Selection of washers is made carefully by considering various factors like temperature, corrosion, vibration, fatigue and initial preload. Before selecting washers, it is necessary to understand about washers, their types, and applications.

What are washers?

It is a disk-shaped thin plate has a hole in the middle. The size of the washer depends upon the fastener used in combination with it. The material used for the washers is depending upon end-use. Mostly, plastic and metal washers are available.

What are the uses of washers?

Washers play a crucial role in industries, and there are two different types of standards for the formation of washers. The measures used for washers are known as type. So, there are two types of washers available for general use.

What are the types of flat washers?

Type A consists of a series of steel washers that show good tolerance and design is not a concern. They are available in size from No. 6 to 3 inch and hole size from 3/16 to 5½-in OD. The same type A washers are suitable for assemblies.
Type B washers are of higher quality and available in varied sizes and dimensions, including narrow, regular, and comprehensive. Each washer shows screw size from 0 to 3 inch and besides many standard sizes are also present in Type B washers.

A suitable material for washer manufacturing

Different materials are available for the production of washers that involves the following:
Brass: Washers of brass suits well for many applications, including plumbing involving hot water use.

Silicon bronze: Washer of silicon bronze works well in saltwater and environment containing corrosion. Specifically, these washers are useful in boats.

Stainless steel: The material helps a salt-containing environment like saltwater, chlorine, coastal line, and salted roads. Specifically, washers of SS 304 are suitable for freshwater applications. Stainless steel shows good resistance to chemicals.

What are Spring washers?

They are also known as disc springs. Spring washers are of metal discs available into an irregular shape. Further, they compress under the load, much like compression spring. The well-defined design of these washers offers a preload between joining surfaces. Spring washers are available in the simple design and useful in conditions with compensation with assembly movement. These washers work as a shock absorber in the presence of a dynamic environment. Spring washers provide a load to fasteners during an incredible backdrop.

Types of spring washers

They are of have five classes as follows:

• Belleville or conical spring washers
  These are the spring washers support a high load with small deflection. The product is also suitable in assemblies having thermal expansion and contraction phenomenon.
  These washers are available in the cone-shaped and convex design. The structure supports load-bearing with no or minor deflection. Height to thickness ratio decides the washers’ deflection ability.

• Crescent or curved spring washers
  These are another kind of spring washer support small loads. But these types of washers have a broad deflection range. Besides, crescent washers are useful inflexible and load-cycling products. These curved spring washers provide a uniform spring rate within its deflection capacity. Crescent spring washers are suitable for flexible and load-cycling applications.

• Dome spring washers
  It is also the type of spring washers that has ground curves to support high load capacity. Also, they show comparatively small deflection range.

• Finger spring washers
  These are carbon steel washers and mainly applicable to negotiating noise, wear, and vibrations of assembly. Finger Spring Washers are suitable for preloading ball bearings and other applications. These washers are useful for vibrations, noise clearance and end applications. Finger spring washers promote efficiency and smooth operation; further, it reduces wear and tear applications.

• Wave spring washers
  These washers work as cushion springs and spacers for a shaft. Wave spring washers show a moderate load-bearing ability and deflection rage. This product supports medium loads with a small deflection range. Wave spring washers absorb noise and vibrations of assembly. These fasteners prevent loosening and fatigue.