What Are Spring Washers and How Are They Used?
If you have worked with fastened assemblies that involve the use of bolts and nuts, there is a good chance that you have handled washers at some point. These components typically come in the form of flat, circular disks that contain a hole in the middle, and they are generally placed between the head of a bolt and the surface of a workpiece. With a washer, one can achieve a number of goals, ranging from the distribution of fastener loads to creating space between two surfaces. Based on one’s needs, there are a variety of washer types that one may choose from. In this blog, we will discuss the spring washer in particular, that of which is a unique type that can protect assemblies from a variety of stresses and forces.
Spring washers are conical in shape, meaning that they will not sit flat against a surface unless a load is applied to them. With this characteristic, spring washers offer a spring force while absorbing shock through the implementation of an axial load that counters any vibrations. As such, spring washers can ensure that fasteners do not loosen and come apart with ease.
If you have assemblies or machinery that often faces rattle, shock loads, or tension, then a spring washer may be a suitable choice for bolted joints. Additionally, such washers will also offer controlled reactions for dynamic loads. For their particular applications, spring washers are found in electrical, industrial, oil & gas, and valve assemblies across a variety of industries.
When choosing between spring washers, it is important to understand that the deflection rate offered by a washer is determined by its dimensions and material construction. For example, Belleville conical spring washers are thicker and taller than more conventional types, allowing them to take on higher loads while remaining effective in the support of high tension, bolted assemblies. With a tighter tension force, the nut of an assembly can also be locked in place with high security when using Belleville conical spring washers.
For their installation, spring washers follow the same general process that is used for implementing flat washers. The first step is to place the spring washer under the threaded fastener that will secure workpieces, and the concave side of the washer should be facing the bearing or flange surface. Meanwhile, the convex side should be in contact with the nut, bolt head, or both. This placement should allow for the nut or threaded fastener to be secured in place, and it is often recommended to place the spring washer on first to ensure proper implementation.
Before proceeding, confirm that the washer is sitting flush against the fastener and the workpiece surface so that a tight connection can be established. Once this is done, proper torque can be implemented to tighten the assembly together, and wrenches or ratchets are often useful for getting the job done. Lastly, you should look over the washer and assembly to ensure that it is performing correctly. If any issue in installation is found, you should loosen the nut or fastener so that the washer placement can be fixed.
If you find yourself in need of spring washer products or threaded fasteners, we at One Click Aviation can fulfill all your operational needs with top-quality parts that source from leading manufacturers that we trust. As you explore our expansive inventory of items, please note that all can be purchased at any time. To request a quote on items of interest, fill out and submit an RFQ form as provided on our website at your earliest convenience. Once we receive and review your request, you can expect a customized solution that caters to your needs in just 15 minutes or less.
Share
