Haftscheiben

Haftscheiben are flat, circular discs that are used as interface elements in various technical applications to promote adhesion between surfaces or to transmit friction and load. The term is part of German technical vocabulary and can correspond to different English terms such as adhesive discs, bonding discs, friction discs, or thrust washers, depending on the context.

In mechanical engineering, Haftscheiben serve as contact surfaces in bonded or laminated assemblies, helping distribute adhesive loads or providing controlled friction in clutches, brakes, or couplings. They can also act as spacers or load distributors in multi-layer constructions. Materials range from metals (forged or stamped steel and stainless steel) to ceramics and high-performance polymers; coatings and surface treatments (for example hard coatings or texturing) are used to tailor bonding or friction characteristics.

Variants and features include plain Haftscheiben, textured or knurled surfaces to improve grip, a central bore for mounting, and sometimes additional features such as alignment holes or notches. Edge design may vary, with some implementations having recessed or countersunk edges to suit mounting requirements.

Manufacturing and standards emphasize precision: Haftscheiben are produced by turning, stamping, or casting, with tolerances set for flatness, roundness, and thickness according to the application. Surface finish and material choice depend on the expected adhesive or friction interaction and the operating environment.

Note: The exact meaning of Haftscheibe can vary by industry and application, so it is often distinguished from general washers (Unterlegscheiben) and from locking or spring discs. See also Unterlegscheibe and Scheibe.