The thrust washers are long-wearing flat bearings in the shape of a washer that transmit and resolve axial forces in rotating mechanisms to keep components aligned along a shaft. Generally, they are made from every material and are selected for the best combination of performance, maintenance, and price.
They have some advantages. For example, they are economical alternatives to rolling thrust bearings whenever forces velocities are moderate. Besides, they work best when kept clean and lubricated as with all mechanical systems. However, they also carry some disadvantages. They may consume a portion of the rotational energy in the system as friction as all sliding rather than rolling bearings do, as a result, heir efficiency is always less than a ball or roller bearing type thrust bearing system.
Although they may have some disadvantages. They are still popular among many places because they have a wide range of applications. They can be found in almost every appliance, machine, transportation conveyance, power tool, and recreational device that has moving parts, axles, bolts, pins, bearings, and rotating components.
They have some common applications. The propeller shaft on most inboard and outboard boats uses at least one thrust washer to transmit the axial thrust of a spinning propeller into forward or backward motion. The appliance electric motor has at least one thrust washer in it to control axial displacement. Moreover, various types of turntables use thrust washers both as weight bearings as well as erratic motion dampers.
In summary, thrust washers are the most economical alternatives to rolling thrust bearings. And their applications and advantages can help to meet various specific requirements.