Quick answer
DIN 6796 is a disc spring washer standard used mainly in bolted joints for elastic preload compensation. DIN 2093 disc springs cover a wider range of disc spring applications and can be used as single springs or stacked arrangements.
A DIN 6796 washer is not a flat washer or a conventional split lock washer. It has a conical spring form and provides elastic travel in a bolted connection.
Why DIN 6796 should not be exchanged by appearance
A flat washer mainly spreads contact pressure and protects surfaces. A DIN 6796 disc spring washer is used where elastic preload compensation is needed in a bolt assembly.
DIN 2093 disc springs are more general. They may be used singly or in parallel, series or combined stacks. The parts should not be exchanged simply because they look similar.
The practical difference in buyer intent
DIN 2093 disc spring requests often come from engineers or buyers who care about load at deflection, series or parallel stacking, fatigue, material choice and replacement geometry.
DIN 6796 washer requests more often come from bolted-joint sourcing, where the buyer wants a heavy-duty washer that supports preload better than an ordinary spring washer.
When DIN 2093 is the better starting point
Use DIN 2093 as the starting point when the washer is acting as a spring element with a defined force-travel curve. This is common in actuators, clutches, overload devices, valve assemblies, machinery and custom spring stacks.
The RFQ should include outside diameter, inside diameter, thickness, free height, target load, working deflection, stack arrangement and material.
- Defined load at 25%, 50% or 75% deflection.
- Series and parallel stack behavior.
- Material upgrade from spring steel to stainless or nickel alloy.
- Fatigue, relaxation and inspection requirements.
When DIN 6796 may be the better starting point
DIN 6796 is usually reviewed around bolt size, washer size, strength class, surface finish and fastening environment. It is a purchasing-friendly path when the application is primarily a bolted joint rather than a tuned spring stack.
For severe heat, corrosion, vibration or leakage-sensitive joints, the buyer should still share service conditions so material and preload margin can be reviewed.
How to avoid quoting the wrong standard
The simplest way to avoid confusion is to describe the job of the washer. If the part must deliver a target force through measurable travel, begin with DIN 2093. If the part mainly supports a fastener and bolt size drives selection, begin with DIN 6796.
If the project is a flange, valve or high-risk joint, send the application data anyway. The correct choice may depend on load window, installation height and material risk rather than the standard name alone.
Buyer decision table for RFQ routing
Use DIN 2093 when the RFQ mentions load at deflection, spring travel, stack height, fatigue or custom force behavior. Use DIN 6796 when the RFQ is mainly driven by bolt size, high-strength fastening, heavy-duty spring washer replacement or bolted joint preload support.
For procurement teams, this difference matters because DIN 2093 quotes usually need geometry and load data, while DIN 6796 quotes usually begin with bolt size, washer size, material, finish and quantity.
- DIN 2093: force-deflection control, actuator stacks, overload devices, valve springs and custom preload systems.
- DIN 6796: heavy-duty bolting washers, electrical connections, vibration-prone fastening and settlement compensation.
- Unclear RFQ: send the application function, target load, working movement, material and service environment for review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are DIN 2093 and DIN 6796 interchangeable?
Not automatically. They may look related, but the selection logic is different. DIN 2093 is usually reviewed as a disc spring, while DIN 6796 is usually reviewed as a bolting washer.
Which standard should I mention in an RFQ?
Mention the known standard if you have it, but also describe the function, target load, working deflection, bolt size, installation space, material and service conditions.
Is DIN 6796 a normal lock washer?
No. It is a conical disc spring washer for elastic preload compensation in bolted joints.
Can DIN 6796 replace DIN 2093?
Not by appearance alone. The standards and application purposes are different.
Need FeTech to review your disc spring application?
Send the drawing, stack envelope, load target, temperature, media and quantity. Our team can check material direction, stack logic and quotation readiness.
- DIN 2093 replacement or custom geometry
- Valve, flange, actuator and severe-service stacks
- Material review for stainless, Inconel, Hastelloy, titanium or heat-resistant steel
Final geometry, fatigue life, K4 source, friction and support-face conditions still require engineering confirmation.