Stock and custom spring specialist Lee Spring now has the REDUX Wave spring series of ex-stock flat wire compression springs to supply to the industry.
Designed to deliver optimum performance in space limited environments, the Lee Spring REDUX Wave spring series can replace conventional round wire compression springs in applications across a number of industries: from aerospace to electrical, fluid control, hand tools, valves and seals.
Wave springs can reduce the size and weight of the assembly by as much as 50%, the brand said – items such as connectors, mounting dampers and pumps can be made dramatically smaller than otherwise. Generally, wave springs occupy 30-50% of the compressed height space of comparable round wire springs offering more deflection with the same load specifications. This not only provides for space savings, but also smaller assemblies that use less materials, hence lower production costs, the brand explained.
The REDUX Wave spring series now includes designs to fit 1/4″ and 5/16″ hole diameters, as well as additional designs in the 1/2″, 9/16″ and 5/8″ ranges. They are offered in free lengths from 0.060″ (1.52mm) to 2″ (50.80mm) to meet load requirements from 1.3lbs (6N) to 90lbs (400N).
They are designed to be used over a rod/mandrel or in a hole/tube for support, so preventing distortion and ensuring longevity in service. They are manufactured with either Plain ends (wavy) or Squared-flat ends (shim ends) from a single filament of Type 17-7 Stainless Steel flat wire formed in continuous precise coils with uniform diameters and waves. Careful selection of alternative materials is required for operating environments such as high temperatures and corrosive media.
Wave springs are found in a wide variety of applications where structural considerations restrict the installation height, or where uniform force distribution is needed and/or uniform rotational pressure is required over 360°. They are suitable for both static and slightly dynamic load applications.