STAINLESS STEEL 316 FLAT WASHER IMPERIAL

316 Stainless Steel (Grade A4) imperial flat washers are primarily used to provide exceptional corrosion resistance in environments where standard steel or even Grade 304 stainless would eventually fail, such as marine, coastal, or high-chloride areas.

Primary Functions of a Flat Washer
Regardless of material, a flat washer serves several mechanical purposes:
Load Distribution: It spreads the clamping force of a bolt or nut over a larger surface area, preventing the fastener from crushing or sinking into softer materials like timber or thin metal.
Surface Protection: It acts as a barrier to prevent the rotating nut or bolt head from scratching, scouring, or otherwise damaging the material's finish during tightening.
Spacing and Leveling: It can be used as a spacer if a bolt is slightly too long for the material depth or to provide a smooth, level bearing surface for fasteners on uneven surfaces.