While fastening a screws, bolts and nuts to hold, fasten, and to apply force as a means of power transmission, you may wonder why it is important to place a “washer” along with it.
It is because washer in combination with fasteners plays a very important function such that it protects the surface contact area of the nut or bolt head. To start with, the main purpose of washers is to propagate the surface area to gain more force at 45 degrees angle distribution.
In general there are several types of washers depending on the application. It is therefore very important to know each type and use in order to have a more secured work being done.
1.Split type is spring washers that absorbs shock and reduces squeaks.
2.A serrated washer serves as anti-twist lock intents to ensure screws and bolts are secured in place. For heavier loads, a Bellevue washer is used.
3.Washers in some application serve as gasket or sealant. Copper or soft material is used in order to collapse to seal. This type of is intended to a single use only. Washers are available in light, medium, and heavy duty.
4.The plain, light duty washer is used to preserve surfaces. It increases surface area for more holding force.
5.The plain heavy duty washers are also available for specific heavy duty application.
6.The Bellevue washer has tremendous compression force that is used for critical bolt locking for safety reason as in belt drives, pulleys and aeronautics application. It also serves the purpose of increasing the surface area for more holding force. Added application feature for this type is to serve as cushioning springs to compensate surface pressure like in plastic. Molds or typical application of these washers usually uses a L-6 spring steel material.
7.The Split spring washer does not lock as what we normally perceived. The Split spring serves as shock absorber for rattle, vibrating parts and therefore suppresses the noise level.
8.The Serrated, single or double toothed washer locks the fasteners in place using the serrated tooth in either external, internal or both. It is available in flat surface application, counter sink, light and heavy duty. This type of washers is what you need for locking fasteners but has a bad reputation of damaging the surface mounting area when soft.
Remember, the use of this very simple yet effective piece of material can be a life saver. It distinguishes the difference between injury and safety. It is therefore important to know its types and usage for each specific fastening application.
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