A 316 wedge-type anti-loosening gasket (more commonly referred to as a wedge-locking washer or wedge lock washer) is a high-security fastener designed to prevent the unintentional loosening of bolted joints, even under severe vibration and dynamic loads, by using tension instead of friction. It is made from A4/316 (marine-grade) stainless steel for superior corrosion resistance.
Working Principle
The anti-loosening mechanism of the wedge lock washer relies on the geometry of its design.
The system consists of a pair of washers which are typically supplied pre-assembled with a small amount of glue to facilitate easy installation.
Each washer has cams (inclined ramps) on one side and radial serrations (teeth) on the opposite side.
When installed, the cam faces are placed against each other, and the serrations grip the underside of the bolt head/nut and the mating surface.
If the bolted joint is subjected to vibration and attempts to loosen, movement can only occur across the cam faces.
Because the cam angle is greater than the thread pitch of the bolt, any rotational movement is blocked by a wedge effect, which actually increases the clamping force and prevents the bolt from rotating loose.
- Key Features and Applications
- Material: A4 (316L) marine-grade stainless steel, which contains molybdenum for excellent resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion, especially in chloride-rich environments like saltwater and industrial chemicals.
- Performance: Considered one of the most reliable anti-loosening solutions for critical joints, surpassing traditional friction-based methods like split-ring washers or Plain Washers.
- Reusability: They can typically be reused, but a thorough inspection for wear or damage is necessary before re-installation.
- Applications: Ideal for high-safety and high-reliability fields such as wind energy, heavy machinery, automotive, construction, marine equipment, and offshore structures.
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Company Name: Beiersdorf Company
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Country: China
Website: https://www.bsf-cn.com/
