Metallic Flat Washers  
   
A flat disc with a centrally located hole
Provides a bearing surface thus minimizing surface wear
Distributes fastener loads evenly to minimize surface deformation (when tightening fasteners)
Conducts electricity
May cover large clearance holes
Has more compression strength and can handle higher forces than non-metallic
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Aluminum 5712
Light weight — 1/3 the weight of steel
Good sealing capability
Non-magnetic
Good electrical conductor (30% copper)
Good heat conductor (70 btu/hr/sq ft/°F/ft)
May be anodized to increase corrosion resistance and is available in a wide variety of colors
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Beryllium Copper 5718
Good electrical conductor (17-22% copper)
May be heat treated for higher strength
Corrosion resistant
Non-magnetic
Good heat conductor (68 btu/hr/sq ft/°F/ft)
Good vase metal for plating
Excellent spring material
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Brass 5714
Good electrical conductor (26% copper)
Non-magnetic
Excellent plating base
Corrosion resistant — especially in a marine environment
Good heat conductor (70 btu/hr/sq ft/°F/ft)
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Copper 5716
Excellent electrical conductor (100% copper)
Excellent sealing capability
Corrosion resistant
Good plating base
Excellent thermal conductivity (225 btu/hr/sq ft/°F/ft)
Non-magnetic
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Phosphor Bronze 5720
Good bearing surface
Non-magnetic
Good electrical conductor (15% copper)
High strength
High temperature resistance
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Steel 5702
Least expensive metallic washer
Good plating base
Fair electrical conductor (12% copper)
Most commonly used material
Highest strength for cost
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Stainless Steel 5710
Excellent corrosion resistance
May be passivated for increased corrosion resistance
High strength
Low magnetic permeability — can vary with alloy and temper
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Titanium 5706
Extreme high temperature applications
Corrosion resistant
Quite expensive
High strength to weight ratio

Covers large clearance holes.

 

The terms washer, shim and spacer are essentially interchangeable and often dictated by personal preference.
Covers large clearance holes.
The terms washer, shim and spacer are essentially interchangeable and often dictated by personal preference.
 
Non-Metallic Flat Washers
   
A flat disc with centrally located hole.
Electrical and thermal insulation or isolation.
Sealing — because they can conform to the surface configuration.
Cushioning — because of elastic or plastic properties.
Protects surface finishes.
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Acetal 5614
Good electrical insulator (400-465 v/mil)
Low water absorption rate
Good cold flow resistance
High strength for a non-metallic
Good bearing qualities
High toughness
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Fibre 5602

Low cost
Fair electrical insulator (150-250 v/mil)
Fair mechanical properties
Good thermal conductivity for a non-metallic
(.25 btu/hr/sq ft/°F/ft)
Good cold flow resistance
Not recommended for humid environments
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Fibreglass
• Epoxy 5621

Good electrical insulator (400 v/mil)
High mechanical strength at room temperature
Low water absorption rate
Good dimensional stability
Not recommended for extremely high compression applications
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• Melamine 5621
Good thermal conductivity for a non-metallic
(.29 btu/hr/sq ft/°F/ft)
Best mechanical properties of fibreglass
Good electrical insulator (350 v/mil) particularly in humid environments
Good dimensional stability
Non recommended for extremely high compression applications
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Kapton 5611
Excellent electrical insulator (700 v/mil)
Good for high temperature applications
High dimensional stability
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Mica 5624
Excellent electrical insulator (3000-6000 v/mil)
Excellent for high temperature applications
Relatively expensive to fabricate
Material tends to flake and chip
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Mylar 5622
Extremely good electrical insulator (4000 v/mil)
Less expensive alternate to Kapton for lower temperature applications
Good dimensional stability
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Neoprene 5613
Cushioning properties
Excellent abrasion resistance
Good oil & gasoline resistance
Excellent flame resistance
Excellent sealing qualities
Resilient — tear resistant
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Nylatron (Molybdenum disulfide impregnated nylon) 5615
Excellent anti-frictional properties
Heat resistant to 400°F
Stronger than nylon and better dimensional stability
Not recommended for an electrical insulator
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Nylon (Polyamide) 5610
Good electrical insulator (385 v/mil)
High strength
Good anti-fractional properties
Heat resistant to 300°F
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Phenolics
• CE 5620

Good electrical insulator (225 v/mil)
Good cold flow resistance
Fair water absorption rate
Moderate shear strength
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• LE 5620
Good electrical insulator (225 v/mil)
Mechanical properties not as good as “CE” but better than “XXXP”
Easiest to fabricate
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• XXXP 5620
Lowest water absorption rate
Good electrical insulator (325 v/mil)
More difficult to fabricate
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Polyethylene 5617
Low cost — very common plastic
Good electrical insulator 460 v/mil)
Very low water absorption rate
Good sealing properties
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Teflon (polytetrafluoroethylene) 5612
Excellent chemical and corrosion resistance
Very low water absorption rate
High heat resistance
Excellent anti-fractional properties
Excellent impact strength at low temperature
Good electrical insulator (480 v/mil)
Great for frying eggs!

Covers large clearance holes.
 
The terms washer, shim and spacer are essentially interchangeable and often dictated by personal preference.