Introduction

Combination washers, also known as bonded washers, are designed to provide superior sealing performance in various industrial applications. These washers typically consist of an outer metal ring and an inner elastomer, combining the strength of metal with the flexibility and sealing properties of rubber. A common and highly effective pairing is the combination of a stainless steel outer ring with an FKM (fluorocarbon rubber) inner ring. This article will explore the advantages of combination washers and the ideal conditions where this material pairing excels.

Advantages of Combination Washers

1.Enhanced Sealing Capabilities

The combination of a metal outer ring and an elastomer inner ring significantly improves the sealing performance of washers. The rigid outer ring, typically made from materials like stainless steel, provides structural integrity and prevents deformation, while the flexible inner ring ensures a tight seal against leakage. This dual-material construction creates a more reliable and long-lasting seal, making combination washers ideal for applications requiring high-pressure and leak-proof connections.

2.Corrosion Resistance

Stainless steel is renowned for its excellent corrosion resistance, making it an ideal material for the outer ring in combination washers. In environments where exposure to moisture, chemicals, or corrosive substances is common, such as in marine, chemical processing, or food and beverage industries, the stainless steel outer ring ensures that the washer maintains its integrity and performance over time, even in harsh conditions.

3.Temperature Resistance

The FKM inner ring offers outstanding resistance to high temperatures, typically ranging from -20°C to 200°C (-4°F to 392°F). This makes combination washers with FKM inner rings suitable for applications where temperatures can fluctuate or reach extreme levels, such as in automotive engines, industrial machinery, or chemical processing plants. The combination of a stainless steel outer ring and FKM inner ring ensures the washer can withstand thermal stress without losing its sealing properties.

4.Chemical Resistance

FKM is highly resistant to a wide range of chemicals, including oils, fuels, and solvents. This chemical resistance is a significant advantage in industries such as petrochemical, pharmaceutical, and aerospace, where exposure to aggressive substances can degrade other elastomers over time. The combination of stainless steel and FKM makes these washers highly suitable for environments where chemical exposure is a concern, ensuring long-lasting performance and reduced maintenance needs.

5.Durability and Longevity

The combination of stainless steel’s toughness and FKM’s flexibility results in a washer that is both durable and long-lasting. The outer ring prevents mechanical damage, while the inner ring provides reliable sealing, even after prolonged use. This makes combination washers an excellent choice for applications that require a high level of reliability and reduced maintenance intervals, especially in critical systems where failure is not an option.

6.Vibration and Shock Absorption

The flexible inner ring of combination washers provides effective vibration and shock absorption, which is essential in applications involving moving or vibrating components. This feature helps to reduce wear on connected parts, ensuring that the sealing surfaces remain intact and extending the life of the machinery. Combination washers with FKM inner rings are particularly suitable for applications in the automotive and aerospace industries, where vibration resistance is crucial.

Applications of Stainless Steel Outer Rings and FKM Inner Rings

The pairing of stainless steel outer rings with FKM inner rings is ideal for applications that demand high durability, chemical resistance, and temperature stability. Some of the most common applications include:

1.Automotive Industry

In automotive engines and fuel systems, the combination of stainless steel and FKM provides excellent sealing performance in environments exposed to oils, fuels, and high temperatures. These washers are commonly used in gaskets, fuel injectors, and engine components where reliable sealing is critical.

2.Chemical Processing

The chemical resistance of FKM makes these combination washers ideal for use in chemical processing plants, where exposure to aggressive substances like acids, solvents, and oils is common. The stainless steel outer ring ensures that the washers can withstand corrosive environments, while the FKM inner ring provides reliable sealing against chemical leaks.

3.Aerospace Industry

In the aerospace industry, where high-performance materials are essential, the combination of stainless steel and FKM offers excellent resistance to extreme temperatures and chemicals. These washers are used in fuel systems, hydraulic systems, and other critical components that require both durability and reliability.

4.Industrial Machinery

For heavy-duty industrial equipment that operates under high-pressure conditions, the combination of stainless steel and FKM washers provides reliable sealing even in the presence of oils, lubricants, and chemicals. These washers are used in compressors, pumps, and hydraulic systems, where maintaining a tight seal is essential for preventing leaks and ensuring efficient operation.

5.Oil and Gas Industry

The oil and gas industry demands materials that can withstand harsh environments, including exposure to chemicals, high pressures, and extreme temperatures. The stainless steel outer ring provides corrosion resistance, while the FKM inner ring offers chemical resistance, making this combination ideal for use in pipelines, valves, and other equipment in the oil and gas sector.

Conclusion

Combination washers that feature a stainless steel outer ring and FKM inner ring offer a wide range of advantages, including enhanced sealing performance, excellent chemical and temperature resistance, and durability in demanding conditions. This pairing is ideal for a variety of industries, including automotive, chemical processing, aerospace, and oil and gas. By combining the strength of stainless steel with the flexibility and chemical resistance of FKM, these washers provide a reliable solution for sealing applications that require long-lasting performance in challenging environments.

Call to Action

Need high-quality combination washers for your industrial applications? Contact us today to learn more about our range of washers with stainless steel outer rings and FKM inner rings, and how they can improve the reliability and efficiency of your systems!