The Advantages of Using Wide-Area Washers

To some, washers may seem insignificant in the grand scheme of fastener types, but they are a crucial part of distributing load and reducing wear in many mechanical assemblies. Among the various types, wide-area washers have proven to be particularly advantageous in several applications. In this blog, we will explore the benefits of wide-area washers, diving into their design, materials, and applications to illustrate why these components are a go-to choice for numerous fastening solutions.

What Is a Wide-Area Washer?

Simply put, a wide-area washer offers a larger surface area compared to standard flat variants. This increased coverage helps in spreading the load exerted by a threaded fastener, reducing the risk of damage to the material underneath. Wide-area washers are often employed when fastening softer materials like aluminum or plastic, or when the risk of localized stress concentration must be minimized as much as possible. Additionally, wide-area washers are typically found in high-vibration environments, where they help to reduce loosening by stabilizing connections.

What Are the Different Variations of Wide-Area Washers?

Although their design may be simple in essence, flat washers come in many types, materials, sizes, and shapes to allow for more tailored solutions based on the specific needs of a project. Each type of wide-area washer serves a distinct purpose, contributing to a more secure and stable assembly.

Common Wide-Area Washer Types

• Fender Washers: These fasteners are known for their particularly large outer diameter, providing an even more extensive surface area for load distribution. Fender washers are commonly used in automotive and plumbing applications where it is imperative to prevent damage to an underlying sheet metal or plastic material.
• Torque Washers: This type of locking fastener features teeth or prongs on its inner or outer edge that dig into the surface of the material, offering extra grip and resistance to rotation. As such, they are ideal for use in high-vibration environments where standard washers may loosen over time.
• Flat Washers: While a more basic type, flat washers are also available in wide-area options.

Materials Used for Wide-Area Washers

In addition to types, the materials used in the construction of wide-area washers play a significant role in their performance. Different materials provide different levels of strength, durability, and resistance to environmental factors, ensuring that a washer serves its function effectively in diverse settings.

• Stainless Steel Washers: These washers are prized for their corrosion resistance, making them ideal for outdoor or marine environments.
• Aluminum: This material offers lightweight properties while still maintaining sufficient strength for many applications, making aluminum washers perfect for industries like aerospace, where reducing weight is often a central focus.
• Nylon: Often used when electrical insulation or non-metallic properties are required, such as in electronic or chemical environments, nylon washers offer a lightweight and corrosion-resistant alternative to other materials.

The Different Shapes and Sizes of Wide-Area Washers

Wide-area washers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with their dimensions largely determined by the specific application. While round washers are the most popular shape, these washers are also available in square, rectangular, or even custom shapes to fit specialized needs.

The dimensions of their inner diameter, outer diameter, and thickness also vary, the choice between different sizes largely depending on the load the washer will bear. Their dimensions must be chosen with care, with careful consideration that the selected washer fits the fastener properly while also providing the necessary surface area for load distribution.

Where to Buy Quality Wide-Area Washers

NSN Parts Dispatch is a one-stop procurement platform offering unrivaled access to various types of washers that are sourced from manufacturers you can trust. With this being said, we invite you to peruse our website using our catalogs or narrow down the exact items you require with our search engine and filters. Once you find any components of interest, our RFQ forms are linked across our website for the means of securing custom quotes for your consideration. As our staff is available around the clock, we always respond to requests within 15 minutes of receiving them, using all offered details to curate purchasing options that accommodate the unique specifications of each customer. Taking this into account, get in touch with a team member today to learn more about our dependable parts and services.