Washers

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
S2207 Switchcraft / Conxall	WASHER FLAT PLASTIC	481
S10221 Switchcraft / Conxall	WASHER FLAT 3/8 STEEL	4977
S10451 Switchcraft / Conxall	WASHER FLAT 3/8 COPPER ALLOY	675
S1028 Switchcraft / Conxall	WASHER FLAT PLASTIC	393
S17901 Switchcraft / Conxall	WASHER FLAT 1/4 STEEL	459
P10149X Switchcraft / Conxall	WASHER INTERNAL TOOTH	1208
S3997 Switchcraft / Conxall	WASHER FLAT 1/4 STEEL	0
P2061 Switchcraft / Conxall	WASHER FLAT	0
S-2207 Switchcraft / Conxall	WASHER FLAT PLASTIC	0
P10149 Switchcraft / Conxall	WASHER INTERNAL TOOTH	0
P10603 Switchcraft / Conxall	WASHER INTERNAL TOOTH	0

Washers

1. Overview

Washers are thin plate-like mechanical components with a central hole, typically used to distribute the load of threaded fasteners, prevent loosening, or create seals. As critical elements in assembly systems, they enhance structural integrity, reduce wear, and improve vibration resistance. Modern engineering applications rely on washers to optimize performance across diverse environments.

2. Major Types & Functional Classification

Type	Functional Characteristics	Application Examples
Flat Washers	Distribute load, prevent surface damage	Machinery bases, construction equipment
Spring Washers	Provide axial tension, absorb vibrations	Automotive engines, railway tracks
Lock Washers	Prevent nut/bolt rotation under vibration	Aerospace fasteners, industrial pumps
Sealing Washers	Create fluid/gas-tight barriers	Pipe flanges, hydraulic systems

3. Structure & Composition

Typical washers feature a flat annular design with precise inner/outer diameter ratios. Advanced variants incorporate:

Material composition: Carbon steel, stainless steel, plastic, or composite polymers
Surface treatments: Zinc plating, phosphating, or PTFE coatings
Geometric features: Chamfered edges, wave patterns, or split designs for spring action

4. Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Importance
Material Hardness (HV/HRC)	Determines wear resistance and load capacity
Inner Diameter Tolerance ( m)	Affects fit precision with fasteners
Corrosion Resistance (hrs in salt spray)	Dictates service life in harsh environments
Spring Rate (N/mm)	Measures elasticity for vibration damping
Operating Temperature Range ( C)	Defines thermal stability limits

5. Application Fields

Automotive: Engine assembly, suspension systems
Construction: Steel structure connections
Aerospace: Aircraft engine mounts
Electronics: PCB mounting with EMI shielding washers
Renewable Energy: Wind turbine blade fastening

6. Leading Manufacturers & Products

Manufacturer	Representative Product	Key Feature
Nord-Lock Group	X-series washers	wedge-locking system for vibration resistance
ITW Shakeproof	Prevailing torque washers	Deformable split ring design
MISUMI	FCMZ series spring washers	Optimized for robotic assembly

7. Selection Recommendations

Key considerations include:

Environmental conditions (temperature, corrosion potential)
Load requirements vs. material strength
Fastener size and thread pitch compatibility
Vibration characteristics of the assembly
Cost-effectiveness for production volume

Example: Selecting stainless steel Belleville washers for offshore wind turbine bolts ensures corrosion resistance and maintains clamping force under dynamic loads.

Industry Trends

Emerging trends include:

Development of lightweight composite washers for aerospace applications
Smart washers with embedded strain sensors for structural health monitoring
Self-lubricating coatings to reduce maintenance requirements
Standardization efforts for global interchangeability in automotive manufacturing