Stainless steel conical washer

Description

Conical washers, also known as Belleville washers or disc springs, are specialized washers with a conical shape. They are used for various applications where spring-like properties or the ability to maintain tension under load is required.

Here are some key features and common applications of conical washers:

Features:
Conical Shape: Conical washers have a curved, conical shape with a larger outer diameter and a smaller inner diameter. This shape allows them to act as springs and provide a controlled amount of tension and compression.
Spring-like Properties: Conical washers are designed to exert a specific amount of force or tension when compressed. They can be stacked in series to achieve different levels of spring rate and load capacity.

Various Materials: Conical washers are available in different materials such as steel, stainless steel, and non-metallic materials like plastic or rubber, depending on the specific application requirements.
Common Applications:

Bolted Joints: Conical washers are often used in bolted joints to provide preload or tension in applications where maintaining clamping force is critical. They help compensate for relaxation or settling of the joint over time.

Vibration Damping: Conical washers are utilized in applications that experience vibrations, shocks, or dynamic loads. They act as shock absorbers, minimizing the transmission of vibrations and reducing the risk of loosening or failure of the connected components.

Electrical Connections: Conical washers find applications in electrical connections, such as battery terminals or high-voltage connections. They help maintain continuous electrical contact and compensate for thermal expansion and contraction.

Mechanical Assemblies: Conical washers are used in various mechanical assemblies, such as pumps, valves, and industrial equipment. They provide a controlled amount of tension and compensate for thermal expansion or contraction in the system.

Spring Applications: Conical washers are sometimes used as standalone springs in applications where a compact and space-saving design is required. They can be used in applications like clutches, brakes, and suspension systems.

Load Indicators: Conical washers with calibrated dimensions can be used as load indicators or load monitoring devices. By measuring the deformation or compression of the washer, the applied load or tension can be estimated.

Conical washers should be selected based on the specific application requirements, including the desired force/tension, load capacity, material compatibility, and environmental conditions.