Patriot Bolt supplies washers in carbon, alloy, stainless and nickel grades, to standard dimensions or to your drawing, with mill test reports on every order. Our spring washers include Belleville (conical) washers, including flange live-loading washers, and wave washers.
Spring washers add flexibility to a bolted joint, so it keeps clamping force when the gasket relaxes or the joint heats and cools. Tell us the bolt size, load and service conditions and we will quote the right washer.
Spring Washers at a Glance
- Types
- Belleville (conical), flange live-loading and wave washers
- Use
- Hold bolt load, take up relaxation and thermal movement, preload bearings
- Sizing
- To the bolt size, load and deflection you need, or your drawing
- Materials
- Carbon, alloy, stainless and nickel grades
- Supplied with
- Stud bolts, nuts and flat washers on the same order
- Paperwork
- Mill test reports on every order
Spring Washer Types
- Belleville washers: cone-shaped discs that flatten under load and push back like a stiff spring. They can be stacked in series for more travel or in parallel for more load.
- Flange live-loading washers: Belleville washers sized for standard flange bolting, so the joint keeps load as the gasket relaxes.
- Wave washers: thin rings formed into waves that give light axial load in a small space, for bearing preload and taking up end play.
Live Loading Flanged Joints
On flanged joints, Belleville washers are one way to add flexibility to the bolting. They are usually chosen so they are fully compressed at the assembly bolt stress, and installation orientation and stacking matter.
Read Belleville Washers and Live Loading and our article on flange live loading with Belleville washers. Allow for the washer stack in the stud length.
Materials
We supply spring washers in carbon, alloy, stainless and nickel grades. High-temperature and corrosive service usually calls for stainless or nickel alloy washers, and the washer material should suit the bolting. Compare alloys in our Fastener Materials Matrix.
What to Send Us
To quote spring washers, tell us:
- Type: Belleville or wave.
- Bolt size, or the ID, OD and thickness.
- Load and deflection you need, or the bolt stress for flange live loading.
- Stack arrangement, if more than one washer per bolt.
- Material, service temperature and quantity.
Spring Washers FAQ
What is a Belleville washer?
A Belleville washer is a cone-shaped disc spring. It flattens under load and pushes back, which helps a bolted joint keep its clamping force.
What is live loading?
Live loading adds spring washers under the nuts on a flanged joint so the bolts keep load as the gasket relaxes or the joint heats and cools.
How are Belleville washers stacked?
Stacked in series (alternating) they give more deflection; stacked in parallel (nested) they give more load. Orientation must match the design.
What is a wave washer used for?
Wave washers give a light spring load in a small space, often to preload bearings or take up end play.
What materials are available?
Carbon, alloy, stainless and nickel grades, with mill test reports on every order.
Request a Quote
Send us the size, standard or drawing, with material, finish and quantity. Our team will confirm the details and lead time. Call (281) 581-0176 or request a quote.
Related: Washers · Flat washers · Lock washers · Stud bolts · Fastener Materials Matrix