Overlap
Overlap ends bring one spring end over the other, eliminating gaps between the ends. This configuration prevents tangling during handling and provides smooth mating with the assembly surface.
Single-Turn Wave Springs
Single-Turn Wave Springs Engineered for Compact, Short Deflection Applications with Low to Medium Forces
Engineered for Tolerance Take-Up and Preload
Single-Turn Wave Springs are designed for applications requiring low to medium thrust loads, with performance characteristics that vary based on design and wire type. Available for a wide range of bore and rod diameters, they provide accurate spring rates and loads with tolerances more than 50% tighter than stamped wave washers or disc springs. Unlike stamped parts, Single-Turn Wave Springs are coiled from flat wire to minimize material waste and can be designed with cling-in-bore or cling-on-shaft configurations that help center the spring during installation. Whether you’re looking to provide preload or take-up tolerances in your assembly, Single-Turn Wave Springs are ideal for applications that require accurate, repeatable load.
Technical Advantages of Single-Turn Wave Springs
The following design features make Rotor Clip Single-Turn Wave Springs suitable for a wide range of applications, from bearing preloads and quick connects to valve assemblies and other compact, low-clearance designs.
- Cling-in-bore or cling-on-shaft positioning: offers a cling-in-bore or cling-on-shaft option in which the spring is fixed and centered by itself.
- Tighter load and spring-rate tolerances: provides accurate spring performance with tighter load and rate tolerances compared to stamped wave washers and disc springs.
- Reduced material waste: minimizes material waste through a coiled manufacturing process. For larger dimensions manufactured from exotic or high-cost alloys, the reduced material usage can also provide additional cost savings compared to stamped washers.
Single-Turn Wave Springs vs Disc Springs & Stamped Wave Washers
Rotor Clip Single-Turn Wave Springs differ from disc springs (Belleville washers) and stamped wave washers across key design and performance characteristics. Compare the springs in the table below.
| Feature | Benefit | Rotor Clip Single-Turn Wave Spring | Disc Spring (Belleville Washer) | Stamped Wave Washer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing Method | Allows flexible spring configurations without additional tooling costs | Coiled from flat wire | Stamped and formed from sheet material | Stamped from sheet material |
| Load & Spring Rate | Provides accurate, repeatable spring performance | Toleranced more than 50% tighter than stamped wave washers or disc springs | Load and spring rate vary by washer geometry and stack configuration | Load and spring rate depend on the stamping process |
| Assembly Positioning | Helps maintain spring alignment during installation | Optional cling-in-bore or cling-on-shaft configurations help center the spring | Typically requires separate locating or retaining features | Typically requires separate locating or retaining features |
| Material Utilization | Reduces material usage, which can provide cost savings for larger dimensions or high-cost alloys | Coiling produces minimal material waste compared to stamped designs | Higher material waste from the stamping process | Higher material waste from the stamping process |
| Custom Capabilities | Supports application-specific spring requirements | Custom diameters, materials, loads, finishes, cling-in-bore or cling-on-shaft configurations, and other design modifications | Custom options typically limited to washer geometry, thickness, and material | Custom options typically limited by tooling, material thickness, and stamping process |
Choosing the Right End Configuration
Rotor Clip Single-Turn Wave Springs are available with multiple end configurations to accommodate different assembly requirements and application needs.
Learn more about wave spring end types
Gap-Type
Gap-type ends create a defined space between the ends of the spring. The gap size can be controlled to accommodate assembly clearance requirements or components that need to pass through the spring opening.
Patented Flat Ends
Rotor Clip’s patented flat-end design flattens the spring ends, helping mitigate sharp corners contacting the mating surface. This allows the spring to sit more evenly against the mating surface, helping reduce potential surface wear and providing smoother contact in preload applications.
Single-Turn Wave Spring Materials and Finishes
Rotor Clip offers a wide range of material and finish options for wave springs to meet specific application requirements. See below for some of the most common options. Additional materials and finishes may be available depending on the part type and design configuration. Consult our engineering team to determine the best material solution for your application.
Single-Turn Wave Spring Materials
Carbon Spring Steel
Stainless Steel 17-7 PH
Stainless Steel AISI 302 & 316
A286 Stainless Steel
Inconel X750
Elgiloy
Single-Turn Wave Spring Finishes
Oil Dip
Black Oxide
Electro-polishing
Passivation (SPP)
Application Spotlight
Single-Turn Wave Springs in Quick Connectors
Single-Turn Wave Springs provide precise, consistent preload in quick connector assemblies while requiring minimal axial space. Their cling-in-bore design helps center the spring within the housing, while overlap ends help prevent radial jamming and maintain consistent loading throughout the connection cycle.
Common Single-Turn Wave Spring Applications
Single-Turn Wave Springs are used across a wide range of industries, including automotive, medical, aerospace, and industrial applications. See common application examples below.
Bearing Preload
Ultrasonic Motor
Quick Connector
Power Steering Assembly
Circular Connector
Mechanical Seal
Watch our wave spring video for an overview of Single-Turn Wave Spring design, manufacturing processes, configurations, and application considerations. Learn how different wave spring designs help meet space, load, and assembly requirements across a wide range of applications.
Single-Turn Wave Spring FAQs
Explore our most frequently asked questions on single-turn wave springs.
A Single-Turn Wave Spring is a flat wire compression spring formed into a single coil with multiple waves. It provides controlled axial force in a compact design and is commonly used as an alternative to disc springs (Belleville washers) or stamped wave washers in compact assemblies.
Single-Turn Wave Springs are commonly used in bearing preload, ultrasonic motors, quick connectors, sensors, steering assemblies, pumps, and other applications requiring controlled spring force within compact assemblies.
In many applications, yes. A Single-Turn Wave Springs can be used as an alternative to disc springs and stamped wave washers when tighter load and spring rate tolerances, cling-in bore positioning or reduced material waste are required. The appropriate design depends on the application’s load, deflection and cycle-life requirements.
Yes. Single-Turn Wave Springs are commonly used for bearing preload applications where controlled axial force is required to reduce internal clearance within ball or roller bearing assemblies. They help maintain consistent contact between bearing components, limiting unwanted movement that can contribute to vibration, noise, and wear during operation.
Yes. Rotor Clip Single-Turn Wave Springs can be customized to meet specific application requirements. Design options include wire thickness, bore or rod diameter, wave count, material selection, end configuration, finishes, and cling-in-bore configurations. Contact our engineering team to determine the best solution for your application.
More than Parts. A True Partnership.
Our passion is creating the best rings, springs, and clamps. Our mission is to make your work a success. We are here for you.