What are the respective functions of spring washers and flat washers?

Spring washers, also known as spring washers, are characterized by their elasticity. The most common type is circular, with an offset opening in the center that forms a structure resembling a single coil of a spring. This design allows the spring washer to generate elastic force when pressure is applied. This force increases the friction between the fastener and the connected component, thereby preventing loosening. Especially in environments with significant vibration, the elastic force of the spring washer can compensate for gaps caused by vibration, preventing loosening. Therefore, when installing, a higher preload is not necessarily better; if the preload is too high, it actually hinders the spring washer from effectively utilizing its elastic force.

Flat washers, on the other hand, are a simpler type of washer. They are commonly circular as well, but they are flat, unbroken circles with a large effective contact area. Their primary function is to increase the contact area between the fastener and the connected component, thereby distributing pressure per unit area and preventing the fastener from damaging the connected component. In fact, just like spring washers, flat washers require careful consideration regarding factors such as the appropriate coefficient of friction on the contact surface and the optimal material hardness, in addition to their role in distributing pressure.

APPLICATION:

Spring washers are primarily used in applications involving vibration, such as power equipment and non-stationary machinery. Additionally, they are suitable for scenarios involving frequent disassembly and reassembly, as they maintain a certain level of clamping performance even after multiple cycles.

Flat washers are commonly used in various connection points where it is necessary to increase the contact area and evenly distribute pressure, thereby protecting the surfaces of the connected parts from damage. Additionally, in situations where high surface flatness is required, flat washers can be used to compensate for surface irregularities, ensuring a tighter connection.