Category Archives: Disc Springs & Belleville Washers

How Disc Springs Work

Disc Springs—often called Belleville washers—are conically shaped annular discs that provide a mechanical force when deformed along their axial axis. Unlike standard flat washers, their unique geometry allows them to act as heavy-duty springs in remarkably tight spaces.

1. The Core Mechanics

  • Axial Deflection: When you apply a load to the spring, the cone flattens.
  • Energy Storage: This flattening action stores mechanical energy.
  • High Force: They generate massive resistance with very little movement (deflection).

2. Versatile Stacking Configurations

You can stack disc springs in different ways to radically alter their performance:

  • In Series (Face-to-Face): Stacking them top-to-bottom increases the total deflection (travel distance) while keeping the load capacity the same as a single spring.
  • In Parallel (Nested): Stacking them in the same direction multiplies the load capacity while keeping the deflection the same as a single spring.
  • In Combination: Mixing series and parallel stacks allows engineers to customize both the force and travel distance for specific industrial needs.
   In Series (More Deflection)         In Parallel (More Force)
          ()()()()                             (((())))

3. Key Applications

  • Bolted Joints: Maintaining tension during thermal expansion or contraction.
  • Clutches & Brakes: Providing consistent, heavy damping forces in automotive systems.
  • Valves: Ensuring tight seals under high-pressure conditions.

Our DIN 2093 Disc Springs are available to purchase online:

Defying Extreme Pressures: The Role of Disc Springs in Oil & Gas

In the oil and gas sector, equipment must survive some of the most hostile environments on Earth. High temperatures, corrosive chemicals, and immense pressures quickly destroy standard coil springs. To maintain constant sealing and structural integrity, the industry relies heavily on disc springs (also known as Belleville washers).

These conical-shaped rings pack immense force into tight spaces, making them critical for downhole, subsea, and surface equipment.

Why Disc Springs Beat Coil Springs in Heavy Industry:

Standard coil springs deform or lose tension under extreme oilfield conditions. Disc springs offer distinct advantages:

  • High Force, Low Space: They generate massive clamping force with minimal axial deflection.
  • Customisable Stack Configurations: Stacking them in series increases deflection, while stacking them in parallel increases force. Stacking in both combines both benefits.
  • Damping Capabilities: Parallel stacking absorbs heavy shocks and dampens harsh vibrations from drilling operations.
  • Predictable Performance: They maintain consistent force even during severe thermal expansion and contraction.

Exotic Materials for Harsh Environments

Standard carbon steel will fail rapidly in sour gas or subsea applications. Oil and gas disc springs rely on specialized metallurgy:

  • Inconel (X-750 and 718): The industry standard for high-temperature and highly corrosive environments. They resist hydrogen embrittlement and sour gas (H₂S).
  • Titanium Alloys: Selected for subsea applications where lightweight components and absolute saltwater corrosion resistance are vital.
  • Phos Bronze / Nimonic: Used in specific downhole tools requiring non-magnetic properties or extreme creep resistance at temperatures exceeding 500°C.

Critical Oilfield Applications

  • Valves and Actuators: Disc springs maintain a constant live-load on valve stem packings to prevent hazardous fluid or gas leaks.
  • Downhole Drilling Tools: They absorb massive impact loads in drilling jars and shock tools, protecting sensitive electronics.
  • Subsea Wellheads: They supply the permanent, high-tonnage clamping force required to hold subsea connectors secure against ocean currents and high pressure.
  • Blowout Preventers (BOPs): They act as fail-safe energy storage units to mechanical close gates when hydraulic pressure fails.

Our Standard Carbon Steel Disc Springs to DIN 2093 are available to purchase online.

Meet the Belleville Washer: The Heavy-Duty Spring Hiding in Plain Sight

Ever wonder how industrial machines stay tightly bolted together under extreme heat and violent vibrations? Standard flat washers can’t handle it. That is where the Belleville washer comes in.

Also known as a coned-disc spring, this slightly cone-shaped washer acts like a heavy-duty mechanical spring. Instead of just sitting flat, it flexes under pressure to maintain constant tension on a bolt.

Here is why they are engineering lifesavers:

  • Absorbs Vibrations: They act like shock absorbers, keeping bolts from backing out.
  • Handles Extreme Heat: They expand and contract with temperature shifts to prevent joint loosening.
  • Saves Space: They support massive mechanical loads in a fraction of the space of a coil spring.
  • Customisable Power: You can stack them in different directions to multiply either their strength or their flexibility.

You can shop our full range of Belleville Washers online:

Shop Preload Disc Springs Online

Here at Caleb Components, we stock a fantastic range of Ball Bearing Preload Disc Springs.

Ball Bearing Pre-Load Disc Springs are basically designed to use with radial Ball Bearings.
They help with maintaining accuracy and positioning of the Bearing with no end play. They also assist with vibration and shaft deflections. Using this type of Disc, will help increase the rigidity of a Bearing and help reduce noises.

Shop our full range of Preload Disc Springs online:

The Experts in Belleville Washers

We are a trusted supplier of Belleville Washers (Disc Springs) and have been supplying sectors such as offshore, automotive and aerospace for over 20 years.

Here at Caleb Components, we offer a wide range of Belleville Washers and our strongest attribute is the in-depth technical knowledge we have on these parts, offering custom designed Belleville Washers as well as data sheets and technical drawings. We can also offer Belleville Washers in more bespoke materials such as Inconel 718, Inconel X750 and Nimonic 90.

View our range of standard Belleville Washers (Disc Springs) below by using the links provided.

If you have an enquiry for a bespoke Belleville Washer, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Belleville Washers – UK Distributor

We have been supplying the UK with high quality Belleville Washers for over 22 years. Making us one of the most reliable distributors for this part.

Full technical assistance is available, including data sheets for all DIN 2093 sizes.

Need to order Belleville Washers in a hurry?

You can simply order our Belleville Washers directly online. Large stocks available for same day shipping.

Caleb Components – Supplier of Inconel Disc Springs

Here are Caleb Components we can supply high quality Inconel Disc Spring Washers (also known as Belleville Washers). We can offer Inconel 718 and Inconel X750 Disc Springs to either standard sized Disc Springs or special sized Disc Springs (full design service available).
Inconel material is a highly ductile alloy which offers excellent properties particularly in the use of Disc Springs. Inconel can be used in very low or very high temperature applications and is anti-magnetic. Inconel also offers very good anti-corrosive properties. Inconel Disc Springs can also be used for offshore applications, subsea applications, chemical industries and anywhere that high temperatures are required or in a cryogenic environment.
With full technical help available, we welcome any enquiry you may have for our Inconel Disc Springs. Call today on + 44 (0)121 661 6664 or email us at sales@calebcomponents.com

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