Stainless Steel Oval Washer Waterproof High Quality Plain Finish Elliptic Flat Washer

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What is an Oval Washer?

An oval washer, also known as an elliptical washer, is a type of non-standard flat washer characterized by its unique oval shape. Unlike standard round washers, its elongated design provides a larger bearing surface in one direction. This makes it particularly useful for applications involving slotted or oversized holes, where it helps to distribute the load more effectively, prevent bolt head or nut from pulling through the hole, and compensate for misalignment or irregular surfaces.

Materials

Oval washers are manufactured from a variety of materials, selected based on the required strength, corrosion resistance, and environmental conditions of the application. Common materials include:

• Carbon Steel: The most common material, known for its high strength and durability. Often used in general construction and industrial applications.

• Stainless Steel: (e.g., Grades 304 and 316) Offers excellent corrosion resistance, making it ideal for marine, chemical, and food processing environments.

• Brass: Provides good corrosion resistance and electrical conductivity, and is often used in plumbing, electrical, and decorative applications.

• Aluminum: Valued for its light weight and good corrosion resistance. Commonly used in aerospace and automotive industries.

• Plastic (Nylon, PTFE): Used for their electrical insulation properties, chemical resistance, and in applications where marring a surface is a concern.

Surface Finishes

The surface finish is applied to enhance the washer’s properties, such as improving corrosion resistance, reducing friction, or improving aesthetics.

• Zinc Plating: A very common finish for carbon steel washers, providing a good level of corrosion resistance (e.g., clear, yellow, or blue chromate).

• Hot-Dip Galvanizing: Provides a thick, durable zinc coating for superior corrosion protection in harsh outdoor environments.

• Black Oxide: Offers a mild corrosion resistance and improves appearance while reducing light glare.

• Passivation: A treatment for stainless steel washers that enhances the natural oxide layer for maximum corrosion resistance.

• Electropolishing: Primarily for stainless steel, this process improves corrosion resistance and provides a smooth, cleanable surface.

Specifications

Oval washers are defined by several key dimensional specifications:

• Major Axis (Length): The longer outside dimension of the oval.

• Minor Axis (Width): The shorter outside dimension of the oval.

• Inside Dimensions (Hole Size): The length and width of the inner slot or hole, which is also typically oval-shaped to accommodate movement.

• Thickness: The gauge of the material.
  These washers are often specified to fit a particular bolt size (e.g., for a ½” bolt) and are designed to match the width of the slot they are intended for.

Application Fields

The unique shape of oval washers makes them suitable for a wide range of applications across numerous industries:

• Construction and Structural Engineering: Used in steel frame buildings, bridges, and brackets with slotted holes to allow for thermal expansion and contraction.

• Automotive and Transportation: Employed in vehicle chassis, body panels, and exhaust systems where vibration and movement are factors.

• Railway Industry: Critical for rail fastening systems, allowing for track adjustment and expansion.

• Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing: Used to accommodate misalignment in assembled parts and to provide a stable bearing surface under vibrating machinery.

• Marine and Offshore Applications: Stainless steel or hot-dip galvanized oval washers are used to combat corrosive saltwater environments.

• Electronics: Used to isolate vibrations and provide grounding in some assemblies.

An Excellent Case: Securing Solar Panel Mounting Systems

A prime example of the oval washer’s critical function is in the installation of ground-mounted solar panel arrays.

The Challenge: The metal rails that hold the solar panels are attached to fixed posts driven into the ground. These structures are exposed to daily and seasonal temperature fluctuations, causing the metal rails to expand and contract significantly. If standard round washers were used with the slotted holes in the mounting brackets, the bolt head could loosen or lose its clamping force as the metal moves. Furthermore, the constant stress could lead to material fatigue and failure.

The Solution: Engineers specify hot-dip galvanized carbon steel oval washers for this application. The oval washer is placed under the bolt head or nut, aligning its longer axis with the direction of the slotted hole.

The Outcome:

• Compensates for Movement: The washer allows the bolt to shift back and forth along the slot as the rail expands and contracts, maintaining constant pressure and preventing the connection from becoming loose.

• Distributes Load: The large surface area of the washer distributes the clamping force over a wider area of the bracket, preventing deformation of the slotted hole.

• Prevents Corrosion: The hot-dip galvanized finish provides long-term protection against weathering, rain, and humidity, ensuring the integrity of the connection for decades.

• Ensures Reliability: By accommodating thermal movement, the oval washer eliminates stress points, ensuring the entire solar array structure remains secure, stable, and reliable over its long service life.