Self Centering Disc Spring
(Spring Washer) Stacks
Among the various Mubea belleville spring products developed and offered by Mubea are self-centering disc spring stacks. Self-centering disc spring stacks are used in disc spring applications where outer diameter or inner diameter guidance is not possible. To utilize self-centering technology the spring stack must be under a constant pre-load and at minimum be 6 mm in thickness. Numerous other restrictions apply and would need to be discussed on a case by case basis with our engineering staff. The main advantages to self centering spring stacks are:
- Elimination of outer or inner diameter guidance requirements
- Significant reduction of hysteresis or friction during loading verses unloading in comparison to standard Belleville spring stacks
- Enables disc spring stack to be run in horizontal position with no guidance
All Mubea self-centering spring stacks are custom built per the customer application. There are currently 3 types of self-centering disc spring stacks used.
Ball bearing centered stacks
The disc springs have flat annular grooves cut in the inner and outer diameter. The hardened ball bearings are inserted in these grooves. This type of guidance is virtually friction free. Ball bearing centering is typically used on large disc spring stacks.
Wire-centered disc spring stacks
Wire-centered disc spring stacks are a more economical alternative to ball bearing centered spring stacks. In wire-centered disc spring stacks, hardened wire segments are substituted for the ball bearings. This option produces slightly higher friction than its ball bearing centered alternative.
Alternative stack guide
There are additional methods of centering disc spring stacks, such as a retaining ring or T-ring.
Please contact our skilled engineering staff to review your specific application and see if self-centering disc spring stacks can be of assistance to you.
