What is a spacer?

‍

A spacer is a rigid cylindrical part, often made of steel, which makes it possible to link and maintain two other parts in a fixed distance.

A spacer is a component used in mechanical assemblies to create space or maintain a precise distance between two or more elements.

‍

What is a socket?

‍

A socket is an extremely precise mechanical part that makes it possible to link two parts, possibly mobile, to be linked by creating a fastener that:

• Limits the weight of the assembly
• Eliminates friction between rooms.

Bushings are found in engines or car suspension, sockets are used in mechanical assemblies to:

1. Position or center two or more elements within an assembly, we speak of a centering socket
2. Protect the integrity of the assembly by limiting the load compression exerted on the assembly, we speak of a compression socket

‍

They are frequently made of metal or plastic and take the form of tubes or hollow cylinders. Bushings are particularly different from other assembly solutions in applications requiring weight reduction.

For example, the use of smooth sockets reduces the consumption of expensive and generally rare antifriction materials and simplifies repairs by reducing the costs of installing and replacing worn sockets with a new socket.

‍

What is the difference between a spacer and a socket?

‍

At first glance, sockets and spacers are the same product, the major difference between these 2 names lies in the role that the part plays.

Indeed, we speak of a spacer when the purpose of the piece is to create a space between two rooms. In English, a spacer is called “spacer” we find the concept of space, a spacer aims to create and maintain a space.

The main application of the spacer is that of a rotation system such as a ball bearing (bicycle hubs, gearboxes, etc.).

The spacer creates a space between the two bearings in order to keep them in a fixed position. In the following image, we see the spacer between two bearings, here the assembly seems disassembled since the parts are not in contact.

‍

‍

The name of the socket is much more significant than that of the spacer, because while the latter has a specific role, the socket has several, much more specialized ones. This is why there is a tendency to associate the application directly with the product.

Unlike the spacer, the socket is often associated with specific and technical applications. When we talk about a cylindrical socket, we are not talking about a smooth socket.

Rather, we speak of a centering socket or a positioning socket, thus underlining its crucial role in assembly or alignment operations.

This is not just a simple language defect, but rather a lack of understanding of the diversity of functions that a socket can perform.

It is reassuring to note that this linguistic confusion is widespread, but it is essential to recognize the importance of sockets in applications that are much more precise than spacers.

‍

The different types of sockets and spacers

‍

Like other fasteners and assemblies, there are a variety of sockets and spacers available.

• La rectified centering socket / rectified centering spacer : they allow a precise alignment of two holes. They are used to ensure centering and alignment within a mechanical assembly.
• La compression sleeve / compression spacer, also known as spacers: they maintain a gap between two parts.
• La threaded socket - threaded / threaded spacer - tapped, also called threaded inserts: the inner diameter is adapted to the passage of a screw and the outer diameter ensures precision allowing a perfect fit.

‍

Spacers play an essential role in maintaining the integrity of plastic part assemblies by protecting them from compression stresses.

Their overmolding makes it possible to avoid any unwanted deformation, while they skilfully correct dimensional variations caused by thermal shocks.

‍

Would you like to know more about our spacers?

Go to our dedicated article: All you need to know about spacers‍