Bimetallic washers are essential components in many industries and machinery. They are designed to withstand extreme temperatures, pressure, and corrosive environments. Bimetallic washers are made of two different metals, often steel and copper or other alloys that are bonded together under high temperature and pressure. This process results in a washer that has excellent qualities for both metals. In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about bimetallic washers, how they are made, their properties, and where they are used.
What are Bimetallic Washers?
Bimetallic washers are mechanical components mainly used in fastening applications. They are made from two different metals layered together, typically steel and copper, that have different coefficients of thermal expansion, which causes them to expand or contract when exposed to changes in temperature. This is beneficial because it helps the joint resist vibration and shock loads and protects against corrosion buildup. Bimetallic washers provide an effective seal for all types of nuts, bolts, screws, studs and other threaded fasteners, and they can be customized according to specific requirements such as size, strength rating and heat resistance capabilities. These washers also help reduce noise by dampening vibrations caused by oscillation or shock, resulting in a much quieter working atmosphere.
How are Bimetallic Washers Made?
Bimetallic washers are made by a process called cladding. Cladding involves welding two different metals through a process known as explosion welding or roll bonding. The two metals are heated to high temperatures and then brought together under pressure to create a permanent bond. The bonding process creates a washer with different metal properties with improved corrosion, wear, and high-temperature resistance. After the cladding process, the metal can be machined and formed into various sizes and shapes depending on the application.
What are the Properties of Bimetallic Washers?
Bimetallic washers have several properties that make them unique in various industries. The most common feature is their ability to resist high temperatures, pressure, and corrosive environments. They have excellent thermal conductivity, meaning they can handle heat transfer easily without degrading their performance. Also, bimetallic washers have a high load-bearing capacity, making them ideal for heavy machinery applications.
Where are Bimetallic Washers Used?
Bimetallic washers are used in various industries like oil and gas, petrochemicals, aviation, automotive, etc. They come in different shapes and sizes, such as flat, spring, and lock washers. In the automobile industry, bimetallic washers join two dissimilar materials, aluminium and steel. In the oil and gas industry, they are used in valves, pipelines, and reactors because of their corrosion resistance. Due to their excellent heat transfer properties, bimetallic washers are also used in electronics as thermal management components.
What advantages of using Bimetallic Washers?
The use of bimetallic washers has significant advantages over their traditional counterparts. The cladding technology offers a cost-effective solution to using high-performance materials. Bimetallic washers eliminate the need to use high-cost alloys in applications requiring excellent mechanical qualities. Also, bimetallic washers have a low thermal expansion coefficient, which makes them suitable for applications with changing temperatures.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, due to their unique properties, bimetallic washers are essential components in many industries. Through the cladding process, bimetallic washers have excellent corrosion, wear, and high-temperature resistance. The ability to resist high temperatures, pressure, and corrosive environments makes them ideal for various industries like oil and gas, petrochemicals, aerospace, and automotive. Additionally, using bimetallic washers offers a cost-effective solution to high-performance materials and eliminates the need for high-cost alloys in applications that require excellent mechanical qualities. Bimetallic washers are versatile, durable, and have many applications, making them an ideal choice for many industries.