Aluminum Anodized Conical Washer Concave Convex Countersunk Washers for Screws

説明

What is a Conical Washer?

A conical washer (also known as a Belleville washer or disc spring) is a type of washer shaped like a cone or a shallow dish. Unlike flat washers, conical washers are designed to provide spring-like tension when compressed, making them ideal for applications requiring high load-bearing capacity, vibration resistance, and flexibility under dynamic forces.

These washers are commonly used in bolted joints to maintain clamping force, compensate for thermal expansion, absorb shocks, and prevent loosening due to vibrations.

Materials

Conical washers are manufactured from various materials to suit different industrial needs, including:

• Carbon Steel – The most common material, offering high strength and durability for general applications.

• Stainless Steel (e.g., AISI 304, AISI 316) – Provides excellent corrosion resistance, making it suitable for marine, chemical, and food-processing industries.

• Alloy Steel – Heat-treated for enhanced hardness and fatigue resistance, often used in heavy machinery and automotive applications.

• Phosphor Bronze – Offers good conductivity and resistance to wear, used in electrical and electronic components.

• Inconel & Titanium – High-performance materials for extreme environments, such as aerospace and nuclear industries.

Surface Treatments

To improve performance and longevity, conical washers may undergo various surface treatments:

• Zinc Plating – Enhances corrosion resistance for steel washers.

• Black Oxide Coating – Provides mild corrosion resistance and reduces light reflection.

• Passivation (for stainless steel) – Removes free iron particles to improve corrosion resistance.

• Electropolishing – Smooths the surface for better fatigue resistance and aesthetics.

• Cadmium Plating (for aerospace applications) – Offers excellent corrosion protection and lubricity.

Specifications

Conical washers come in various dimensions and load capacities, typically defined by:

• Outer Diameter (OD) – Ranging from a few millimeters to over 100 mm.

• Inner Diameter (ID) – Must match the bolt or screw size.

• Thickness & Cone Height – Determines the spring rate and load capacity.

• Load Capacity – Measured in Newtons (N) or pounds-force (lbf), depending on material and design.

• Standards Compliance – DIN 6796 (European standard), ISO 10688 (international), or custom specifications.

Applications

Conical washers are widely used in industries where vibration damping, thermal expansion compensation, or high-load retention is required. Key applications include:

• Industrial Machinery – Heavy presses, hydraulic systems, and bolted flanges.

• Construction & Infrastructure – Bridge expansion joints and seismic-resistant structures.

• Energy Sector – Wind turbines, oil rigs, and nuclear power plants.

• Electronics & Electrical Systems – Circuit breakers and high-voltage connectors.

Excellent Case: Conical Washers in Wind Turbine Blade Bolting

Wind turbines operate under extreme dynamic loads, including high winds, vibrations, and temperature fluctuations. The bolted connections in turbine blades must remain secure over decades of use.

Solution: Engineers use high-grade stainless steel conical washers in the blade root joints. These washers maintain consistent clamping force, compensating for material relaxation and preventing bolt loosening due to cyclic stresses.

Result:

• Extended Bolt Life – Reduced maintenance costs and downtime.

• Enhanced Safety – Prevents catastrophic failures from loosened bolts.

• Improved Efficiency – Ensures optimal power generation by maintaining structural integrity.

This application demonstrates how conical washers play a critical role in renewable energy infrastructure, proving their reliability in demanding environments.