Lightweight, non-conductive, and resistant to many chemicals, nylon washers are a dependable choice across a variety of industries. From delicate electronics to lightweight mechanical assemblies, nylon’s versatility and performance make it a material of choice when metal simply won’t do. As a leading nylon washers supplier, Stephens Gaskets provides precision-cut nylon washers and spacers for both standard and specialist applications.
In this article, we explore the top five uses for nylon washers in today’s manufacturing, engineering, and electronics industries – highlighting how and why you might choose to buy nylon washers for your next project.
Why Choose Nylon Washers?
Nylon is a thermoplastic known for its strength-to-weight ratio, excellent wear resistance, and electrical insulation properties. It’s widely used in environments where metal washers could cause corrosion, conductivity issues, or unnecessary weight.
Key properties include:
- Non-conductive
- Corrosion-resistant
- Lightweight and durable
- Low coefficient of friction
- Chemically resistant to oils and solvents
- Thermally stable (typically up to 100°C)
This makes nylon an ideal material for washers used in electrical, mechanical, and fluid systems – particularly when precision and protection are essential.
1. Electronics & Electrical Insulation
Nylon’s insulating properties make it perfect for separating electrical components, preventing short circuits, and providing spacing between conductive parts.
Common uses:
- PCB mounting
- Fastener insulation in enclosures
- Non-conductive nylon washer spacers
As a nylon washers supplier, we supply washers in various sizes and grades to support everything from consumer electronics to industrial control panels.
2. Light-Duty Mechanical Assemblies
Nylon washers are ideal for applications where low loads are applied, and where metal might wear or damage delicate surfaces.
Industries that benefit:
- Appliance manufacturing
- Furniture assembly
- Retail displays and enclosures
Nylon’s low friction and light cushioning properties help reduce wear between parts and extend product life.
3. Automotive Interior & Trim Components
Because of its vibration-dampening characteristics and non-marking surface, nylon is commonly used in car interiors and non-load-bearing automotive components.
Applications include:
- Dashboards and panel fasteners
- Mounting trim
- Noise reduction in fittings
Nylon prevents rattling and allows for quiet, secure assembly without added weight.
4. Chemical-Resistant Environments
In wet or corrosive environments, metal washers may degrade-whereas nylon holds its structure.
Ideal for:
- Laboratory setups
- Food equipment
- Light chemical processing machinery
These washers are also a popular option for fluid and air systems where lightweight, corrosion-resistant spacers are needed.
5. Custom Nylon Washer Spacers
When your design calls for unique thicknesses, diameters, or profiles, custom nylon washer spacers are the answer.
Custom applications include:
- Cleanroom and medical device manufacturing
- Precision mechanical assemblies
- Robotics and automation systems
At Stephens Gaskets, we offer full custom machining to ensure each washer meets your exact specification – no compromises.
Standard & Bespoke Nylon Washers Available
We offer both off-the-shelf and custom options as part of our full plastic washers UK service:
- Thicknesses from 0.5mm to 10mm+
- Metric and imperial sizes
- Grades available: Nylon 6, Nylon 66, and glass-filled
- Profiles: Flat, shoulder, slotted, and non-circular
- Colours: Natural, black, and more (on request)
Whether you’re building a prototype or preparing a production run, we can supply to your exact needs.
Discover more about nylon washer spacers or visit the washer itself for technical specifications and material data.
Why Choose Stephens Gaskets?
As a trusted nylon washers supplier, Stephens Gaskets combines decades of experience with modern precision manufacturing. We help engineers, designers, and procurement teams get the exact washers they need-quickly, and with quality assured.
We offer:
- Over 70 years of UK manufacturing expertise.
- ISO 9001-certified production.
- Custom sizes, shapes, and materials.
- Responsive customer support and technical advice.
- Fast turnaround on standard and bespoke orders.
When to Specify Nylon Washers
Choose nylon washers when:
- You need a non-conductive, corrosion-resistant washer.
- Your system has tight tolerances and lightweight requirements.
- You’re working with non-metallic or sensitive surfaces.
- You want quiet operation in light-duty assemblies.
- You need low-cost, high-precision plastic washers UK-wide.
We’ll guide you on the best material and configuration for your exact use case.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are nylon washers suitable for outdoor use?
Nylon can be used outdoors, but prolonged UV exposure may cause degradation. For UV-stable alternatives, we can recommend modified nylon or other plastics.
2. Can I order a mix of sizes or shapes?
Yes. We support mixed batch orders, as well as one-offs and large-scale production runs.
3. Do nylon washers resist oil and grease?
Yes, nylon is resistant to many oils, fuels, and non-aggressive chemicals—making it suitable for use in engine bays and fluid systems.
4. Can I buy nylon washers with tight tolerances?
Absolutely. Our machining processes allow for fine tolerances, suitable for high-precision assemblies.
Final Thoughts: Nylon Washers Do More Than You Think
From electronics to automotive interiors, nylon washers offer unmatched versatility and value. They insulate, space, and protect – all while keeping weight and cost low.
Whether you need standard parts or fully custom solutions, Stephens Gaskets is the nylon washers supplier to rely on.