Versatile And Reliable 18/8 Stainless Steel Washers

18/8 stainless steel washers are stamped from an alloy that is also identified as A2 or 304 stainless steel. These washers are used as general-purpose stainless steel washers. While they are common, they offer many unique advantages that directly improve a fastener assembly and the overall application.

18/8 stainless steel washers are included in the 300-series of stainless steel washers. They contain chromium and nickel. These elemental contents are easy to identify in 18/8 stainless steel washers, as this alloy derives its label from an 18 percent chromium and eight percent nickel content. 18/10 stainless steel washers are similar but they contain 10 percent nickel.

18/8 stainless steel washers pair well with many of the industrial, commercial, and household applications that use this grade for various hardware. This material is used to make many forms of cutlery, containers, appliances, and tools that must be food safe.

18/8 steel can hold a high-sheen polish and will resist tarnishing, staining, rust, and moderate levels of heat. This grade is also available in a modified version known as 304L, which will resist inter-granular corrosion.

These washers are an excellent choice for equipment and structures that are subject to common types of wear and tear. If extended endurance to corrosion, heat, stress, pitting, cracking, and other deterioration is required, a tougher though similar grade may be a better option.

316 stainless steel washers and 316L stainless steel washers are common alternatives that suit high-demand applications, including aerospace, defense, and heavy manufacturing settings.

Flat washers made from 18/8 stainless steel are primarily employed for purposes of load distribution and to act as a barrier between materials that create a joint. As a fastener assembly is tightened in place, a flat washer will contribute to more balanced tension.

This is important for ensuring an assembly is not over-tightened and materials do not become damaged. The inclusion of a flat washer allows for easier adjustments while also ensuring joints are well supported, particularly when materials are less rigid than the fasteners that hold them together.

18/8 stainless steel flat washers provide these benefits along with corrosion resistance and a cosmetically pleasing shine. These benefits also apply to washers stamped in non-flat and specialty shapes, such as lock washers, tooth washers, slotted washers, and similar components like shims and spacers.

18/8 stainless steel washers are available as standard washers from many different sources. These washers are sometimes specified under ASTM spec A240 and A240M. Although they can be sourced from various suppliers, stamping manufacturers will typically be better able to offer a more diverse inventory, material traceability, and industry-specific certifications.

What Are The Differences Between 18/8 Stainless Steel Washers And 304 Stainless Steel Washers?

Washers made from both 18/8 stainless steel and 304 stainless steel are comparable. 18/8 stainless steel washers are simply distinguished by the percentage of chromium and nickel in the alloy, while 304 stainless steel indicates the broader grade, which includes 18/8 stainless steel washers and 18/10 stainless steel washers. Washers stamped from these materials are used in many industrial, commercial, and household applications.

Are 18/8 Stainless Steel Washers Food Safe?

18/8 stainless steel washers are considered food safe as they are included in grade 304. This grade is sometimes known as the cutlery grade of stainless steel as it is used to make many kitchen tools, cookware, utensils, and other products used in food preparation, service, and storage.

Washers made from this grade are also safe to use in food processing equipment. They will maintain a high-polish shine, resist corrosion, and withstand heat in such applications.