THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO STAINLESS STEEL 316 WASHERS What is Washer? A washer is a thin plate (typically disk-shaped) with a hole (typically in the center) that is normally used to distribute the load of a threaded fastener, such as a bolt or nut. Washers can also relieve friction, prevent corrosion or leakage, maintain tension, and may serve as a spacer. High-quality bolted joints require hardened steel washers to prevent the loss of preload due to permanent indentation after the torque is applied. Washers are also important for preventing galvanic corrosion, particularly by insulating steel screws from aluminum surfaces.
Washers can be categorized into three types: Plain washers, distribute the load to a relatively larger area minimizing the stress present in the bolt and nut while preventing damage to the surface being fixed. Spring washers, have axial flexibility and are used to prevent fastening or loosening due to vibrations. Locking washers, which prevent fastening or loosening by preventing unscrewing rotation of the fastening device. Locking washers are a type of spring washer.
Stainless Steel 316 Washers also referred to as blind rivet washers are used to distribute loads while fastening bolts and screws in clamping and other fixing applications. 316 SS Flat Washers are flat and ring-shaped. Flat or plain washers are generally used in applications where the hole of the washer has a larger diameter than the fixing nut. The coatings or finishes used on grade 316 Stainless Steel Finish Washers include electroplating, phosphate, browning or bluing, and chemical plating. Finishing the 316 Stainless Steel Cup Washers is done in order to reduce friction and wear by hardening their surface or by providing a solid, self-lubricating surface. One of the most commonly used coating materials used to finish stainless steel is zinc. Zinc has good corrosion resistance and acts as a sacrificial layer in highly corrosive environments. Besides zinc, nickel, chromium, and silver is used to finish these washers.
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