Why are flat washers sometimes used with Belleville disc springs?

Belleville disc springs help preserve bolt integrity, particularly in areas that must bear a heavy load. In some instances, the addition of a flat washer increases the effectiveness of a Belleville disc spring by helping to spread the load.

In other applications, a flat washer can prevent a Belleville disc spring from biting into softer metals. This is particularly important in preserving the integrity of bus bars, which are typically made from aluminum to withstand conditions of high current loading.

BelleFlex® engineers can provide assistance in determining whether flat washers are needed for your specific application.