What are Copper Washers?

Copper washers are precision-engineered components designed to create a secure bond between fasteners and surfaces. These thin, circular copper discs are typically placed under the head of a bolt, screw or nut to help distribute the load evenly, prevent damage to the material being fastened and enhance the connection's overall integrity.

What sets copper washers apart from stainless steel washers is their softness, which allows them to conform easily to surfaces, creating an optimal seal. This softness also reduces the risk of overtightening, making copper washers ideal for applications where protecting the integrity of the surrounding materials is essential.

How Copper Crush Washers Work

Copper crush washers excel in creating a reliable connection due to their softness and malleability. When used as copper sealing washers in plumbing and hydraulic systems, their soft nature allows them to deform slightly under pressure, filling any gaps and ensuring a tight, leak-proof connection.

This aspect is extremely valuable in high-pressure environments such as automotive braking systems, where a secure seal is critical to safety. As the fastener is tightened, the copper crush washer compresses to conform to the mating surfaces, preventing fluid leaks and maintaining a strong, durable connection. This adaptability makes copper washers a preferred choice in industries like automotive, aerospace and plumbing, where precision and reliability are paramount.

Materials Copper Washers Are Made From

Accu's copper washers are crafted from high-purity copper, chosen specifically for its excellent malleability, which is directly tied to the softness of the material. This softness makes copper washers especially effective in applications where they need to mould to irregular surfaces, creating a more effective seal than harder materials.

Copper’s natural softness also ensures that it won’t damage the surfaces it interacts with, which is crucial in delicate assemblies or when working with softer metals. Beyond their softness, copper’s resistance to corrosion and ability to conduct electricity and heat add to the versatility and effectiveness of copper sealing washers in various demanding environments.

Size and Types of Copper Washers Available

Our range of copper washers caters to a variety of needs, with sizes available to fit thread diameters from M4 (4mm) to M42 (42mm). These washers are offered in thicknesses ranging from 1mm to 2.5mm, allowing for flexibility depending on the specific requirements of your project application.

Whether you need a standard imperial copper washer or a specialised copper crush washer, we're confident you can find the right size and type to suit your needs.

Additionally, for applications requiring similar components, our selection of brass washers and rubber washers might also be of interest, providing additional options where different material properties are required.

FAQs

Q: What are copper washers good for?

A: Copper washers are ideal for creating a tight seal between fasteners and surfaces. Their softness allows them to conform to irregular surfaces, making them perfect for high-pressure applications like automotive braking systems, plumbing and electrical assemblies where a secure connection is crucial.

Q: Should you replace copper washers?

A: Yes, it's generally recommended to replace copper washers when they are removed, especially if they have been used in high-pressure or critical applications. Over time, they can deform or wear out, which might compromise their ability to seal effectively.

Q: Are copper washers one-time use?

A: Typically, copper washers are considered one-time use, especially in critical applications. Once they have been compressed to create a seal, they may not perform as effectively if reused, so it's best to replace them with a new washer.

Q: Are copper washers soft?

A: Yes, copper washers are relatively soft compared to other materials like steel or brass. This softness allows them to compress and create a tight seal, making them highly effective in preventing leaks and ensuring a secure connection.

Bespoke Copper Washers Manufacture.

High precision, bespoke manufacture of Copper Washers to customer specification. State of the art facilities specialising in both small batch prototyping and large scale manufacture.