What Is a Silicone Washer?
A silicone washer, a part inserted between a screw or bolt and its seat when tightening, stabilizes the seat and prevents loosening. It is made from various resins such as PTFE, PEEK, and PPS, differing from metal washers which can rust and are not insulated.
Silicone washers are resistant to rust and provide insulation against corrosion. However, their properties, such as resistance to deterioration, cracking, and high temperatures, vary depending on the resin type.
Types of Silicone Washers
There are different types of silicone washers, including flat washers that are even on both sides and spring washers that are uneven. Specialized washers like rosette washers for countersunk screws and thrust washers suitable for rotating parts like bearings are also available. Each type has a specific shape and orientation for screw fitting.
Materials
Silicone washers are made from various materials, including PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PC (polycarbonate), PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), nylon, fiber, and POM (Duracon). Their chemical structures and physical properties vary; for instance, PTFE is chemically resistant and durable, while PPS can withstand temperatures up to 200 °C.
Choosing the appropriate material for the silicone washer is crucial, depending on the environment in which it will be used.
Use of Silicone Washers
Silicone washers function like metal washers in preventing loosening, protecting base materials, and preventing sinking and fall-off. They are typically used between the seat and the base metal. Some resin washers can also act as elastic washers when placed between metal washers.
These washers are used in automobiles, construction, home appliances, industrial machinery, and DIY projects. They also find applications in civil engineering for earthquake resistance and ground subsidence countermeasures. In chemical plants, resin washers with high chemical resistance are preferred due to the use of corrosive chemicals.