The shape of flat washer is generally circular with a hole in the middle. The specifications of this hole are generally determined according to the customer’s requirements. Flat washers are usually thin pieces of various shapes used to reduce friction, prevent leakage, isolate, and prevent loosening or dispersion of pressure. Many materials and structures contain this component, which is used to perform similar functions. Due to the material and process limitations of threaded fastener, the bearing surface of bolts and other fasteners is not large, so in order to reduce the pressure stress of the bearing surface and protect the surface of the connected parts, grommets are used.
Ⅰ. The function of flat washer
1. Flat washers can reduce the damage of screw heads to the surface of equipment.
Due to the uneven bottom of the bolt head, the surface of the equipment may be damaged by friction when harder bolts are screwed onto the substrate. If the surface is painted, the paint layer will also be peeled off, which not only affects the appearance but may also lead to rust. Placing a flat washer between the bolt and the equipment as a buffer can prevent the bolt from damaging the paint surface and equipment.
2.The use of flat washers can prevent the substrate from sinking.
Bolts will generate axial force when tightened. The substrate may collapse due to inability to withstand the force, when axial force is applied within a small range. Especially when the substrate is soft and thin, the collapse situation will be more severe.
3.Increase friction: Increase the contact area between the screw and the machine.
Ⅱ. Applications of Flat Washers
Flat washers and spring washers are both common fasteners in daily life. Some bolts use flat washers, some bolts use spring washers, and some bolts do not use washers. We can prioritize using flat washers in the following situations:
1. When bolts often need to be disassembled, using flat washers can facilitate disassembly;
2. When the bolt strength is high and the compressive stress of the connected part is relatively low, the use of flat washers can reduce the compressive stress of the pressure bearing surface of the connected part;
3. In some cases, in order to ensure that the bolt holes between two connectors can correspond one-to-one, we need to increase the diameter of the holes to compensate for the position deviation of the holes. When the bolt holes exceed the standard requirements, we need to add flat washers.
4. Sometimes, for the convenience of installation and adjustment, bolt holes are made into long holes, which can adjust the installation position of the parts within a certain range. When using long holes, thickened flat washers, special washers or multiple washers need to be used.
Ⅲ. The Main Materials of Flat Washers
The materials commonly used for flat washers are generally divided into three categories: carbon steel, stainless steel, and plastic materials.
1.Carbon steel is one of the most common flat washer materials, which has the advantages of low price and wide application range. Carbon steel flat washers have been widely used in industries such as automobiles, machinery, and construction due to their excellent performance in low, normal, and high temperature environments.
2.Stainless steel flat washers have the characteristics of corrosion resistance, high temperature resistance, and aesthetics, making them widely used in industries such as chemical, food, medical, and marine industries.
3.Plastic flat washers are a common type of non-metallic flat washers that have insulation properties and can be used for electronic applications. Common plastic flat washer materials include polyethylene, PTFE, nylon, etc.
The above details are about the introduction of flat washers. In daily life, flat washers are one of the commonly used fasteners, and customers should also consider the above factors when selecting flat washers.
Post time: Aug-01-2023