The “Invisible Guardian” of Connecting Structures

In fields such as mechanical manufacturing and construction engineering, metal fastener washers may seem unremarkable, yet they serve as critical components ensuring the stability of connected structures. Typically positioned between bolts, nuts, and the connected components, they fulfill three core functions: distributing pressure, sealing against leaks, and compensating for dimensional errors. They are truly the “invisible guardians” of structural connections.

From the perspective of pressure distribution, when metal fasteners directly connect workpieces, pressure from the bolt head or nut tends to concentrate at contact points. This can cause surface indentation or deformation, posing higher damage risks for softer materials like aluminum alloys and plastics. Washers increase the contact area, evenly distributing pressure across the workpiece surface. This prevents localized stress overload, extending the service life of the components.

In sealing and leak prevention, metal gaskets play a more prominent role. In scenarios like pipe connections and pressure vessels, the mating surfaces of connected components are rarely perfectly flat. The presence of gaps can easily lead to fluid or gas leakage. Metal gaskets utilize their elasticity or plastic deformation to fill microscopic gaps in the mating surfaces, forming a reliable sealing interface. This effectively blocks medium leakage and ensures safe equipment operation.

Additionally, metal gaskets compensate for installation errors. During actual assembly, deviations in parallelism or coaxiality between components may occur. Gaskets adjust these errors through slight deformation, ensuring the perpendicularity and stability of fastener connections. This prevents issues like loosening or vibration caused by insufficient installation precision. Whether connecting engine blocks in automobiles or securing steel structures in bridges, metal gaskets play an indispensable role behind the scenes.