CUSTOM OPTIONS
Smalley wave springs are
manufactured in several
different forms, with a range
of spring characteristics. If
there is not a suitable off
the shelf option available,
designers can opt for a custom
wave spring — changing the
number of turns or waves,
material, size— to meet
specific product needs.
The most popular materials
for wave springs in medical
applications are 302 and
316 stainless steel, as they
can withstand the higher
temperatures applied during
cleaning and sterilisation
processes, without any
compromise to spring
properties. They are also ISO
13485:2016 certified.
WAVE SPRINGS IN PRACTICE
One example of a successful
application was the design
of Crest-to-crest springs for
insulin pens, which help
control and measure the
dosage injected into a patient.
TFC has also supplied springs
for surgical and dental tools
that use high-speed precision
bearings
It may take several design
iterations before the wave
spring is the perfect fit for the
application. TFC recommends
that design engineers work
closely with a wave spring
specialist for support and
advice, to achieve the best
possible solution.
If you are looking for a
wave spring for your medical
application, our engineers
can work with you to design a
custom solution.
TFC
www.tfc.eu.com
01435 866011
is required, linear springs may
be a good option.
However, engineers
cannot simply swap between
a coil and wave spring. The
designer should be aware
that when load is applied
to a wave spring, the waves
flatten to provide upward
force, whereas a coil spring
twists as it compresses,
meaning not all of the force
is aligned with the axis.
A wave spring expert like
TFC can help point you in
the right direction when
designing the product into
your application.
TR responds to global sheet metal fastener demand
The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic
created a surge in global demand
for medical equipment, with the
subsequent knock-on effect of a huge
demand for sheet metal fasteners,
specifically for those companies
producing essential equipment,
including ventilators. International
specialist TR Fastenings focused on
being as responsive as possible to
meet this demand and is now further
investing in its sheet metal range to
accelerate growth of this product
portfolio.
TR has been leading the sheet metal
fastening industry for over 45 years,
providing products to more than 5,000
global customers from 32 business
locations in 18 countries. TR’s ability
to move with the times and adopting
a fast track approach has firmly
positioned the company as a market
leader; an internationally respected
manufacturer who is flexible enough
to continually adapt its range and stay
ahead of the competition.
This latest investment sees expansion
of its own highly regarded Hank Self
Clinch Fasteners and the launch of a
new range of K-Series Thin Nuts. TR’s
own facility in the UK can
production times to meet demand.
manufacture as small as M2 and as
large as M36 which are used across a
wide range of industry sectors.
TR has a robust business model for
large OEMs and SMEs and competitive
advantage is achieved through flexible
pricing, volumes and short lead times
with the capability to source raw
materials locally, allowing faster
There are many application challenges
within the sheet metal industries
and TR can offer fastener testing
capabilities across mechanical,
dimensional, installation, and plating
and finishes. TR supplies sheet metal
products for pressing, riveting or
welding during manufacturing or
assembly processes.
www.fastening-solutions.co.uk 15
/www.tfc.eu.com
/www.fastening-solutions.co.uk