Disc springs provide backlash compensation for rotary ball bearings

Citation

(2007), "Disc springs provide backlash compensation for rotary ball bearings", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 59 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/ilt.2007.01859aad.001

Disc springs provide backlash compensation for rotary ball bearings

Disc springs provide backlash compensation for rotary ball bearings

The precision engineered range of Cb – ball bearing disc springs supplied by Bauer Springs Ltd are designed to pre- load rotary ball bearings. The pronounced regressive characteristics of these springs provide backlash compensation, leading to quieter running, less wear and longer life for bearing sets. Unlike other types of springs where a progressive linear force/ deflection characteristic is the best that can be achieved, disc springs have the advantage of very little pre-load variation covering a very wide range of spring deflection. The advantage of specifying Cb – ball bearing disc springs becomes more evident by comparison with any backlash compensation springs that feature progressive force curves, where deflection variation inevitably results in a significant + change in the applied force (Figure 1).

Figure 1 Bauer disc springs

Both plain and slotted standard disc springs can be supplied, which includes slots on either inner or outer rim diameters. Manufactured from high quality spring steels, the disc springs are precision blanked to very close tolerances from material thicknesses ranging from 0. 15 to 3.00mm. They are produced in O/D sixes from 9.8 to 358mm, with optional inside diameters from 6.2 to 242mm.

Special sizes can also be accommodated, as well as production from special materials including:

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  corrosion resistant or non magnetic steel;

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  spring bronze CuSn8;

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  copper beryllium alloy CuBe2;

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  nimonic 90 and others.

The slotted type Cb – ball bearing disc springs have lower force characteristics combined with higher deflection capabilities, making them particularly suited for use with smaller sized ball bearings. These disc spring products developed by Bauer Springs are particularly low in force, yet also allow a high degree of deflection, which ensures that there is a very little load variation across the deflection range.

Combinations of two or more disc springs can be used stacked in parallel where higher force loadings are required. Hysteresis, a measure of damping, increases proportionately to the number of springs stacked in parallel. Vibration, which can damage bearing contact surfaces, can therefore be damped by multiple discs stacked in this manner.

Bauer Springs Ltd have considerable knowledge and experience in disc spring design, materials technology and spring application, and are prepared to offer the benefit of their expertise to potential users.

Further information is available at: www.bauersprings.co.uk