Stainless Steel Washer Grades & Types – Everything You Should Know

Q: What is the difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel washers?

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.

Q: What grade of stainless steel washer should I use for high-strength applications?

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.

Q: Can I request custom stainless steel washer sizes or designs?

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.

Stainless steel washers are a small yet essential component in many industrial and mechanical assemblies. From construction and automotive to marine and energy sectors, these washers are used to evenly distribute loads, prevent surface damage, and enhance the durability of fastened joints.

In this blog, Steelicon Stainless, a trusted stainless steel washer manufacturer in India, explains the different grades and types of stainless steel washers, so you can choose the right one for your specific application.

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

What is the difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel washers?

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.

Which type of stainless steel washer is best for preventing vibration?

Spring washers (also known as lock washers) are best for preventing fastener loosening due to vibration or dynamic movement. They provide tension that holds the fastener in place, making them ideal for use in machinery, automotive, and rotating equipment.

What grade of stainless steel washer should I use for high-strength applications?

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.

Can I request custom stainless steel washer sizes or designs?

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.