Selecting Disc Springs: Stacking and Load Characteristics
How series and parallel stacking change load and travel, and what to check when selecting disc springs.
Disc springs carry very high loads in a small axial space. Series stacking multiplies travel, parallel stacking multiplies load, and combined stacks do both. Keep stacks reasonably short, use guide rods or sleeves with proper clearance, consider shot peening for dynamic duty and stainless or coated springs for corrosive environments.
