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When to Use Plastic Washers

As a common alternative to metal washers, plastic washers for screws provide watertight seals, minimize vibrations, and offer unique benefits over their metal counterparts. These opaque or clear plastic washers are available in a wide range of material options to suit nearly every application. Here, we’ll discuss when to use plastic washers, including the common materials to consider when selecting a washer for your specific application.

Plastic Washers

delrin washersLike metal washers, plastic washers are disks with a hole in the center and function primarily to distribute a fastener’s load. Because of their nonmetal composition, plastic washers do not cause sparks, creating a safer and more reliable work environment. Plastic washers also streamline production by decreasing maintenance downtime.

For these reasons, plastic washers are an attractive, cost-effective option for many applications. Other benefits of plastic washers include:

  • Vibration and shock resistance
  • High-temperature resistance
  • Weather resistance
  • Water and moisture resistance
  • Nonmagnetic
  • Nonflammable
  • Nontoxic

Plastic Washer Material

Plastic washers come in a variety of material options. The best one depends on the unique needs of your application. Here are the most common plastic washer materials:

  • Nylon: Nylon is a highly versatile synthetic material that comes in several types and offers flexibility, abrasion resistance, chemical resistance, and machinability. This material is preferable for electrical and chemical applications due to its excellent absorption and insulation properties. Nylon washers are also a durable, lightweight alternative to metal washers in weight-sensitive applications.
  • Teflon™: Also known as PTFE, Teflon™is known for its extremely low coefficient of friction and resistance to water and oil. Compared to other washer materials, Teflon™ offers exceptionally high chemical and thermal resistance properties. These low-friction washers are ideal for HVAC, automotive, and plumbing applications.
  • Delrin®: Delrin® is a patented homopolymer with a stable crystalline structure that offers dimensional stability, stiffness, and durability in heavy-duty applications. The material also provides impact and temperature resistance from -50 °C to 90 °C, making Delrin® washers ideal for applications ranging from consumer goods to military equipment.
  • Polyethylene (PE): We offer both low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) washers. The flexibility of LDPE washers is ideal for water-resistant applications in drains, water systems, and fluid feeds. HDPE washers are stronger and less flexible, so they are better suited to mechanical and industrial applications that value crush and abrasion resistance.

Plastic Washer Applications

acetal washersPlastic is an exceptionally versatile and low-cost material for washers. The following applications rely on plastic washers:

  • Power tools
  • Furniture
  • Fasteners
  • Medical
  • Farm and Garden
  • Marine
  • Aerospace and Military
  • Government
  • Sporting Goods / Fitness Equipment
  • HVAC
  • Plumbing
  • Electronics
  • Consumer and Kitchen Appliances
  • Automotive

Plastic Washers From New Process Fibre

Plastic washers are a reliable alternative to metal washers for distributing fastener loads. Four of the most common materials include PE, Delrin®, Teflon™, and Nylon, each of which offers unique advantages.

To select the best plastic washers for your application, consult with an industry professional. Since 1927, New Process Fibre has been a leader in custom nonmetallic solutions. Contact us to learn more about our plastic washers for OEM equipment across diverse industries.

Why Use Nylon Washers for Automotive Applications?

The automotive industry involves the manufacturing of motor vehicles and their components, such as engines, tires, batteries, and vehicle bodies. Passenger vehicles, light trucks, and commercial vehicles are all types of automotive products that require washers in their assembly.

 

The use of plastic washers in particular has many benefits for automotive applications. Plastic washers are incredibly versatile and durable. They have many advantages that enable them to be an important aspect of vehicle manufacturing. In this blog, we’ll discuss the advantages of nylon washers for the automotive industry.

Why Are Nylon Washers Used In Automotive Manufacturing?

Nylon washers are frequently chosen by the automotive industry due to their long-lasting strength. They perform well in high-temperature environments. This makes them particularly well suited for automotive applications, where they could be exposed to engine heat or harsh environmental conditions. Nylon washers are also chemical-resistant, which is a significant benefit to the automotive industry, where washers come into contact with many oil or petroleum-based chemicals and other fluids. These conditions would cause corrosion in certain materials, such as metals. Nylon, however, is resistant to corrosion and delivers strength and reliability for much longer than a metallic washer could.

