M3 (3mm) Form A A2 Grade Stainless Flat Washer

Stainless Flat Washer

Top quality form A stainless flat washer supplied straight from Warrington, UK. These washers are for metric bolts and screws.

The importance of using high-quality components in fastening systems cannot be overstated. For those seeking a reliable and durable washer, Speciality Metals’ M3 (3mm) Form A A2 Grade Stainless Flat Washer is an excellent choice. Thanks to its stainless steel construction, this washer boasts excellent hygiene properties and is highly corrosion resistant. The versatility of this product and its low maintenance needs make it a popular choice for a variety of industries. Additionally, it provides a secure fit, ensuring a tight seal around your fastening system. The M3 Form A A2 Grade Stainless Flat Washer is a great option when it comes to finding a dependable and long-lasting washer.

Form A flat washer are most used around the world.

Key product details:

• Standard – DIN 125A
• Fasteners Type – Form A Flat Washer
• Thread Diameter – M3
• Internal Diameter – 3.2mm
• Outer Diameter – 7mm
• Thickness – 0.5mm
• Metal – Stainless steel grade 304 (A2)

Speciality Metals are the best suppliers for you because:

• FREE UK delivery on all orders
• Order dispatch within 24 hours of order
• Located in Warrington, UK which is the UK home of mesh and metals
• Our experienced staff are experts in the mesh market and care personally about your customer experience

Speciality Metals is a trusted UK based distributor of fasteners, sheet metal, flat bar and round tube. We specialise in rapid delivery to any location around the country. Our team of experienced, friendly staff are at hand at all times to process your order.

FAQs About This Product

Are Stainless Steel Washers Animal and Plant Safe?

Stainless steel washers, particularly those made from grades like 304 and 316, are generally considered to be safe for contact with animals and plants under most conditions. These grades are often used in applications where hygiene and corrosion resistance are important, such as in food and beverage processing or medical devices, which suggests a level of safety for living organisms.

1. Corrosion Resistance: One of the primary reasons stainless steel is considered safe is its resistance to corrosion, which minimises the risk of metal particles or compounds leaching into the environment.

2. Non-Toxic: Stainless steel is generally non-toxic and doesn’t contain harmful chemicals that would be dangerous to animals or plants.

3. Durability: Their durability means they won’t break down easily, reducing the risk of small pieces being ingested by animals.

4. Chemical Leaching: While stainless steel is stable, it’s important to note that in highly acidic or alkaline environments, there may be some degree of metal leaching. This is generally not a concern for most animal or plant interactions but may be a consideration in specialised environments like aquariums with very specific pH levels.

5. Biocompatibility: Some grades of stainless steel are designed for biological compatibility and are used in medical and veterinary implants, suggesting they are safe for internal as well as external contact with animals.

Do A2 Grade Form A Washers Work Well in High-Humidity Environments?

A2 grade stainless steel, which is often equivalent to 304 stainless steel, is generally considered a good material for applications in high-humidity environments. One of its key attributes is its corrosion resistance, enabled primarily by the presence of chromium in the alloy. When exposed to oxygen, chromium forms a thin, protective oxide layer on the surface of the steel, which helps prevent further oxidation and corrosion.

However, while A2 grade (or 304 grade) stainless steel does offer good resistance to rusting, it is not entirely immune, particularly in environments that are not just humid but also contain other corrosive elements. For example, in marine environments where saltwater is present, a higher grade like A4 (or 316 stainless steel) might be more appropriate due to its greater resistance to chloride corrosion.

That said, in a straightforward high-humidity setting without other corrosive factors, A2 grade Form A washers should generally perform well. They would be suitable for many indoor and outdoor applications where humidity is a concern but exposure to harsh chemicals, salts or extreme pH conditions is limited.

Are Form A Flat Washers Safe for Aquarium Use?

Form A flat washers made of certain grades of stainless steel, such as 304 (A2) or 316 (A4), are generally considered safe for aquarium use, especially for freshwater setups. These grades of stainless steel are corrosion-resistant and non-toxic, which makes them suitable for an environment that houses sensitive aquatic life. The protective oxide layer that forms on stainless steel helps in preventing harmful metal ions from leaching into the water, which could otherwise be toxic to fish and plants.

However, for saltwater aquariums or reef tanks, more caution is warranted. Even though stainless steel is corrosion-resistant, it is not completely immune to the effects of chloride ions found in saltwater. Over time, exposure to saltwater can cause localised corrosion, known as pitting, which could lead to the release of harmful ions into the tank. For saltwater environments, plastic or specialised aquarium-grade hardware is often recommended to completely eliminate the risk of metal contamination.

Additionally, always ensure that the washers do not have any coatings or treatments that might leach harmful substances into the water. For specialised or unique setups, it would be best to consult aquarium experts or material scientists to make sure you’re using materials that won’t harm your aquatic ecosystem.

Can Stainless Steel 304 Washers be Used in Pneumatic Systems?

Stainless steel 304 washers can generally be used in pneumatic systems, provided they meet the specific requirements of the application. One of the key advantages of 304 stainless steel is its good corrosion resistance, which can be beneficial in pneumatic systems where moisture or corrosive gases may be present. Additionally, the mechanical properties of 304 stainless steel—such as its tensile strength, yield strength and hardness—make it a suitable choice for handling the pressures typically found in pneumatic systems.

However, there are some considerations to take into account:

1. Sealing Performance: While washers can distribute load, they do not inherently provide a seal against gas leaks. If sealing is a concern, you might want to consider specialised sealing washers or gaskets made from materials designed for that purpose.

2. Temperature Range: Stainless steel 304 has good thermal properties, but if your pneumatic system operates at extremely high or low temperatures, you may need to consider if 304 is appropriate for your specific conditions.

3. Chemical Compatibility: 304 stainless steel is resistant to a wide range of chemicals, but in an environment where the pneumatic system is exposed to aggressive substances, you might need to consider a more corrosion-resistant grade like 316 stainless steel.

4. Tolerance and Fit: Pneumatic systems often require precise tolerances. Make sure that the washers you choose meet the required specifications for dimensions and fit.

5. Lubrication: In some pneumatic applications, lubrication could be a concern. While stainless steel is generally compatible with many types of lubricants, always double-check compatibility, especially if the system uses specialised or aggressive substances.

Check out our blogs discussing Stainless Steel Form A Washers. It will prove a useful read to help you to make an informed decision on which material would work best for you. 

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Our goal for our blogs, videos and help guides is to answer as many questions as possible to help to explain the possibilities of mesh to our customers.  Contact us today if you have any questions at all. We are always really keen to help in any way that we can.

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