Your Ultimate Guide to Belleville Washers

What is a Belleville Washer?

Belleville washers, also referred to as conical spring washers, are cupped spring washers that flatten out as pressure is applied to them. Unlike a flat washer, a Belleville washer absorbs vibration and shocks, making them very important in several applications and industries. Use conical washers properly, avoid overloading and over-torquing them, and they can be reused repeatedly in several different projects.

What are Belleville Washers Used For?

Belleville washers are used to prevent fasteners from vibrating loose, dampening and absorbing shock that threatens the integrity of the joint. Conical washers are common in industries such as automotive, energy, distribution, chemical, pump and valve manufacturing, industrial automation, utility transmission, and many more. American Belleville washers specialize in high-temperature applications in the most corrosive environments where high quality is a must. They’re built to limit effects of relaxation, to resolve thermal expansion, and to deter bolt yield. Click Here to see what our customers have to say about our products and service.

Should I Stack Belleville Washers?

A single Belleville washer provides specific load and deflection, while stacking two or more conical spring washers creates an increase in load and deflection. Remember, while spring washers are very versatile and can be stacked in several different configurations, the conical washer that is placed against the installation must always have the widest footprint of all the washers. Common methods of stacking disc springs include:

Parallel Stack

In a parallel stack, washers are all placed in the same direction. The deflection does not increase with this stack, but each added washer increases the load capacity of the stack.

Series Stack

In a series stack, conical washers are placed from top to bottom so that they create a gap in the middle. This stack does not increase the load capacity of the fastener assembly, but it can greatly increase the deflection of the stack by adding a spring-like effect to the washers.

Parallel/Series Stack

A mixed parallel/series stack is when both types of stacks are included in a single fastener assembly. This stack increases both the deflection and load capacity of the assembly and can be arranged to suit almost any application.

How Do I Install a Belleville Washer?

We recommend following these steps when installing Belleville washers:

  1. Determine the project load capacity and deflection.
  2. Choose the plating/finish options to ensure proper resistance to environmental elements that would otherwise affect performance and longevity.
  3. Decide which washer stack will give you the optimal results.
  4. Slide the washers onto a bolt in the optimal stack, with the cupped spring washers facing down.
  5. Slide the bolt through the installation material with the stack pressing against the installation material. Remember, the base washer must be the widest washer in the stack.
  6. Tighten the bolt against the other side of the installation material.
  7. If reusing a Belleville washer in a separate application, be sure to inspect it for damage before reuse.

For more information or to request a quote, contact us or call 440-721-8350.