---
title: Enhancing Mil-Spec Electrical Connectors with Smalley Wave Springs | TFC Europe
description: Enhancing Mil-Spec Electrical Connectors with Smalley Wave Springs - ~TFC recommends Smalley single turn wave springs and snap rings for consistent pre-loading force in aerospace and military communications applications~
image: https://blog.afceur.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Enhancing-Mil-Spec-Electrical-Connectors-Main-Image-min.png
---
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# Enhancing Mil-Spec Electrical Connectors with Smalley Wave Springs
Simon Ward
### Simon Ward
Simon leads the UK technical team and specialises in the design and development of Smalley wave springs and spiral retaining rings. With over 25 years of experience, Simon develops bespoke parts for major clients around the world and across a wide range of industry sectors. He is now widely considered the leading authority on Smalley products.
May 06, 2014
## ~AFC recommends Smalley single turn wave springs and snap rings for consistent pre-loading force in aerospace and military communications applications~
**AFC recommended the use of two Smalley single turn wave springs in conjunction with a snap ring to provide a constant pre-loading force in a ruggedised mil spec electrical connector used in aerospace and military communications applications.**
Having previously experienced problems with inconsistent loading and binding in the assembly, the manufacturer wanted to replace the under performing stamped wave springs with a more reliable alternative.
The AFC Smalley products are produced by edge winding from a continuous coil of single filament pre-tempered round edge wire. Unlike a die stamped product, they are formed without tooling, have a gap or overlap end configuration and require no heat treatment after production. This results in a product that provides a far more accurate control of load performance and, furthermore, since very narrow radial wire sections can be successfully coiled, the springs can operate in very tight radial spaces without binding.
Similarly, the Spiral Snap Rings, with narrow radial wall dimensions, as used in this application, are ideal for low clearance applications and can provide a support shoulder without the need to orientate the spring and ring combination during assembly.
For more information please contact our engineering team or visit the following product pages:
Wave Springs – [click here](https://tfc.eu.com/technical/wavesprings/)
Snap Rings – [click here](https://tfc.eu.com/technical/smalley-wave-springs-retaining/)
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