Fasteners are essential to many applications, and washers are among the most common fasteners. Washers sit between the nut or screw head and the material’s surface they are threading into. They help distribute the force of the fastener, prevent galvanic corrosion, and protect surfaces from damage. The most popular washer material is stainless steel, and 316 stainless steel is the most commonly used among the different types of stainless steel. This blog post will dive into 316 stainless steel washers, their properties, characteristics, and applications.
What is 316 Stainless Steel Washers?
Designers create 316 Stainless Steel Washers to offer superior corrosion resistance and durability compared to other types of stainless steel washers. They contain molybdenum, a special alloy element that helps them resist pitting in chloride environments. As such, they’re ideal for use where exposure to salt water or acid-based chemicals is present.
Their ductility allows manufacturers to form them into various shapes and sizes depending on their intended application. They often find use in marine/petroleum applications, chemical processing equipment, medical devices, and more, making them extremely versatile components for any project. The strength of the 316 SS washer also allows them fast installation/dismantling without deformation of the part itself.
Properties and Characteristics of 316 Stainless Steel Washer
316 stainless steel is an austenitic grade of stainless steel consisting of molybdenum, chromium, and nickel. It is highly corrosion-resistant, making it ideal for use in marine environments, chemical processing, and medical equipment. Some of the properties and characteristics of 316 stainless steel washers include:
Corrosion Resistance:
316 stainless steel washers offer superior resistance to corrosion compared to standard carbon steel washers. They resist pitting and crevice corrosion, making them ideal for harsh environments.
High Strength:
316 stainless steel washers have high tensile strength and withstand extreme temperatures and pressures.
Non-Magnetic:
The stainless steel 316 washer is non-magnetic and does not react to magnetic fields.
Hygienic:
Stainless steel 316 washer is easy to clean and maintain, making them ideal for use in the food and medical industries.
Applications of SS 316 Washer
SS 316 washers are widely used in a variety of applications, including but not limited to:
Marine and Offshore:
Due to their superior corrosion resistance, 316 stainless steel washer is commonly used in offshore and marine environments to ensure dependability and longevity in harsh conditions.
Chemical Processing:
316 SS washers are frequently used in chemical processing as they can withstand aggressive chemical environments and resist corrosion.
Medical Equipment:
Medical equipment uses washers made from 316 stainless steel because of their non-reactive properties, hygiene, and easy-to-clean surface.
Construction:
Construction environments often use stainless steel washers because of their durability and corrosion-resistant properties, making them ideal for supporting concrete structures.
Automotive and Aerospace:
Automotive and aerospace industries often use 316 stainless steel washer to withstand extreme temperatures and resist corrosion.
Conclusion:
316 stainless steel washer is an excellent choice for applications where strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion are essential. Their corrosion-resistant properties make them ideal for harsh environments, such as offshore and marine environments, chemical processing, and medical equipment. In addition, they are non-magnetic and easy to clean, making them hygienic and suitable for applications where cleanliness is essential.
Whether you need washers for construction, automotive, aerospace, or any other application, 316 SS washers are versatile. When selecting washers, it’s essential to understand the properties, characteristics, and applications of 316 stainless steel washer to ensure you have the right washer.
