Stainless steel washers are ideal for fastener assemblies needed to hold materials and products together under harsh and abusive conditions. That’s because steel washers made from stainless steel:
- Are exceptionally strong
- Are cosmetically appealing and low maintenance
- Offer great resistance to corrosion, ideal for marine and food industry applications
- Are readily available in a variety of alloys, sizes, and thicknesses for a wide range of uses
Located in Canton, MA, Electronic Fasteners offers a wide range of stainless steel fasteners to meet the needs of any project.
Stainless steel washers encompass a variety of corrosion-resistant steel alloys containing chromium, nickel, iron, manganese, silicon, carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorous, molybdenum, titanium, niobium, copper, tungsten, and vanadium. When the proportions are changed, the characteristics of the washer alloy change. These washers are corrosion-resistant but not corrosion-proof, which means corrosion can occur if the material is installed or handled incorrectly. The corrosion can vary, from something as little as visual damage only to something as serious as functional loss through pitting or crevice corrosion. Corrosion can be the result of various factors but typically is caused by a lack of available oxygen which prevents the formation of a natural and self-repairing barrier of chromium-oxide on the surface of stainless steel material.
Chromium gives stainless steel washers its anti-corrosion property by allowing the formulation of an invisible chromium-oxide film on its surface which is known as a passive layer. This layer or film can self-repair if damaged mechanically or chemically when it has available oxygen, even in small quantities. This corrosion resistance may be enhanced by increasing the chromium content and adding other elements to the alloy such as nickel, molybdenum, and titanium. As a result, the fastener has improved properties and an extended life span.
Selecting the proper stainless steel washers begins by narrowing down the list. Considerations include: what environment is it being used in, what type of fastener will be connected to the washer, and whether a specialized alloy is necessary. Making sure that the washer and fastener are made from compatible alloys is essential for optimizing performance and minimizing corrosion. Furthermore, it is recommended to use a corrosion-resistant coating on the finished product like zinc plating, hot-dip galvanizing, or anodizing to further enhance its corrosion resistance and extend its potential lifespan. With over 60 years of experience, Electronic Fasteners is here to help with all of your fastener needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can find the right fastener solutions.
