In environments where exposure to water, humidity, or chemicals is a daily challenge, washer performance must be reliable and consistent. At Stephens Gaskets, we manufacture and supply high-quality acetal washers – the ideal choice for moisture-sensitive settings. As a leading acetal washers supplier, we’ve supported customers across food processing, electronics, and cleanroom manufacturing with washers that perform under pressure.
This blog explores why plastic acetal washers outperform many metal and standard polymer alternatives in wet or corrosive conditions. You’ll also learn about key applications, the benefits of custom solutions, and how to buy acetal spacers that match your exact requirements.
What Is Acetal and Why Is It Ideal for Washers?
Acetal, also known as POM (Polyoxymethylene), is a high-performance engineering plastic prized for its durability, dimensional stability, and moisture resistance. These properties make it perfect for washers used in challenging environments.
Key benefits include:
- Low moisture absorption (unlike nylon, which can swell)
- Excellent dimensional stability
- High mechanical strength
- Chemical resistance to oils, fuels, solvents, and cleaning agents
- FDA-compliant grades available for food use
In short, acetal combines the strength of metal with the versatility of plastic – making it the material of choice for moisture-resistant washers.
Key Advantages of Acetal Washers
1. Moisture Resistance
Unlike many engineering plastics, acetal doesn’t absorb water. It retains its shape, strength, and fit even in damp, submerged, or humid conditions.
2. Chemical Stability
Ideal for food production and electronics, acetal resists cleaning agents, greases, and fuels – without degrading or warping.
3. Electrical Insulation
Acetal has low conductivity, making it suitable for insulating components in sensitive electrical and electronic assemblies.
4. Low Friction
Acetal’s natural slipperiness reduces wear and tear, helping your parts last longer even in moving assemblies.
Applications: Where Acetal Washers Excel
Our customers use plastic acetal washers in a wide range of demanding environments:
- Food processing equipment.
- Electrical enclosures and circuit boards.
- Medical and pharmaceutical systems.
- Marine and offshore components.
- Chemical handling or laboratory settings.
In these sectors, metal washers may corrode or conduct electricity, and other plastics may absorb moisture. Acetal provides a long-lasting alternative.
Standard & Custom Acetal Washer Options
As an experienced acetal washers supplier, Stephens Gaskets offers a wide range of options for both standard and custom plastic washers:
- Thicknesses from 0.5mm to 5mm.
- OD/ID sizes to suit imperial and metric specifications.
- Flat, slotted, tabbed, or shaped profiles.
- Available in white, black, or natural acetal (FDA-approved on request).
Need something specific? We produce bespoke moisture-resistant washers from your sketch, drawing, or CAD file, ensuring a precise fit every time.
Visit our custom plastic washers or explore the washer itself for more technical information.
Why Choose Stephens Gaskets?
As a UK leader in specialist washer manufacturing, Stephens Gaskets combines precision with performance. Here’s why we’re a preferred acetal washers supplier:
- Over 70 years of engineering expertise
- UK-based production with rapid lead times
- Bespoke machining to client drawings or specs
- ISO 9001-certified quality systems
- Industry experience across food, medical, marine, and electronics
Whether you’re working on a high-volume production run or need a few critical components, our team is ready to help.
When to Specify Acetal Washers
Choose plastic acetal washers when your application involves:
- High humidity, splashing water, or steam.
- Non-conductive or insulating requirements.
- Chemical exposure in industrial environments.
- Precision fit in electronic or mechanical assemblies.
They’re the washer of choice when traditional metals or lower-grade plastics simply won’t hold up.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is acetal suitable for use in food contact applications?
Yes, we supply food-grade acetal washers compliant with FDA and EU food safety regulations.
2. How does acetal compare to nylon or PTFE?
Acetal absorbs less moisture than nylon and offers better dimensional stability. It’s stiffer than PTFE but has slightly lower temperature resistance.
3. Do you supply coloured acetal washers?
Yes. Black, white, and natural colours are available as standard. Other colours can be sourced upon request.
4. Can I buy acetal spacers in custom lengths?
Absolutely. We offer both standard and made-to-measure acetal spacers and standoff washers.
Final Thoughts: Designed to Resist, Built to Last
Acetal washers are the quiet workhorses of many demanding industries. With their balance of moisture resistance, dimensional stability, and chemical toughness, they consistently outperform other options in wet, clean, or corrosive environments.
At Stephens Gaskets, we supply moisture-resistant washers that meet technical demands and project deadlines. Whether you’re sourcing a catalogue part or creating a custom solution, we provide the insight, accuracy, and service your business can depend on.