Washers And Types Of Washers

WASHERS
Washers are generally a thick plate disc with a hole in the middle of plate, which assures the
tightening of fasteners like screw, nuts, bolts so that they won’t move from their actual position. It is
mainly used to distribute the load of the fasteners while acting as a support agent. A washer fastener
can also be used as spacers, locking device, springs and to reduce vibrations. Materials used for
making washers are mainly metals and plastics. Washer’s are now also used in making fancy
jwellery, which are a trend among the people around the world as it provides an attractive look when
combine with the right kind of accessories. As they are available in different sizes, a washer can be
used to make necklaces, bracelets, ear-rings etc.
Every year around billions of washer’s are manufactured with different sizes, thickness, diameters
and materials and are supplied and used in the manufacturing, assembling of applications and
various other industrial uses. Most of the washers are mainly used to facilitate the support to a
threaded fasteners so that it is locked in place properly while it also ensure that fastener’s are
protected from moisture and electricity. In some cases, you will observe that, a small amount of
grease is being applied to the washer. It is done purposely so that it reduces the risk of corrosion
and also enabling the fastener to become watertight as to reduce the leakage. Measuring the exact
washer size is also important to make sure there is no damage occuring at the final stage as it can
results in fatal accidents.
In the below paragraph, we will be discussing about various kinds of washer fasteners in details.

Conical Washers
Conical washers also known as Belleville washers are generally cone shape designed washers
that provides the highest load bearing capacity and minimum deflection range. It is the conical shape
which gives the washer it’s spring characteristics and theses are mainly stacked to improve the
performance. In a springs stack, conical washers can be stacked in the same or alternating direction,
also it possible to stack multiple washers in the same direction as it improves the stability of the
joints. Conical washers can be stacked in both ways i.e in upward direction as well as in downward
direction due its cone like design for greater stability. Some conical washers have an off-center
circular plane, creating a secondary system which reinforces the spring action of the basic cone
shaped washer.Conical washers are generally made up of stainless steel, brass to avoid any type of
corrosion to the fastener.
These washers are today used in large number of fields mainly military arms industry, building or
construction industry, automotive industry. The service life of conical washer can be increased if the
springs in it are properly dimensioned so it can hold the dynamic load. when the dynamic load is low,
they can be used as a locking device such as the down-tube shifters for bicycles.

Flat Rubber Washers

A flat rubber washer is a disc type washer component which is widely used as a sealing agent to
prevent any kind of leakage and absorb vibration for a firm resistance. They are highly flexible and
versatile tools which are suitable for sealing any kind of application to provide a flexibility. These

tools an d components are widely used in plumbing, heating,

cooling and ventilation. Materials like plastic, rubber and nylon are used for making flat rubber
washer.
Flat rubber washer is highly resistant to sun, climate and performs great when exposed to
chemicals, oils and fuels. These washers are mainly used to prevent leaks and distribute pressure,
apart from that, it also provides a strength,stability at different temperature,toughness and resilience.
Manufactures makes sure that they manufacture washers of different sizes and varying thickness as
they are highly used in industrial, commercial as well as household applications to provide a secure
seal. It is reliable against corrosion, reduce noise and vibration hence making it as a secure
protective shield.

Large Flat Washers

Large Flat Washers are an essential part of any fastener assembly and are used to spread the load
of a bolt or screw over a large area to help prevent them from any kind of vibration.

It provide spacing and distribute load when placed between a nut and bolt or screw as they will help
prevent distortion over a period of time. These flat washers are manufactured using thick materials
as it provides extra strength and load distribution properties whereas the tight fit of the inner
diameter minimizes the movement. Choosing the right materials for flat washer is essential while
using fastener application is necessary these washers can be found in brass, nylon, stainless steel
and many other materials. Originally used in the tool and die industry, these washers are now widely
used in machinery and component industries due to their highly reliable use.

Lock Nut Washers

A lock nut washer is an ordinary nut washer used to fasten a bolt or a screw on a surface which is
resistance to any kind of repetitive vibration.A lock nut washer is generally placed between a surface
and fastener, where the fastener goes or passes through the washer to provide a lock which enables
that there is no loosening of fastener from the surface.Technically fasteners lose due to two factors
which are spontaneous fastener loosening and slackening.

Spontaneous fastener loosening occurs due to the repetitive vibration or dynamic blows. Any
movements near the bolts or screws near the surface of joints causes the loosening of fastener
making it difficult to resist it.
Slackening occurs due to the settlement and relaxation of bolt or screw along the surface. This
mainly occurs within the first time around when tightening of fastener is being done causing it to be
in the static position which results in loss of preload and irregularities making it loose and less
reliable. A lock nut assures that there is no spontaneous loosening and slackening which allows a
higher strength.
Lock Washer Types
Split Lock Washers
A split lock washer also known as helical washer is basically a ring like structure with uneven ends .

The end of the ring acts as locking agent to the fastener providing a
strong grip to hold them tightly. These are among the widely used washers in the market due to their
anti-loosening assembly. Split lock washer should be made from material complaint to chemical
requirements of the standards given in ASME B18.21.1.
Sealing Lock Washers
These are economical washers, manufactured to provide sealing and

resistance. It uses a form of silicone rubber which is tightly bonded to

the washer which provides resistance to leakage by using the seal joints. They are perfect solution
to any sealing needs. They have a seal at both ends i.e on top as well as on the bottom of the
washer to seal the surface and encapsulating shank respectively. The rubber used to cover the
washer reduces the risk of corrosion and resist vibration.

Internal Tooth Lock Washers

Internal tooth lock washers have teeth on the inner dimension of washer to provide good

connections with the fasteners head. The outside of the washer is

smooth and are made for fasteners with small heads. Due to the internal teeth, it provides a strong
support to the nuts and bolts so that they are protected from any kind of strong force which can
cause vibration and also helpful in absorbing shock.

External Tooth Lock Washers

An external tooth washer has teeth outside the inner dimension so
that it can be locked to the surface to which the fastener is going to be attached. These washers are
made for large head fasteners. They are also very important in providing the maximum torsional
resistance.