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In many industries, components such as washers, spacers, and bushes appear small, but they play essential roles in keeping assemblies safe, stable, and efficient. Choosing the right part, and more importantly, the right material, is critical to ensuring long-term performance. At Solutions in Plastic & Engineering, we design and machine components like plastic washers, nylon washers, plastic spacers, nylon spacers and bushes for a wide range of sectors across Australia.
What are washers, spacers and bushes?
Washers
A washer is usually a thin, disc-shaped piece with a central hole. Placed under the head of a nut, bolt or screw, washers distribute the load across a wider surface area, helping protect the substrate from damage. Washers also serve as insulators, vibration dampers and surface protectors.
In assemblies that combine dissimilar materials, plastic washers and nylon washers are particularly useful in reducing wear, preventing corrosion and ensuring both electrical and thermal insulation.
Spacers
Spacers (sometimes called packers or stand-offs) are designed to hold two parts at a fixed distance from each other. Unlike washers, which are usually thin, spacers are manufactured in a range of lengths and thicknesses. They ensure components are kept at the correct alignment or clearance.
Plastic spacers and nylon spacers are widely used in electronics, construction, furniture and precision equipment. Their role is purely structural, keeping elements steady and separated without allowing movement.
Bushes
Bushes (or bushings) are low-maintenance, quiet and cost-effective alternatives to metal bearings. They are fitted where one part slides or rotates against another. A well-chosen bush reduces friction, minimises wear, and extends the component’s life.
Materials such as nylon and acetal are common for bushes due to their toughness, low friction properties and ability to run without lubrication.
Key differences in use
- Washers stabilise fasteners, distribute loads, and insulate them.
- Spacers maintain fixed distances and alignment between static parts.
- Bushes support moving or rotating parts and reduce wear.
Each part type performs a distinct function, and the right choice depends on whether your assembly needs stabilisation, separation, or motion support.
Where are plastic and nylon washers used?
Plastic washers and nylon washers are used wherever fasteners are required to be insulated, loads need to be spread evenly, or surfaces must be protected. Their lightweight nature makes them ideal in applications where reducing overall assembly weight is critical.
Typical uses include:
- Electrical assemblies (providing insulation between conductive parts)
- Building and construction projects
- Machinery, transport and packaging equipment
- Mining and tunnelling maintenance work
- Because plastics resist corrosion, they perform impressively in outdoor or humid environments where metal washers may fail.
Where are plastic and nylon spacers used?
Plastic spacers and nylon spacers are essential for accurate alignment and spacing. They are commonly found in:
- PCB and electronic assemblies (maintaining clearance and insulation between boards)
- Structural designs in furniture or equipment
- Construction packers and shims
- Lightweight designs in medical and marine industries
Spacers offer consistent positioning, ensuring parts remain static, aligned and vibration-free.
Where are bushes used?
Plastic bushes (often nylon or acetal) are used in applications where movement occurs, such as:
- Bearings and pulleys
- Conveyor rollers
- Shafts and couplings
- Machinery requiring sliding or rotating elements
They are valued because they provide smooth, quiet operation without the need for heavy lubrication, making them cost-effective and easy to maintain.
Choosing the right material
When selecting components like plastic washers, nylon washers, plastic spacers, nylon spacers or bushes, the material is just as important as the part itself. Some common engineering plastics used include:- Nylon (PA): strong, impact-resistant, decent electrical insulation, excellent wear properties. Common applications for this material include washers, spacers, and bushes. Note: absorbs some moisture, which may affect very tight tolerances.
- Acetal (POM / Delrin): excellent dimensional stability; low moisture absorption; high load-bearing strength; and outstanding wear resistance. Ideal for bushes and precision parts.
- HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene): lightweight, tough, chemical resistant. It is suited for packers, non-load-critical spacers, and applications needing chemical durability.
Custom solutions
Standard off-the-shelf parts are not always appropriate. Many applications require components with unique dimensions, tolerances or materials. That is why Solutions in Plastic offers machining and fabrication for:- Custom plastic washers
- Custom nylon washers
- Custom plastic spacers
- Custom nylon spacers
- Custom bushes in nylon, acetal and other engineering plastics
