Stainless Steel Washer Grades & Types – Everything You Should Know
What Is a Stainless Steel Washer?
A stainless steel washer is a thin, round disc with a central hole, used in conjunction with bolts or screws. Its primary role is to distribute the force of the fastener evenly, prevent loosening due to vibration, and protect the material being fastened.
What makes stainless steel washers so effective is their corrosion resistance, strength, and temperature tolerance, which make them ideal for use in both harsh environments and high-performance applications.
Stainless Steel Washer Grades
Choosing the right grade of stainless steel is essential to ensure that the washer performs well under environmental and mechanical stress.
✅ 1. 304 Stainless Steel Washers
- Most common and cost-effective grade
- Excellent corrosion resistance for general-purpose use
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor applications
- Often used in construction, automotive, and machinery
✅ 2. 316 Stainless Steel Washers
- Contains molybdenum for enhanced corrosion resistance
- Ideal for marine, chemical, and coastal applications
- Withstands saltwater and aggressive chemicals
- Slightly more expensive but offers higher durability
✅ 3. 410 Stainless Steel Washers
- High hardness and wear resistance
- Moderate corrosion resistance (not ideal for marine use)
- Suitable for dry environments and high-stress applications
- Preferred in automotive and mechanical equipment
Custom grades like SS 321, SS 202, and duplex stainless steel are also available upon request at Steelicon Stainless.
Types of Stainless Steel Washers
Different mechanical requirements call for different washer designs. Below are the most commonly used types of stainless steel washers:
🔹 1. Flat Washers
- Standard type used to distribute load evenly
- Protects surfaces and prevents bolt or nut pull-through
- Available in various sizes and thicknesses
🔹 2. Spring Washers (Lock Washers)
- Used to prevent loosening of bolts due to vibration
- Provides tension to keep fasteners tight
- Ideal for dynamic or rotating machinery
🔹 3. Fender Washers
- Larger outer diameter than flat washers
- Spreads load over a larger area
- Used in sheet metal, plumbing, and insulation applications
🔹 4. Sealing Washers
- Designed to prevent leaks in pressurized systems
- Used in hydraulic and pneumatic systems
🔹 5. Dome or Countersunk Washers
- Used for decorative or flush surface finishes
- Common in electronics and consumer products
Why Steelicon Stainless?
As one of India’s leading stainless steel washer manufacturers, Steelicon Stainless offers:
- A wide range of grades and washer types
- Precision manufacturing and strict quality control
- Custom washer solutions as per drawing/specs
- Competitive pricing and fast delivery across India & globally
- ISO-certified processes for industrial-grade quality
Whether you need bulk washers for your project or custom sizes for machinery, Steelicon delivers reliable fastening solutions that last.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the grades and types of stainless steel washers is key to choosing the right one for your application. Whether it’s corrosion resistance, mechanical strength, or vibration control — there’s a specific washer designed for the job.
Steelicon Stainless is your trusted partner for high-quality, durable, and customised stainless steel washers in India. Contact us today to get the right washers — delivered on time, every time.
FAQ
The key difference is corrosion resistance. 304 stainless steel washers are great for general industrial use and offer good corrosion protection. 316 stainless steel washers contain molybdenum, making them more resistant to saltwater and harsh chemicals — ideal for marine, coastal, or chemical environments.
For high-strength applications, 410 stainless steel washers are recommended. They offer higher hardness and wear resistance compared to 304 and 316, making them suitable for mechanical assemblies and dry, high-stress environments.
Yes. At Steelicon Stainless, we specialise in custom washer manufacturing based on your requirements. Whether you need specific dimensions, unusual shapes, or custom grades, we can manufacture washers to meet your exact specifications.
