Washers help evenly distribute the force of a screw. This protects expensive machinery against potential damage. There are several different types of washers available for use in an industrial setting.

It's important that you become familiar with each type of washer so that you can select the piece of hardware that will offer the most protection for your equipment in the future.

1. Plain Washers

Plain washers have the most simplistic design. These washers are essentially flat, round pieces of hardware with a center hole for a screw. Plain washers are often used to help a fastener fit correctly when a hole is slightly larger than the fastener.

The plain washer that you select for your industrial machinery should be larger in diameter than the head of the fastener it is paired with. This will protect your equipment against surface damage caused by the head of a bolt or screw.

2. Spring Washers

Another type of washer that you will find in industrial settings is a spring washer. These washers are unique because they offer axial flexibility. This axial flexibility allows a spring washer to move and create a more flexible joint.

Spring washers are often used on industrial machines that generate a lot of movement or vibration. The flexibility of the spring washer prevents bolts and screws from coming loose when exposed to excessive movement.

The use of spring washers allows you to maintain the safety and efficiency of your machinery over time.

3. Lock Washers

The purpose of a lock washer is to secure any fasteners that have the potential to rotate or loosen over time.

Many lock washers are equipped with teeth that help them hold fasteners in place. These teeth can be located on the external edge of the washer, or on the internal ring where a fastener is inserted.

Lock washers with external teeth grip the surface they rest against. Lock washers with internal teeth grip the fastener in order to prevent unwanted movement.

You will need to consider the condition of your machinery and your intended application before deciding which type of lock washer will be able to improve the performance of your industrial equipment.

Washers are relatively small pieces of hardware that can have a big impact on the quality of your industrial machines. Be sure that you are using plain washers, spring washers, and lock washers appropriately to maximize the benefits washers have to offer.

For more information, contact an industrial washer supplier.