How Dimpled Washers Are Used in Aircraft?

As fasteners are used across most industries for securing various parts and materials, there are multiple fastener types available for procurement including bolts, nuts, screws, washers, and more. Some are intended for use in tandem with others while some stand alone; regardless, all fasteners find use in many different applications, so specific fastener types can be further categorized by their unique designs. This blog in particular will examine a specific type of washer referred to as a dimpled washer. Intended for use with a threaded fastener, a dimpled washer is a female fastener for applications where the washer will sit in a detent of a material. For your better knowledge, we will look at the working principle of these fasteners and some common applications in which they might be found.

All washers are female fasteners with a hole in their center used for mating with another male fastener, and dimpled washers are no exception. The hole in the center of the dimpled fastener is internally threaded which means it mates with a male fastener that is externally threaded. Meanwhile, the metal body of the washer is shaped like a flat disc with an indented ring around its hole. This indented ring gives the dimpled washer its name, as its raised or dimpled center is used in accordance with an indent of material.

Instead of being an entirely flat disc, the raised portion of the ring around a dimpled washer’s center hole offers a surface shape that fits into materials like a piece of a puzzle. Applications that require dimpled fasteners involve part types that have a detent in which the shape of the washer can fit securely. During use, the male mating fastener will fit through the hole of the dimpled washer and secure all parts in place by pressing its head against the outer surface rim of the washer. This strong bond fastens all parts in a secure hold.

The working principle of any aircraft washer is its ability to distribute loads over a wide surface area. In particular, the weight and movement of the secured part types are channeled through the bolt or other male fastener and dispersed across its head and the attached washer’s surface area. This ensures that the fastened part types will remain together or in place during movement and operations. All fasteners offer strength and security, despite their small sizes in comparison to the parts they attach. This being said, choosing a strong and durable material for your washer is critical for smooth operations.

Like most fasteners, dimpled washers are available in a vast array of materials, typically strong metals like stainless steel. Stainless steel is a popular choice because it is strong and naturally resistant to both rust and corrosion. Despite its many advantages, stainless steel is not the only popular choice for the dimpled washer material; many are made from carbon steel, aluminum, and other materials. Furthermore, procuring the correct dimpled washer means choosing the correct size of both the metal outer ring and the hole through which another fastener will fit. The diameter of this hole determines the type of threaded fastener that you can use in tandem with your washer, so sizing is a crucial factor to consider prior to procurement. Meanwhile, the larger the outside diameter of your washer, the larger the detent in your material will need to be to accommodate your fasteners.

With all of this considered, you are ready to begin the procurement process for your specific fastener needs. To get started, visit Aerospace Parts Distributor to explore an ever-expanding inventory of only the highest-caliber dimpled washers for your various applications. Owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, we conduct business with quality at the forefront of all we do, so allow us to handle the sourcing, logistics management, and shipping for your orders and see how we meet all of your needs with rapid lead times and competitive pricing. Simply submit a Request for Quote (RFQ) form with all details relevant to your order to receive a custom quotation within 15 minutes or less. To learn more, contact us at any time via phone or email; we are available 24/7x365!

• Posted on September 29, 2022
• charles lec
• fasteners