External Tooth Lock Washer

The performance of external tooth lock washer depends on smart material science. Carbon steel ones go through quenching and tempering to reach a hardness of Rockwell C42-48. Austenitic stainless steel types resist cracking from stress and corrosion, while martensitic grades have higher strength. Alloys like silicon bronze or Monel® are used for marine setups. When choosing materials, they balance things like how much they expand with heat and how well they work with other metals without causing corrosion. Computer analysis (FEA) is used to shape the teeth so they don’t wear out easily. This careful approach makes sure every washer can handle tough mechanical and environmental conditions.

Precaution

To get the most out of an external tooth lock washer, check the teeth for bending or damage when reinstalling them. Use a solvent to clean off any dirt or debris that could weaken the grip. Don’t overtighten them, since that can flatten the teeth. If reusing a washer, make sure the bite marks line up the same way they did before. Keep them stored in a dry place to prevent rust. In rust-prone environments, swap out stainless steel washers regularly. Use just a little lubricant,too much can reduce friction. Always pair them with bolts that match well to avoid corrosion between different metals. Taking care of them this way ensures they keep working against vibration through many uses.

The influence of temperature

Q: How do really hot or cold temps mess with an external tooth lock washer’s job?

A: Let’s break it down: the external tooth lock washers hate wild temperature swings. Carbon steel ones can take heat up to 250°C, but crank it hotter and they’ll start losing their grip. Stainless steel (like AISI 316) is tougher,it works from freezer-level cold (-200°C) to oven-level heat (400°C).

If you leave the external tooth lock washer baking in extreme heat for too long, they get soft and lose their "springiness," so they won’t hold bolts tight. Freezing temps? Some materials turn brittle, and those little teeth might snap. Always check the washer’s temp limits,if it’s crazy hot, maybe swap to Nord-Lock washers. Oh, and coatings matter: zinc plating flakes off above 100°C, so your washer dies faster.