This washer is not a standard catalog item. Its dimensions differ from typical M6 rubber washers, which usually have a smaller outer diameter and thinner cross-section. The 20mm outer diameter provides a larger bearing surface, while the 3mm thickness allows more compression travel. These characteristics make the part suitable for applications where load distribution, surface protection, and consistent sealing are important.
Why this specification is being produced
Requests for non-standard rubber washers often come from projects where metal fasteners are used with softer or more sensitive materials. A larger outer diameter helps spread clamping force across a wider area, which can reduce the risk of surface deformation on plastic housings, painted panels, thin sheet metal, and composite components. The 3mm thickness also allows the washer to accommodate minor surface irregularities without requiring excessive bolt torque.
Neoprene, or Chloroprene Rubber, is commonly chosen for this type of component because it offers a practical balance between environmental resistance, mechanical resilience, and cost. It performs well in applications exposed to moisture, weather, and moderate temperature variations. Compared with natural rubber, Neoprene generally provides better resistance to ozone and weathering, making it a reasonable choice for components used in outdoor or semi-exposed environments.
Manufacturing approach
The washers are produced by compression molding. In this process, a measured amount of rubber compound is placed into a heated mold cavity and cured under pressure. Compression molding is a well-established method for producing rubber seals, gaskets, dampers, and washers with stable physical properties.
Because rubber parts are affected by molding shrinkage and tooling design, final dimensions are confirmed against approved drawings. Typical checks include inner diameter, outer diameter, thickness, hardness, and visual quality. Flash control is managed according to customer requirements. Where traceability is needed, batch records can be maintained for material reference and production history.
IATF 16949 and what it means for customers
Operating under IATF 16949 does not automatically guarantee that every individual part is suitable for every application. Instead, it provides a structured framework for process control, documentation, and continuous improvement. For customers in automotive supply chains, this system supports clearer communication around quality expectations, inspection methods, and production consistency.
Depending on the end use, additional documentation can be arranged during the quotation stage. This may include material specifications, hardness reports, dimensional inspection records, control plans, or PPAP-related documents. Not all projects require the same level of documentation, so requirements are confirmed before tooling and production begin.
Material considerations
Neoprene rubber is generally suitable for operating temperatures around -20°C to +80°C, depending on compound formulation. It offers moderate resistance to oils and chemicals, but it is not equivalent to NBR or FKM in applications involving continuous exposure to fuels, strong oils, or aggressive solvents. If an application involves higher temperatures, prolonged oil contact, or extreme chemical exposure, alternative materials such as EPDM, NBR, Silicone, or FKM may be more appropriate.
Hardness is usually selected based on the required compression behavior. For washers used in sealing and vibration isolation, a medium hardness range such as 45 to 65 Shore A is common. Softer compounds may seal more easily but can compress more under load, while harder compounds may maintain shape better but require higher clamping force to achieve effective sealing.
Typical applications
This M6 x 20mm x 3mm Neoprene washer can be used in a range of industrial and automotive contexts, including:
Sealing around fasteners exposed to moisture or outdoor conditions.
Vibration isolation between metal fasteners and plastic or sheet metal components.
Load distribution in assemblies where surface damage must be minimized.
Cushioning in mechanical housings, enclosures, and mounting points.
General-purpose damping where environmental resistance is required.
Each application should be validated under actual operating conditions. Rubber components interact with surrounding materials, fastener torque, temperature, and environmental exposure, so performance depends on the complete assembly rather than the washer alone.
OEM and custom production support
As a manufacturing facility, we produce rubber components based on customer drawings, samples, or application requirements. If a project requires a different inner diameter, outer diameter, thickness, material, or hardness, the specification can be adjusted during the engineering review. Tooling is developed after dimensions and quality requirements are confirmed.
Lead times depend on part complexity, tooling status, order quantity, and any additional testing or documentation requirements. For customers managing ongoing production, we can support batch manufacturing, consistent material sourcing, and defined inspection criteria.
This update reflects our ongoing work in custom rubber molding and IATF 16949-supported production. For quotation requests, please provide full dimensions, material preference, target hardness, operating conditions, required documentation, and estimated quantities. Final specifications will be confirmed before production to ensure the part meets the intended application.