Different Types of Washers

Washers are simple yet essential components used in various industries and are usually placed between fasteners and the workpieces they are attached to for numerous reasons. Washers are generally used to distribute the load of a fastener and prevent damage to surfaces while ensuring the integrity of the fastened joint, though they may also perform other roles as well. To better understand the various roles they play, we will explore the most common types of washers found on the market and their general uses.

Flat Washers

Flat washers, also known as plain washers, are the most basic type of washer you can purchase. They are circular in shape with a hole in the center, and they have a flat surface like their name suggests. Generally, they are used to distribute the load of a fastener and provide a smooth and even surface for a nut or bolt head to be tightened against. These washers also help prevent damage to the surface being fastened, such as wood, metal, or plastic materials. Flat washers are also available in various materials to suit different needs, common options including stainless steel, brass, and nylon.

Lock Washers

Lock washers are a more specialized type designed to prevent fasteners from loosening as a result of vibrations or rotational forces. Such capabilities are attributed to the teeth or ridges they feature that dig into the surface material and create friction, increasing resistance to loosening. The most common types of lock washers include split washers and toothed washers. Split washers have a split or helical design that creates spring tension, while toothed washers have serrations or grooves that bite into the surface of a component. Lock washers as a whole are commonly used in applications where maintaining tightness is critical for performance and safety, such as those found in machinery, automotive, and construction settings.

Wave Washers

Wave washers, also known as wave springs or wave washers, have a wave-like shape that provides a spring-like action when compressed between parts. Generally, they are used to create axial loads or absorb axial movement in applications where space is limited, and the waves of the washer provide a variable load distribution. This ensures a constant force under different conditions which can be very beneficial for an assembly. For this reason, wave washers are commonly used in automotive, aerospace, and electrical industries.

Square Washers

Square washers, as their name suggests, have a square shape with a hole in the center. They are primarily used in applications where a large bearing surface is required to prevent the fastener from pulling through a material. Square washers distribute loads more evenly than round washers as a result of their increased surface area, making them suitable for applications featuring softer or brittle materials such as those used within construction, automotive, and heavy machinery industries.

Conical Washers

Conical washers, also known as Belleville washers, have a cone-shaped design. They are used to provide high-load bearing capabilities in applications where a compact design is required due to space restrictions. Moreover, conical washers can be stacked in a series to achieve higher load and deflection characteristics, and they are commonly used in industrial automation tools, machinery, and structural applications.

Conclusion

While we have only listed a few of the many types of washers available for various industrial applications, you now have a better idea of the complexity and versatility of these mechanical devices and finding the right fit for your needs is made more simple. When selecting washers for industrial applications, it is crucial to consider factors such as material compatibility, load requirements, environmental conditions, and installation methods. Furthermore, using the right type and size of washer can ensure the longevity, safety, and performance of the fastened joints.

Here on ASAP Industrials, we provide customers access to over 6 billion new, used, obsolete, and hard-to-find industrial products that trace back to thousands of leading manufacturers that we trust. As every item we present is ready for purchase at any time, you are encouraged to fill out and submit an RFQ form for any items of interest that you come across. Once our team members have a chance to receive and review your submission, you can expect to receive a tailored response for your comparisons in 15 minutes or less. Get started on the quotation and procurement process with us today and see why so many customers steadily depend on ASAP Industrials for all their operational needs. 

1. jacob miller
2. Posted on June 5, 2023
fasteners

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