Thin flat plates with a central hole, stainless steel washers are utilized beneath a bolt head or nut. Their main functions are to distribute a threaded fastener's load, avoid surface damage to which they are fastened, and offer a frictionless bearing surface for the nut or head.
By sharing the load, they minimize the possibility of the fastener getting pulled through the material. Stainless steel works very well in washers since it offers a corrosion-protection barrier between the fastener and surface to prevent rusting and decay. They come in different types, including flat washers, lock washers, and fender washers, and all work for different specific purposes.
For example, lock washers are made in a way that nuts do not get loosened due to vibration. Fender washers are engineered to spread the load over an incredibly large surface area. Stainless steel washers are a straightforward yet totally essential component in nearly every business, from automotive to aircraft, extending bolted assemblies to length and increasing strength.