Product Name
Leister 100.812 - PLAIN WASHER M5
Brief Description
A plain washer, also known as a flat washer, is a thin, flat, disk-shaped component with a central hole. Its primary function is to distribute the load of a threaded fastener, such as a screw or nut, evenly over a wider surface area, thereby preventing damage to the fastened material and reducing concentrated surface pressure. Beyond load distribution, it can also serve as a spacer, provide electrical insulation, or act as a barrier to prevent corrosion.
Popular Applications & Uses
- Spreading the load of bolts, screws, and nuts to prevent surface damage and deformation.- Acting as a spacer for alignment and optimizing space in various assemblies.- Providing electrical insulation in electronic assemblies by isolating conductive surfaces.- Preventing corrosion by creating a barrier between dissimilar metals or protecting against environmental factors.- Used in general fastening, assembly, and maintenance tasks across numerous industries.- Supporting connections where the hole diameter in the material is larger than the fastener's nut or head.
Industries that Commonly Use It
- Aerospace/Defense- Automotive Service/Repair- Construction/ Building Services- Electrical Services or Products- Food & Beverage Company or Distributor- Furniture- General Manufacturing- Marine- Metal Fabrication- Pool/Spa/Plumbing- Prosumer- Transportation/ Specialty Vehicle
Special and Unique Features
- **Load Distribution:** Effectively spreads the pressure exerted by fasteners over a larger surface area, enhancing joint integrity.- **Surface Protection:** Prevents dents, deformation, and other forms of damage to the material being fastened.- **Spacing and Alignment:** Can be utilized to optimize spacing and ensure proper alignment within mechanical assemblies.- **Versatility:** Highly adaptable for a wide range of static fastening applications where load spreading is crucial.- **Corrosion Prevention:** Acts as a protective barrier between dissimilar metals, helping to prevent galvanic corrosion.- **Electrical Insulation:** When made from non-conductive materials, or used as a buffer, it can provide electrical insulation.
Key Properties
- **Size/Diameter:** M5, specifically designed for use with M5 threaded fasteners.- **Material:** Commonly made from steel (e.g., mild steel, carbon steel, stainless steel grades like A2/304 or A4/316), but can also be found in brass, aluminum, nylon, rubber, or fiber, depending on application requirements.- **Finish:** Often available in plain, zinc-plated, or self-colored finishes to provide varying levels of corrosion resistance and aesthetic appeal.- **Standard Compliance:** Frequently manufactured to international standards such as DIN 125A, ISO 7089, or BS4320.- **Shape:** A flat, circular disk with a precisely sized central hole.
Surface Compatibility
- Compatible with various metal surfaces (e.g., steel, aluminum, brass) when used to distribute fastener loads.- Suitable for use with soft or brittle materials such as wood, plastic, or thin sheet metal to prevent damage from fastener pressure.- Can be used with conductive surfaces for electrical insulation if the washer itself is made from a non-conductive material like nylon.- Compatible with surfaces in corrosive or humid environments when manufactured from appropriate materials like stainless steel or zinc-plated steel.
Known backups / known substitutes
- **Other Washer Types:**- Lock washers (e.g., split lock, tooth lock, wedge lock) are used for anti-loosening in high-vibration environments.- Spring washers (e.g., Belleville, wave, curved disc) provide axial flexibility, absorb vibration, and maintain tension.- Fender washers, with their larger outer diameter, are used for spreading loads on soft or thin materials.- Shoulder washers, typically non-conductive, are used for insulation purposes.- **Non-Metal Alternatives:**- Nylon washers offer insulation, friction reduction, and chemical resistance.- Rubber washers are effective for shock/vibration absorption and sealing applications.- Fiber washers provide insulation and reduce friction.- Other plastic or leather washers may be used for specific, less demanding applications.
Comparison Note
Plain washers are the most common and fundamental type of washer, primarily designed for load distribution and surface protection. Unlike lock washers or spring washers, they do not inherently possess anti-loosening properties or provide active spring tension to resist vibration. Their strength lies in their simplicity and effectiveness in static applications where even load distribution and the preservation of surface integrity are paramount.
