Whether it’s a luxury car, a state-of-the-art aircraft, or perhaps an appliance inside your home, it takes many parts big and small to make these items perform at peak efficiency. One of the smallest parts found in these and other things is an industrial washer. A part that rarely gets the credit it deserves, here are some ways industrial washers flex plenty of muscle within the business world.
Why is an Industrial Washer Necessary?
Looking like a small metal donut, an industrial washer is used in many items to either absorb shock, distribute a fastener’s load, or as a spacer. The hole in its middle, which can vary in size, allows for a screw or bolt to pass through so that it can be tightened. Depending on the size of the hole and the type of metal used to make the washer, various ranges of strength and stress resistance can be produced.
What Happens Without a Washer?
When industrial washers are not used, many negative things can happen. When a fastener such as a screw or a bolt does not have a washer, the surfaces to which they are fastened tend to suffer varying types of stress damage, which may include cracks and other similar problems. When washers are in place, the load and stress from the fastener are more evenly distributed, resulting in a much stronger and more secure hold.
Washer as a Spacer
In some products where fasteners like bolts or screws are used, the fasteners are longer than the depth of the hole in which they are being inserted. To solve this problem, an industrial washer is used as a spacer. In doing so, this will ensure there will not be a gap within the hole once the fastener is in place, thereby making the connection secure.
Sealing
Finally, industrial washers are also used to help form a tight seal in various products, especially those containing neoprene. Combining the strength of the washer with the sealing ability of the material, the result is a very tight seal that will help to prevent dripping and leaking. In addition to helping with sealing, these washers also lessen vibrations and help prevent rust and corrosion that may begin to form if a leak goes unchecked.
One of the simplest parts that can be made from metal, industrial washers perform a number of important functions. Whether it’s helping to keep an aircraft wing stable or keeping an appliance secured once it’s put together, a washer does all this and much more.