Washer Vs Gasket

October 30, 2024

Is a Gasket the Same as a Washer?

Gaskets and washers are often assumed to be the same thing, as they have a similar design and are both used in conjunction with other components. While they have a similar appearance, they serve very different purposes.

Gasket vs. Washer: What’s the Difference?

Although gaskets and washers share some similarities, they serve different functions. Gaskets are used to prevent leaks around mating surfaces, whereas washers are used to distribute the load of a threaded fastener. Most washers won’t have the ability to prevent fluid or gas leakage; therefore, gaskets are the better choice for sealing applications.

The shape and size of washers are also different compared to gaskets. Most washers are small and feature a uniform circular shape to enable them to fit around bolts. Gaskets are not used with bolts, meaning they are available in a wider variety of shapes and sizes. In terms of materials, washers are almost always made of metal; whereas gaskets can be made of metals, metal alloys, rubber, and other materials.

Common types of gaskets include:

Flange gaskets

Constant seating gaskets

Spiral-wound gaskets

Soft-cut gaskets

Common types of washers include:

Plain washers

Locking washers

Spring washers

Torque washers

Industry Applications

Bonded sealing washers are used throughout industries such as aerospace, agriculture, automotive, construction, marine, military, and mining. Their durability and effectiveness make them suitable for applications such as:

HVAC equipment

Marine electronics

Construction and industrial equipment

Hydraulics and braking systems

Gaskets are used in nearly every industry, with applications such as:

Aerospace equipment

Wind turbines

Medical equipment

Electronics

Automotive

Heavy equipment

Many people assume that washers and gaskets are the same. After all, they both consist of a similar design, and they are both used in conjunction with other objects. While they may look similar, though, washers and gaskets serve completely different purposes. For a better understanding of washers and gaskets, including how they differ, keep reading.

What Is a Washer?

A washer is a type of disc-shaped fastener with a hole in the center. They are typically used to distribute the load of a threaded fastener, such as a bolt. You can slide a bolt through the hollow center of a washer, after which you can twist or otherwise install the bolt on an object. The washer will then distribute the bolt’s load across its disc-shaped surface.

Common types of washers include the following:

Plain washers

Spring washers

Locking washers

Torque washers

Cupped washers

Toothed washers

Tab washers

Wedge lock washers

What Is a Gasket?

A gasket is a sealing device that’s used to prevent leaks around the mating surface where two or more objects meet. They typically aren’t used with fasteners. Rather, gaskets are used with machines and machinery components. Gaskets are designed to prevent substances from leaking around the mating surface of various objects. Machines often have passages through which air, oil, coolant or other fluids and gases travel. The mating surfaces between these passages are equipped with a gasket to prevent them from leaking.

Common types of gaskets include the following:

Spiral-wound gaskets

Constant seating gaskets

Flange gaskets

Soft-cut gaskets

Differences Between Washers and Gaskets

Washers and gaskets are the same. Washers are used to distribute the load of a threaded fastener, whereas gaskets are used to prevent leaks around mating surfaces. Most washers won’t prevent fluids or gases from leaking; they will only distribute the load of the fastener with which they are used. For sealing applications, you’ll need to use a gasket.

The size and shape of washers also differ from that of gaskets. Most types of washers consist of a uniform circular shape. This circular shape allows them to fit into bolts. They are also relatively small as well. Washers must be small enough to accommodate a bolt. Gaskets aren’t used with bolts. Therefore, they are available in a wider range of sizes and shapes.

Both washers and gaskets are available in different materials. With that said, washers are almost always made of metal. You can find them in aluminum, carbon steel, stainless steel, copper, brass and more. In comparison, gaskets are available in metals and metal alloys as well as rubber and other synthetic materials.

Author:

Ms. Tina

E-mail:

sales@honyplastic.com

Phone/WhatsApp:

+86 18680371609