

Happens due to poor machining; fix by calibrating tools.

Thread Failure

Caused by rolling issues; fix by adjusting the process.

These methods help spot problems like wrong washer size or thread issues. For example, if a washer is too big, calibrating tools can fix it. Adjusting the rolling process can solve thread-related problems.

Note: Always use accurate tools to measure washer size and tightness.

Preventing Breakage: Hydrogen Embrittlement and Proper Heat Treatment

Hydrogen embrittlement makes washers brittle and easy to crack. This happens when hydrogen enters the washer material. Heat treatment removes hydrogen and makes washers stronger.

Heat treatment also helps washers handle stress and stay flexible. For instance, stainless steel washers resist rust and wear better after heat treatment. Cleaning and lubricating washers regularly also lowers the chance of breaking.

Tip: Pick high-quality washers that are heat-treated for better strength and durability.

Alternatives to Spring Washers: Locking Nuts and Nordlock Washers

If spring washers don’t suit your project, try other options. Locking nuts and Nordlock washers are great choices for setups with heavy loads or lots of shaking.

Locking Nuts

Locking nuts are made to stay tight even with movement. They have special parts like nylon rings or bent threads to grip bolts well. This stops them from loosening due to shaking or repeated use.

● Nylon Lock Nuts: These have a nylon ring that holds bolt threads tightly. The nylon adds friction, keeping the nut secure.

● Metal Lock Nuts: These nuts bend slightly to grip bolts firmly. They work well in hot places where nylon might melt.

Locking nuts are useful in many setups but may need retightening in very shaky conditions.

Tip: Use locking nuts when you need extra bolt security without adding washers.

Nordlock Washers

Nordlock washers use a wedge design to keep bolts tight. They have two washers with angled ridges that lock together. When tightened, these ridges stop bolts from loosening.

Nordlock washers are better than split washers in shaky setups. They keep bolts tight without needing frequent adjustments. This makes them perfect for big machines and vehicles.

● Benefits of Nordlock Washers:

● Excellent at stopping vibrations.

 ●Keep clamp force steady over time.

 ●Simple to install and remove.

Tests show Nordlock washers work better than double nuts or split washers. They are a top pick for setups needing strong vibration resistance.

Note: Pick Nordlock washers for projects needing long-lasting reliability and less upkeep.

Comparing Alternatives

Feature

Locking Nuts

Nordlock Washers

Spring Washers

Vibration Resistance

Okay

Excellent

Good

Ease of Installation

Simple

Moderate

Simple

Maintenance Needs

Needs frequent checks

Rarely needs checks

Needs occasional checks

Both locking nuts and Nordlock washers are good for keeping bolts secure. Choose based on your project’s needs, like vibration levels, weight, and maintenance.

Spring washers are key to keeping machines safe and steady. They stop parts from loosening, take in shocks, and hold tension. This makes them very useful in car-making and machine-building industries. The spring washer market is growing by 4.8% each year. This is because of the need for lighter materials and safer designs. Picking the right washer and installing it correctly helps machines last longer and stay safe.

Did you know? The spring washer market could reach $566.5 million by 2025. This shows how important they are in today’s engineering.


FAQ

1. What is the main purpose of a spring washer?

Spring washers stop bolts and nuts from loosening during movement. They keep tension, take in shocks, and spread pressure to protect materials and hold parts tightly.

2. Can spring washers be reused?

You can reuse spring washers if they are still in good shape. Check for damage, cracks, or bending before reusing to make sure they work properly.

3. How do I choose the right spring washer for my project?

Pick a washer that fits your bolt size and weight needs. Choose materials that can handle rust and heat based on where you’ll use them.

4. Are spring washers suitable for outdoor use?

Yes, stainless steel spring washers resist rust and work well outside. For wet areas, pick washers with coatings or made from strong, rust-proof materials.

5. What’s the difference between a spring washer and a locking nut?

Spring washers absorb shocks and keep tension, while locking nuts stop loosening with friction or special designs. Locking nuts are better for setups needing extra security but no shock absorption.

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