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Functions of flat washers: 1. Increase the contact area between the screw and the machine. 2. Prevent damage to the machine’s surface caused by spring washers when removing screws. When in use, it must be: a spring washer followed by a flat washer, with the flat washer against the machine surface and the spring washer between the flat washer and the nut. Flat washers are used to increase the load-bearing surface of screws. The spring washer serves as a buffer and protective measure under stress, preventing the screw from loosening. Although flat washers can be used as sacrificial washers. 3. But more often, it is used as a supplementary cushion or a flattening pad. Functions of the spring washer: 1. The function of a spring washer is to provide elastic force to the nut after it has been tightened, thereby pressing the nut in place and preventing it from coming loose. The basic function of the spring is to apply a force to the nut after it is tightened, thereby increasing the friction between the nut and the bolt. 2. Spring washers are generally used instead of flat washers (flat and spring washers are considered only when it is necessary to protect the surfaces of the fasteners and the mounting surface). 3. Flat washers are generally used in connections where one component is soft in texture while the other is hard and brittle. Their main function is to increase the contact area, distribute pressure evenly, and prevent damage to the softer component. When to use flat washers and when to use spring washers: 1. Under normal circumstances, flat washers can be used alone when the load is relatively small and there is no vibration load. 2. In cases of high loads and exposure to vibration loads, a combination of flat washers and spring washers must be used. 3. Spring washers are basically not used alone; they are always used in combination. Spring washers can serve to prevent loosening and increase the pre-tightening force, whereas flat washers do not have this function; they can be used to increase the contact area between the fasteners, reduce friction between the bolts and the workpiece, and protect the surface of the connection elements from being scratched when the bolts and nuts are tightened. However, in some critical connections—such as those where friction generated by compression is primarily responsible for power transmission—spring washers must not be used. Their use reduces the rigidity of the connection, thereby increasing the risk of accidents. Spring washers are not necessary. When the strength of the connecting elements is low, flat washers or flange bolts are used to increase the contact area; in situations with vibrations, pulses, or large fluctuations in medium temperature, spring washers must be used.