Different Functions of Spacer Plates
Spacer plates, or spacers, are used to provide distance between two or more components being fastened. Spacers are often a varying length of tubing which not only increase the distance between two parts, but also serve as a tube where a fastener is inserted. Most spacers are designed with a clearance hole through which a bolt is inserted, meaning that the spacer does not directly engage with the threads of the bolt.
Moreover, smaller spacers may resemble a thick washer and can sometimes be used in their place. Spacers are also similar to standoffs; however, standoffs include a threaded shaft or hole, allowing them to be fitted without an additional fastener such as a bolt or screw. Standoffs are often found alongside spacers and their functions are often conflated. For the purpose of this blog, we will be giving an overview of the design specifications spacers have, their uses, and the most common types.
The most common design for spacers is that of a round outer profile. Round spacers can be found in applications where they will be visible after installation as they have a sleeker, less industrial look to them. These spacers are made of many materials, but the most popular include metal for its aesthetic qualities. Some spacers are made with a hexagonal profile and a plain hole. These spacers are typically made from a relatively soft material such as nylon or brass. Though these spacers are similar to conventional spacers -- those with a rounder profile, they have an added flexibility that can be threaded onto a stud or self-tapping screw, using the external flat sections of their hexagonal profile to apply torque. As a result, this type of spacer can be turned into a female/female standoff and is often found in circuit board assemblies as well as wedged behind panels or in cases.
In the aerospace industry, spacers are used to secure wiring, tubing, and ducting away from the aircraft structure. Aircraft spacers are incredibly resistant, provide a high load capacity, and are easy to modify. In electronic assemblies, spacers provide space for cooling airflow and electrical insulation; these may be referred to as PCB Spacers. PCB Spacers are typically made from brass, stainless steel, nylon polyoxymethylene (POM), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and ceramics. In the industrial sector, there are a few different spacers that are often utilized. First, s are typically permanently mounted onto milling spindles. They are made with a specific thickness to align all the spindle shoulders on the machine to a common reference point which can reduce the amount of maintenance time required to align spindle shoulders manually. Another such type is a bar spacer , or spacer bar, which has a continuous hollow frame that separates the two glass panes in a double glazing window. The spacer bar is filled with a desiccant to absorb any residual moisture in the cavity between the panes and prevents condensation from forming within the double glazing window.
When it comes to selecting the right spacer for your applications, it is best to consider the material as one of your core determining factors. Due to their versatility, there is no “right” material per say; however, certain materials are best suited for some applications over others. For example, if you are working with an electrical circuit and conductivity needs to be maintained, metal spacers work best for your application. However, a plastic or ceramic spacer is not conductive and can prevent the risk of a short circuit in your system. Another factor to consider is the weight of your spacer which determines its load-bearing capacity. Aluminum and plastic spacers have a relatively low weight coupled with a high load-bearing capacity. If you are in need of spacers with a high load-bearing capacity, increased resistance, and low weight, glass fiber reinforced spacers may be best. Moreover, this material is UV-resistant, making it ideal for outdoor applications. Additionally, if you are looking for waterproof spacers, ceramic and stainless steel spacers are optimal.
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