Nylon washers stand up well against pressure and wear, and the material itself is highly workable, which allows for flexibility in design. Nylon is a cost-effective choice, and its lightweight nature can contribute to the vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Nylon washers can be molded, extruded, and stamped into different configurations, making them ideal for auto part manufacturing. Nylon’s benefits such as corrosion and temperature resistance, as well as its lightweight nature, all help to increase the life span of the vehicles they are used in.

What Are Common Automotive Applications for Nylon Washers?

There are several applications for nylon washers within the automotive industry. For example, since they can withstand extreme temperatures and petroleum-based chemicals, they are often found in vehicles’ engine compartments. They are also used to prevent leakage by holding automotive bolts in place, and secure radiators, and distribute pressure. Some additional applications include:

  • Engine compartments stator, armature, and rotor componentsautomotive nylon washers
  • Gasoline motors
  • Exhaust systems
  • Fenders
  • Airbag systems
  • Brake systems

There are several types of nylon plastic, each with different qualities and benefits. All types are known for their strength; however, nylon 6/6 is particularly strong and resistant to extreme temperatures, making it well suited to many automotive component applications.

Why Choose Nylon Over Metallic?

There are several advantages that nylon washers have over metallic washers when used in automotive applications. First, the low surface friction of nylon makes it more long lasting than metallic washers and less likely to deteriorate as quickly. Metal washers suffer from many problems with deterioration and rust due to the friction they experience. Additionally, nylon is much better at absorbing shock and noise than metal, which creates a significantly quieter user experience. Nylon is a very lightweight material, and it is inexpensive to produce, which offers savings for both the customer and manufacturer.

Learn More About Nylon Washers From New Process Fibre

Nylon washers’ lightweight nature and ability to withstand corrosion make them particularly well-suited to the automotive industry, and their development and usage in automotive applications have improved vehicle production.

To learn more about automotive applications for nylon washers, check out our new eBook, “Nylon Washers for Your Automotive Applications.” For more information about our nylon washers, please visit this page.

If you have questions about our products or services contact us or request a quote to get started on your next project.

nylon washers automotive

Nylon Washers for Your Aerospace Applications

Plastic components have become an important element in modern-day plane construction. Since World War II, plastic aviation components have been making planes lighter, more durable, and more fuel-efficient by replacing critical rubber parts. Nylon washers, in particular, work to evenly distribute pressure from a nut or bolt, protecting the surface and reducing the risk of vibration-related damage and loosened fasteners. These abilities make Nylon washers a popular choice in many industries, especially aerospace.

What Are the Various Types of Nylon Used and Why?

Nylon washers are composed of several types of Nylon, including Nylon 6, Nylon 6/6, Nylon MDS, and Nylatron, each of which have beneficial characteristics that aid in the reliable operation of aerospace equipment. These characteristics include chemical resistance, non-flammability, durability, and abrasion resistance.

Nylatron and Nylon 6/6 are popularly used due to their self-lubricating characteristics, which make installation and maintenance simple. They are also highly resistant to heat-related damage, which makes them ideal for use in extreme environments or near engines.

Compared to other materials, these high-performance engineering plastics are low-density and have a light enough weight to make them valuable additions to flying equipment and vehicles. Depending on the exact materials used, product engineers can expect nylon washers to have half the density of comparable glass or aluminum pieces and 1/6th the density of steel.

washers for aerospace

What Are the Key Aerospace Applications for Nylon Washers?

Plastics have replaced many metal components in aerospace applications. Engineers and designers can replace virtually any small metal piece with plastic alternatives. Plastic parts reduce the overall weight of equipment and provide greater design flexibility, as they can be produced through a wide variety of fabrication methods and don’t have the same design constraints as metal or rubber workpieces. Plastics are also easier to assemble and install, which further reduces labor costs and assembly errors.

Some of the most popular applications for Nylon components include light covers, piping systems, tubing, trolleys, and support handles. Nylon washers, in particular, are commonly found in the following aerospace applications:

  • Airframes
  • Avionics
  • Engine components
  • Flight control systems
  • Hydraulics
  • Landing Gear
  • Pneumatics
  • And other aeronautic assemblies

Choosing Your Nylon Washers With New Process Fibre

New Process Fibre has been fabricating high-quality washers and other industrial components since 1927. Since then, we have grown to become one of the most trusted names in nylon fabrication and manufacturing for the aerospace and military industries. Our facility uses state-of-the-art equipment for expert in-house production, and we can create both standard and custom washers. Our capabilities include:

