Metallic Flat Washer (Aluminum 5712) consists of a flat disc with a centrally located hole. It provides a bearing surface thus reducing surface wear and distributes fastener loads evenly to minimize surface deformation (when tightening fasteners). The washer has the ability to cover large clearance holes. The metallic washer has more compression strength and can handle higher forces than non-metallic. Aluminum flat washers have several advantages: They are light weight (1/3 the weight of steel), provide good sealing, use non-magnetic, and are good electrical and heat conductors, may be anodized to increase corrosion resistance and are available in a wide variety of colors.