Mild Steel Washers
Plain Washer
A plain washer, also known as a flat washer, is a thin, flat, circular metal or non-metallic disc with a hole in the center. It is used in conjunction with a nut or bolt to provide a smooth bearing surface, distribute the load, and prevent damage to the material being fastened.The primary function of a plain washer is to distribute the load of the fastener over a larger surface area, reducing the pressure on the material and preventing it from being crushed or deformed. This is particularly important when fastening soft or brittle materials such as wood or plastic.Plain washers can also help prevent loosening of the fastener by adding friction between the nut or bolt head and the material surface. They can act as a spacer, providing a small gap between the fastener and the material, which can be useful in applications where alignment or clearance is required.
Machine Washer
A machined washer, also known as a precision washer or engineered washer, is a type of washer that is precisely manufactured with tight tolerances and specific dimensions using machining processes. Unlike standard plain washers, which are typically stamped or formed from sheet metal, machined washers are created through machining operations such as milling, turning, or grinding.Machined washers are often used in applications that require a high degree of precision, accuracy, and load-bearing capacity. They are commonly used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, and machinery, where strict specifications and quality standards are required.The machining process allows for tighter dimensional control, ensuring precise inner and outer diameters, thickness, and flatness. Machined washers may also feature specific surface finishes or chamfered edges, depending on the application requirements.
Star Washer
A star washer, also known as a shakeproof washer or toothed washer, is a type of washer that has teeth or serrations on its inner or outer circumference. These teeth are designed to bite into the mating surfaces, such as the nut, bolt head, or the material being fastened, providing a locking or anti-vibration effect.The star washer’s teeth create additional friction between the washer and the surfaces it comes into contact with, helping to prevent loosening or rotation of the fastener due to vibration or external forces. The teeth dig into the material, creating resistance and increasing the grip of the fastener.Star washers are commonly used in applications where vibration or movement may cause fasteners to become loose, such as in machinery, automotive components, or electrical connections. They are often used in combination with other fasteners, such as bolts or screws, to provide a secure and reliable joint.
Taper Washer
A taper washer, also known as a conical washer or Belleville washer, is a type of washer that has a conical shape, meaning it tapers from a larger diameter to a smaller diameter. This unique design allows taper washers to provide a spring-like action when compressed.Taper washers are commonly used in applications where there is a need for controlled tension, compensation for thermal expansion or contraction, or to maintain pressure under dynamic loads. Some of their typical applications include bolted joints, flange connections, valves, and hydraulic systems.The spring-like action of taper washers allows them to exert a constant force when compressed between two surfaces. This force helps to maintain tension in the joint, compensate for settling or relaxation of the joint, and prevent the loss of preload in the fastener assembly due to thermal expansion or vibration.
