For a number of years, metal served as the default material for washers. However, the introduction of durable and reliable plastics, such as Teflon, has led to the acceptance of plastics as a suitable alternative. A washer is a small circular component that is specifically designed to improve the seal, alignment or space between two other parts inside a device. When there are gaps or loose fitting components inside machinery, there is a risk of movement that can then lead to friction damage. If movement continues to occur between poorly fitted parts, the inside of the machinery could suffer from long-term damage that could jeopardise its safety and performance. By fitting a washer in place of any gaps, you create a tighter fitting alignment, therefore preventing unnecessary movement.

Low coefficient of friction -the second lowest of any solid material. PTFE is suitable for most moving parts allowing them to glide over surfaces smoothly and with less effort. Suitable for bearings, gears and most sliding parts. One of our main product offerings is non-metallic washers—i.e., plastic or fiber disk-shaped hardware components featuring a center hole. When used alongside a compatible fastener—such as a nut or bolt—washers serve several functions including: 1) ensuring the even distribution of pressure across the fastened surface, 2) acting as a spacer or isolator, and 3) mitigating the risk of the assembly loosening due to vibration and other environmental factors. Teflon washers find application in virtually every industry, including in the following: AutomotiveThe compression molding process employs a compression mold and press to stamp washers from Teflon material. Compared to other manufacturing processes, such as injection molding, compression molding offers several advantages, including: Furthermore, it can handle up to 500 volts per mil and temperatures up to 600 degrees F while maintaining dimensional stability, resistance against creep, and the anti-frictional properties for which the product is so well known. This means that with these products, one can expect consistent, long lasting performance. Compared to other nonmetallic materials, it is relatively expensive — this is partly because it has some of the most beneficial properties of any nonmetallic material and is as such in high demand.

PTFE can be divided into two main styles. Virgin PTFE, which is fairly hard, like plastic, however it will still compress to make a seal between two faces. Expanded PTFE is more like a sponge, making it ideal for sealing damaged, glass or plastic flanges because it compresses more easily than the Virgin grade.Teflon™ PTFE products are commonly found in a number of different applications and are particularly popular because of their unique set of properties, which includes resistance to both water and oil, and an extremely low coefficient of friction. Moreover, the material’s heat and chemical resistance coupled with its fairly high strength makes it both durable and dependable.