The rugged Spacecraft, designed to gather and return data from the planet‚’s artic poles, incorporates a Crest-to-Crest wave spring from Smalley Steel Ring Company. Compared to coil springs, wave springs reduce spring height by up to 50%, and maintain the same deflection and force requirements. They also contribute to a smaller, lighter assembly. What‚’s more, Smalley‚’s edge-wound Wave Springs have a circumferential grain structure that gives exceptional strength and dimensional stability.

Crest-to-Crest wave springs typically suit assemblies requiring low‚–medium spring rates or large deflections with low-medium forces, and can be designed for use in harsh environments‚–on Earth or in Space.

The company stocks Crest-to-Crest wave springs in a variety of loads and deflections. Standard parts come in diameters from 1/4 to 2 in.; however, special designs with diameters from 0.200 to 90 in. are available. The company manufactures and stocks the Wave Springs in carbon and stainless steel, with special alloys on-hand.