SS 202 Plain Washer

A SS 202 plain washer refers to a washer made from stainless steel grade 202, which is a type of austenitic stainless steel. This grade is known for its good combination of strength, formability, and resistance to corrosion. Plain washers are simple flat washers without any coating, designed to distribute the load of a fastener (such as a bolt or nut) over a larger area, preventing damage to the material being fastened and offering some protection against loosening.

Key Features of SS 202 Plain Washers

1. Material:

   • Stainless Steel Grade 202 is a lower-cost alternative to the more common 304 stainless steel. It contains chromium, nickel, and manganese, offering good resistance to corrosion in mild environments.

   • It’s particularly resistant to corrosion from water, oxidation, and some mild chemicals but less resistant than higher-grade stainless steels like 304 or 316.

2. Corrosion Resistance:

   • Grade 202 stainless steel provides moderate corrosion resistance, making it suitable for indoor and some outdoor applications. However, it is not ideal for highly corrosive environments like coastal areas where SS 304 or 316 would be more suitable.

3. Strength:

   • SS 202 offers decent tensile strength and can handle moderate mechanical stress, making it appropriate for general use in fastening systems.

4. Applications:

   • General Engineering: Used in construction, mechanical assemblies, and industrial equipment.

   • Automotive: Often used in vehicle components like body parts or undercarriage systems.

   • Furniture and Fixtures: For furniture that requires corrosion-resistant fasteners.

   • Outdoor Applications: Suitable for mild outdoor environments (though not as resistant as 304 or 316 stainless steel).

5. Design:

   • Plain Washer: The washer is typically flat, round, and smooth, providing an even surface for load distribution.

   • Size: Available in a variety of sizes, with inner and outer diameters matching the fasteners used.

6. Appearance:

   • The washer has a smooth surface, and the natural finish of SS 202 gives it a silvery-gray appearance. The finish is not as shiny as higher-grade stainless steels like 304 or 316, but it still offers an aesthetic finish for most applications.

Advantages of SS 202 Plain Washers

• Cost-Effective: Compared to SS 304 and SS 316, SS 202 is more affordable, making it a suitable option for applications where corrosion resistance is not as critical but strength and durability are still necessary.

• Versatile: Suitable for a wide range of general-purpose applications, including mechanical, automotive, and light industrial uses.

• Load Distribution: Helps distribute the load of fasteners, preventing damage to the surface material and reducing the risk of material deformation under pressure.

Disadvantages of SS 202 Plain Washers

• Corrosion Resistance: While SS 202 has good corrosion resistance, it is not as durable in harsh or highly corrosive environments (like marine or chemical environments) compared to other grades like SS 304 or SS 316.

• Strength: Although SS 202 provides reasonable strength, it may not be as strong as higher tensile materials, especially for highly demanding mechanical applications.