  • Production of nylon materials that meet or exceed all applicable LP-410 standards
  • Production of nylon washers with a wide variety of colors to signify different materials, safety or operational labeling, and distinct branding
  • Fast in-house production of both short and high-volume runs
  • In-house die-set construction

Choose New Process Fibre for High-Quality Nylon Washers

Nylon washers offer the aerospace industry greater design freedom, mechanical reliability, fuel efficiency, and many other benefits. At New Process Fibre, we create standard and custom nylon washers to meet our clients’ unique needs.  Our selection includes:

  • Black and color nylon washers
  • Heat-resistant washers
  • Nylon 6 washers
  • Nylon 6/6 washers
  • Nylon MDS washers
  • Nylatron washers

To learn more about our nylon washers, please visit this page. For more information about our products and services, or to get started on your nylon washer solution, contact us today.

Nylon vs. Teflon

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Nylon vs. Teflon Washers

Most washers can be made of either nylon or Teflon. These versatile polymers offer greater mechanical strength and higher resistance to friction than traditional materials such as aluminum, steel, and bronze, making them a more durable and cost-effective solution in most industrial applications.

Despite their similarities, however, nylon and Teflon each have distinct properties that make them better suited to particular functions. Teflon, for example, is a hydrophobic material, while nylon is hydrophilic. As a result, any piece of machinery that requires greater lubrication should be constructed with Teflon rather than nylon, since Teflon’s water-repellant properties make it a stronger lubricant.

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Nylon and Teflon each offer an array of benefits, but any manufacturer should take the time to carefully consider their needs before investing in washers made from either material. To help you make an informed decision, we took an opportunity to compare and contrast these common building materials below.

The Properties of Nylon and Teflon

Nylon and Teflon are both synthetic polymers used in a variety of industrial applications. Nylon is a thermoplastic made when an amide reacts with dicarboxylic acid, while Teflon is created by polymerizing tetrafluoroethylene.

Because they’re the products of different processes, nylon and Teflon each have unique physical and chemical characteristics. The chart below provides an overview of the essential similarities and differences between them:

NYLON

TEFLON

·         Consists of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen

·         High molecular weight

·         High mechanical strength

·         Has lower melting point

·         Offers increased resistance to friction

·         Conducts electricity well

·         More chemically reactive

·         Thermoplastic

·         Hydrophilic

·         Consists of carbon and fluorine

·         High molecular weight

·         High mechanical strength

·         Has high melting point

·         Offers increased resistance to friction

·         Does not conduct electricity well

·         Less chemically reactive

·         Thermoplastic

·         Hydrophobic

What You Should Consider

As you can see, while nylon and Teflon share many properties, the slight differences between them are equally significant. Manufacturer must thoroughly evaluate their specific needs before committing to washers made with either material.

Nylon washers can be found in a wide range of applications, including aerospace manufacturing, defense contracting, the automotive industry, construction, and plumbing. In all of these fields, they’re most widely used in moving components like gears and bearings. Because of their heightened resistance to heat, friction, and corrosion, they are an excellent choice for the complex machinery involved in most heavy duty applications.

Teflon washers can provide many of the same benefits, but they perform better in certain environments than their nylon counterparts. Because Teflon has a higher melting point, for example, it can better withstand the heat generated by electrical equipment, making it a better choice for applications that require extreme temperatures.

Similarly, Teflon’s hydrophobic properties may be useful in any applications that expose components to moisture. While nylon provides some protection against corrosion, it does absorb any moisture that comes into contact with it, which can leave parts less lubricated than they should be.

In short, nylon and Teflon can handle most of the same applications with extreme efficiency and durability. If you rely on particularly sensitive equipment, however, Teflon can better protect it from environmental damage.

A New Process for Today’s Materials

Regardless of your needs or preferences, New Process Fibre can provide you with the perfect washers for your application. Since 1927, we’ve been a leading provider of non-metallic industrial fibers to manufacturers across the country. With a passion for innovation and a commitment to excellence, we’re eager to help all of our customers achieve greater productivity by supplying them with the finest nylon and Teflon products in the industry.

For more information about our nylon washers, please visit this page. If you’re interested in learning more about New Process Fibre’s nylon and Teflon washers or want to explore working with us, contact us today, or download our resource, Material Selection Guide: Nylon and Teflon™ PTFE.

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