Dish Spring for Molds

Updated: 2026-07-15

Overview

Dish springs for molds, also called disc springs or Belleville washers, are mechanical components designed to handle high loads with minimal space requirements. Their conical shape allows for significant force generation even with small deflections, making them ideal for precision applications like mold clamping and industrial machinery. These springs are manufactured from high-quality spring steels or stainless steels, ensuring durability under repeated compression cycles. They are standardized under DIN 2093 and other international norms, guaranteeing consistent performance across suppliers.

Structure and Working Principle

A dish spring operates on the principle of elastic deformation. When axial force is applied to its conical shape, the spring flattens, storing energy that is released upon load removal. The force-deflection curve is nonlinear, offering variable stiffness depending on the stacking configuration (parallel, series, or mixed). Key structural parameters include outer diameter (D), inner diameter (d), thickness (t), and free height (H0). These dimensions determine the spring's load capacity and deflection characteristics. Heat treatment processes like quenching and tempering enhance the material's mechanical properties for long-term reliability.

Key Features

Dish springs excel in applications requiring high force in compact spaces. Their design allows for up to 75% deflection without permanent deformation, with some variants supporting millions of load cycles. Corrosion-resistant stainless steel versions are available for harsh environments. Another advantage is their stackability. Multiple springs can be combined to increase load capacity (parallel) or deflection range (series). This modularity makes them adaptable to diverse industrial needs, from heavy-duty presses to precision molds requiring consistent clamping force.

Application Areas

In mold making, dish springs are critical for maintaining uniform clamping pressure during injection or die casting processes. They compensate for thermal expansion and prevent mold flash. Other industrial uses include valve actuation, bolted joint preload maintenance, and vibration damping in heavy machinery. The automotive and aerospace sectors rely on these springs for landing gear systems, clutch mechanisms, and suspension components. Their reliability under dynamic loads makes them preferable over coil springs in space-constrained designs.

Maintenance and Precautions

Proper installation is crucial for optimal performance. Springs must be aligned concentrically to avoid uneven loading. Lubrication with anti-wear grease reduces friction in stacked configurations, especially under high-frequency cycling. Inspect regularly for signs of fatigue, such as cracks or permanent deformation. Replace springs in sets to maintain uniform force distribution. Avoid exposure to temperatures beyond the material's rated range (typically -30°C to +250°C for standard alloys).

B2B Procurement Guide

When sourcing dish springs, specify material grade, dimensions, and load requirements. Bulk purchases (100+ units) typically reduce costs by 15–30%. Leading manufacturers include Schnorr, Mubea, and Lesjöfors, offering certifications like ISO 9001 for quality assurance. For custom applications, provide details on operating conditions (temperature, corrosion exposure, dynamic/static loads). Sample testing is recommended to verify performance. Lead times range from 2 weeks for standard sizes to 8 weeks for specialized alloys or coatings.