Disc Springs for Ball Bearing

Why Use Disc Springs for Ball Bearing Preload?

Internal clearance is necessary for normal ball bearing operation, but excessive axial movement can contribute to noise, vibration and loss of positioning accuracy.

A properly selected bearing preload disc spring applies a controlled axial force to help:

• Reduce axial end play

• Maintain bearing positioning accuracy

• Reduce vibration and excessive running noise

• Compensate for dimensional tolerances

• Accommodate thermal expansion in the assembly

• Maintain contact between bearing components

• Improve stiffness and stability of the bearing arrangement

Because disc springs generate axial force within a short installation height, they are particularly useful in compact bearing assemblies where space is limited.

How Bearing Preload Disc Springs Work

In many bearing arrangements, the disc spring acts against the outer race of the radial ball bearing, applying an axial preload while allowing controlled movement as temperature and operating conditions change.

In some designs, preload may instead be applied to the inner bearing race depending on shaft, housing and bearing arrangement.

The required spring force should be selected according to the bearing specification and actual operating condition. Excessive preload can increase friction and reduce bearing life, while insufficient preload may fail to control axial movement and vibration.

Bearing Preload Disc Spring Selection

Selecting the correct spring requires more than matching the outside diameter.

The main design parameters include:

If a standard spring does not provide the required load or dimensions, HEGONG can evaluate a custom bearing preload disc spring for the assembly.

Load and Deflection Considerations

For the bearing preload disc springs currently listed by HEGONG, load characteristics are provided at both 50% and 75% of the initial cone height (h₀) to help engineers evaluate suitable working conditions.

The current HEGONG engineering guidance recommends operating Belleville disc springs within an appropriate portion of their available deflection rather than continuously working at the extreme limits of travel.

Incorrect preload or excessive deflection can result in:

• Excessive bearing load

• Increased dimensional error

• Unstable spring characteristics

• Premature spring fatigue

• Reduced bearing performance

Where multiple disc springs are required, spring stack geometry must also be considered. For applications requiring increased load or deflection, see our disc spring stacks.

Standard Bearing Preload Disc Spring Sizes & Load Data

HEGONG provides a broad range of bearing preload disc springs matched to different ball bearing dimensions.

The table below provides:

• Ball bearing dimensions

• Disc spring outside diameter (D)

• Disc spring inside diameter (d)

• Thickness (t)

• Initial cone height (h₀)

• Spring force at 50% deflection

• Spring force at 75% deflection

[KEEP THE EXISTING DB-001 TO DB-075 SPECIFICATION TABLE HERE.]

The dimensional range stated on the current page should be confirmed against the complete specification table before publication.

If your required bearing size or preload is not listed, HEGONG can manufacture special disc springs according to the application requirements.

Materials for Bearing Preload Disc Springs

The existing HEGONG bearing preload spring range lists:

• 60Si2Mn / DIN 1.0909

• 50CrV4 / DIN 1.8159

Material selection should take into account load, fatigue requirements, operating temperature and environmental exposure.

For additional material information, see our disc spring material selection guide.

Surface Treatment and Corrosion Protection

Available surface conditions currently listed for this product range include:

• Polishing

• Phosphating and oil

• Mechanical zinc plating

• Chemical nickel plating

• Geomet coating

• Electrophoretic coating

The appropriate treatment depends on material, corrosion exposure and operating environment.

Standard or Custom Bearing Preload Disc Springs

Standard spring dimensions are useful when an existing bearing arrangement corresponds to the available load and dimensional range.

For new equipment or special bearing assemblies, HEGONG can evaluate custom disc springs according to:

• Bearing dimensions

• Housing and shaft geometry

• Available axial space

• Required preload

• Required working deflection

• Material

• Temperature

• Surface protection

• Fatigue requirement

• Production quantity

Custom designs are particularly useful when a standard spring cannot provide the required preload over the available deflection range.

Why HEGONG for Bearing Preload Disc Springs?

HEGONG specializes in Belleville disc springs, bearing preload springs and engineered disc spring solutions for industrial applications.

Rather than selecting a spring by diameter alone, our engineers can review the relationship between load, deflection, dimensions and operating conditions to help determine a suitable spring configuration.

For the complete disc spring product range, visit our Belleville disc springs.

Bearing Preload Disc Spring FAQ

What does a disc spring do in a ball bearing assembly?

A disc spring applies axial preload to the bearing and helps compensate for clearance, dimensional variation and thermal movement within the assembly.

Where is the preload normally applied?

In many radial ball bearing arrangements, the disc spring acts against the outer race. Some designs may instead require preload on the inner race depending on the bearing arrangement.

How do I select the correct bearing preload disc spring?

Start with the ball bearing dimensions, required axial preload, available installation space and permitted deflection. Material, operating temperature and expected service cycles should also be considered.

Can bearing preload disc springs be customized?

Yes. If an existing standard size does not meet the required dimensions or load characteristics, HEGONG can evaluate a custom spring based on your bearing and assembly requirements.

What information should I send for a quotation?

Please provide the bearing model or dimensions, available OD and ID, installation height, required preload, operating temperature, quantity and a drawing if available.

Request a Bearing Preload Disc Spring Quote

Need a standard or custom bearing preload disc spring for a ball bearing assembly?

Send HEGONG your bearing size, available installation dimensions, required preload, operating conditions and quantity. Our engineers can review your requirements and recommend an appropriate disc spring solution.

Send Your Bearing Preload Requirements

Polish

Phosphating and oil

Mechanical Zinc Plating

Chemical Nickel Plating

Docromet / Geomet Coating

Electrophoresis