Guide to the use of spacers in metal furniture

In the field of B2B metallic furniture, spacers play a fundamental role in ensuring stability, precision, and functionality in structures. In this complete guide, we will explore the use of spacers, providing practical advice and tips for achieving the best results in your projects.

What are spacers and why are they important

Spacers, also known as “spacers” or “spacer washers,” are essential components in the assembly of metal structures. Their main function is to maintain a precise distance between two elements, preventing direct contact and allowing the passage of screws, bolts, or other fastening elements.

The importance of spacers lies in their ability to:

1. Ensure correct alignment of parts, maintaining the perpendicularity and parallelism of the assembled elements.
2. Evenly distribute the load, avoiding stress concentrations that could cause deformation or breakage.
3. Prevent wear and corrosion of contact surfaces, thanks to the physical separation of materials and the use of protective coatings.
4. Facilitate the assembly and disassembly of structures, allowing adjustment and maintenance without compromising the integrity of the assembly.

Choosing the right spacer for your purpose

To effectively use spacers, it is crucial to select the type, size, and material best suited to your specific project. The main factors to consider are:

1. Material: spacers are available in different materials, such as stainless steel (AISI 304 or 316), aluminum (6000 or 7000 series), brass (CuZn37 or CuZn39Pb3), and plastic (nylon, PTFE or POM). The choice depends on the requirements for mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, temperature tolerance, and chemical compatibility with the environment.
2. Dimensions: carefully evaluate the inner diameter, outer diameter, and thickness of the spacers according to the project’s specifications. Dimensional tolerances must be adhered to ensure a precise fit with screws and bolts, following ISO (ISO 898-1, ISO 3506-1 and ASTM F606) or DIN standards.
3. Shape: in addition to classic flat washers, there are spacers with specific shapes, such as hexagonal (for tightening with a wrench), square (for stable placement), or with flanges (for increased contact surface), to adapt to different applications.

Spacers for chairs: practical solutions for stacking

In the metallic furniture sector, spacers find a specific application in chairs, allowing safe and orderly stacking. Two particularly effective solutions are the oval 15×30 politene spacer for chairs and the round d/20 politene spacer for chairs. Both products are made from LDPE (low-density polyethylene), a lightweight, durable, and sturdy material, ideal for repeated use. 

Their pinch-shaped perfectly fits the legs of chairs with a 20 mm diameter tube, ensuring a firm and stable grip. Using these spacers allows for orderly stacking of chairs, maximizing storage space and facilitating transportation. Additionally, they protect chair surfaces from direct contact, preventing scratches and damage during stacking. With their quick and simple installation, the politene spacers for chairs represent a practical and efficient solution for B2B sector operators.

Tips for installing spacers

Proper installation of spacers is essential for ensuring optimal performance and longevity. Here are some practical tips:

1. Clean contact surfaces thoroughly before assembly, removing dirt, grease, or residues that could compromise stability. 
2. Use the correct number of spacers for each point of attachment, avoiding overloading or under-sizing the structure.
3. Ensure that spacers are positioned evenly and symmetrically, for a balanced load distribution. 

Conclusion

Correct use of spacers in B2B metallic furniture is a crucial aspect for ensuring quality, stability, and longevity of your furniture. By following the advice and tricks presented in this guide, you will be able to choose the right spacers, install them properly, and maintain their efficiency over time, achieving professional and satisfying results. Always rely on qualified and certified suppliers, who can offer products compliant with international standards and a competent technical support for your specific needs.