Washers are small but important components. To the general public, it is just a cheap metal disc. For industries, it is considered a vital fastening component that is intended to execute unique functions and guarantee a consistent bolted joint. Washers look like a thin disk-shaped plate with a hole in the middle.
Washers are made of different materials and come in grades, thickness, diameters, and finishes. Before considering the plated washer manufacturer, you should first determine where you would use it. Washers have three different types – plain, spring, and lock. Here are the applications of washer types:
About plain washers
Plain washers work by evenly distributing the load to mitigate the damage to the surface. It has different types namely:
• Flat washer: it is used with a screw or bolt to evenly distribute the load to a larger area. It can also be used to secure a larger hole with the use of a smaller screw.
• Fender washer: it has a larger outside diameter. It can also distribute the load to a larger area. It is commonly used in automobile, sheet metal, plumbing, paneling, and electrical applications.
• Shoulder washer: this washer is used to insulate the screw or wire from an assembly. It provides a thrust-bearing surface.
• C-washer: this is designed to slide in and out of position on shaft or bolt for partly complete assembly. This serves as a retention device that will keep the components in place.
About spring washers
Spring washers are employed to provide an axial load to fasteners preventing shock or vibration. It has different types namely:
• Belleville spring washer: this is used to maintain the tension in assemblies that experience thermal contraction. It has a small deflection but it can support high loads.
• Crescent spring washer: this support light loads with a wide range of deflection. It is used in load-cycling applications.
• Dome spring washer: dome is designed to have a high load capacity even with a small deflection range. It is actually similar in appearance to crescent washers. The only difference is the ground curve.
About locking washers
Locking washers are utilised to prevent the loosening of fasteners. In other words, it prevents the unscrewing rotation. It has different types namely:
• External tooth lock washer: it is used to prevent the bolt or nut head from loosening. This is possible because of the strut action of its teeth.
• Internal tooth lock washer: its teeth will absorb the vibration and shock thereby preventing the bolt or nut head from loosening.
• Helical lock washer: this prevents the fastening of assembly components by increasing the preload on the bolt or screw.
