These cup-shaped pressure washers flatten when pressure is applied to them. They are commonly used to produce exceptionally high loads in small areas. Tapered disc washers can also absorb and dampen shock and vibration, making them useful in many industries and applications.
The Many Terms of the Belleville Washing Industry
| Belleville | Cone – Disc |
| Conical | Shell spring |
| Spring closure | Spring |
| Conical spring | Disc spring |
| Belleville Spring |
How tapered washers work
The tapered lock washer has a conical shape that presses against the bottom of the screw head and the installation material. This increase in voltage has several benefits, including:
- Vibration control (pressure washer)
- Preload
- Increased load
- Greater deflection
- Spacing
- Dampens/absorbs shocks
Relevant definitions
- Preload
- Refers to the axial load placed on a fastener. Preload is considered 75% of the test load.
- Test load
- A test load that a fastener MUST be able to withstand without compromising its integrity. Considered the maximum safe load of a fastener.
- Detour
- The degree of displacement of a structural member under a load.
Due to their resistance to vibration, tapered washers are also considered spring washers as they perform a similar function. These disc spring washers are not only useful by themselves, but can also be stacked in different structures for greater strength/absorption.
Belleville Pressure Washer Stacks
Thrust washers can be stacked in multiple structures to increase certain characteristics that produce optimal performance.
Series stack
A stacked pile involves placing the washers from top to bottom so that they create a gap in the middle. This can greatly increase the deflection of the stack, adding a spring-like effect to the washers. *Note: This battery does not increase the load capacity of the mounting assembly.
Parallel stack
A parallel stack involves placing all washers in the same direction. Each washer added increases the load capacity of the pile. *Note: Deviation does not increase based on this stack.
Parallel/series stack
Mixed parallel/series stacking involves running both stack types on a single fixture assembly. This increases load and deflection and can be arranged to adapt to virtually any situation as needed to meet project needs.
Please note that although Belleville lock washers are exceptionally versatile and can be stacked in multiple configurations, the washer that rests on the installation material must always have its widest part touching the material.
Uses of the Belleville washer
Because Belleville washers are so versatile, they have many different uses and can be found in many different industries.
Pressure Washer Uses
| Locking (prevents fasteners from coming loose) | Limit the effects of relaxation |
| Spring | Solve thermal expansion |
| spacer | Dampens/absorbs shocks |
| Yield of bollard screw | Extra voltage |
| Chock |
Industries that use conical washers
| Power | Utility Transmission |
| Distribution | Production of pumps and valves |
| Chemical | Automotive sector |
| Transport | Industrial automation |
| And many others |
Can Belleville washers be reused?
Yes, Belleville tapered washers can be reused repeatedly as long as they are not damaged. Overloading and overtightening these washers can wear them out over time. As long as they are used correctly and checked before reuse, these fasteners can be used repeatedly to complete projects.
Belleville washer installation
Installing Belleville washers is very simple. There are just a few steps to consider:
- Determine the design load capacity and deflection.
- Decide which stack of pressure washers will give you the best results.
- Slide the washers onto a screw in the ideal stack.
- Slide the screw through the installation material with the battery pressing against the installation material (remember the base washer must be facing down).
- Tighten the screw against the other side of the installation material.
