Have you ever wondered what small component quietly handles huge forces inside engines and machines to keep them running smoothly? In 2025’s push for more efficient and reliable machinery, one humble part is stepping into the spotlight: the thrust washer.
Modern industries – from automotive to robotics – are increasingly focused on durability and maintenance-free design. Thrust washers, a simple ring-shaped bearing surface, are proving critical to these goals. This article will answer common questions about thrust washers in a clear, practical way. We’ll explore what thrust washers are, how they work, where they’re used, types and materials, how to choose the right one, and the latest innovations. By the end, you’ll see why thrust washers are often called the unsung heroes of smooth machine operation.
1. What Is a Thrust Washer and Why Is It Important?
A thrust washer is a thin, disc-shaped component (resembling a flat ring) that supports axial loads and reduces friction between moving parts. In simple terms, it’s a washer that takes the “thrust” or push along a shaft. For example, you might find thrust washers sitting between a rotating shaft (like a crankshaft) and its housing to prevent direct metal-on-metal rubbing. By acting as a sacrificial surface, the thrust washer spreads out forces and prevents wear on more expensive parts.
Why are thrust washers important?
These little components perform several critical roles in machinery:
- Even Load Distribution: Thrust washers distribute axial forces evenly across their surface, preventing localized wear that could damage parts. This extends the life of bearings, gears, and other components.
- Friction Reduction: They provide a low-friction interface between moving parts, so shafts can rotate smoothly without grinding. This improves overall machine efficiency.
- Vibration Damping: A good thrust washer can absorb minor vibrations or shock, protecting components from excessive wobble or wear.
In essence, a thrust washer is a small guardian inside many machines. It keeps parts aligned and moving freely, much like a referee ensuring fair play between a spinning component and whatever it presses against. With the growing demand for high reliability in modern equipment, these unassuming washers have become more crucial than ever for trustworthy performance.
(In the next section, we’ll look at how thrust washers actually do their job.)
2. How Does a Thrust Washer Work?
Now that we know what a thrust washer is, how does it work its magic in reducing friction and wear? The operation is straightforward yet effective. A thrust washer is inserted between two surfaces that slide against each other, typically the end of a rotating shaft and a stationary housing or part. When the shaft tries to move axially (along its length), it presses against the washer instead of rubbing directly on the housing.
Here’s what happens in operation:
Sliding Bearing Action
Unlike a roller bearing, a thrust washer has no rolling elements. The mating parts simply slide on the washer’s face as the shaft turns. The washer’s smooth, flat surface provides a broad area for the parts to glide on.
Wear Prevention
The washer, often made of a material softer or more lubricated than the shaft, takes the brunt of the friction. It sacrifices itself (being cheaper and easier to replace) to protect the shaft and housing from wear.
Axial Load Support
Any axial force (thrust) pushing the shaft is transferred through the washer. The thrust washer bears that load and spreads it out, so no single spot gets overloaded.
Think of it like a buffer or a pad: the thrust washer cushions and eases the contact between moving parts. For example, in an engine, thrust washers on the crankshaft keep it from moving forward or backward excessively, maintaining proper alignment. As the crank spins, the thrust washer’s face continuously slides against a bearing surface, maintaining a small film of oil (or relying on a low-friction material) to minimize heat and friction.
Key point: Thrust washers work best in applications with moderate speeds and loads where sliding friction is manageable. By providing a controlled surface for friction, they ensure smooth rotation, less noise and no binding of parts. In doing so, they quietly enable machines to operate reliably day in and day out.
(Next, let’s see where thrust washers show up in the real world.)
3. Where Are Thrust Washers Used in Machinery?
You might be surprised to learn just how common thrust washers are across various machines and industries. Anytime there’s a rotating part that shouldn’t shift axially too far, a thrust washer is likely on duty. Here are some common applications of thrust washers:
Automotive Engines and Transmissions
Thrust washers (or thrust bearings) are used on crankshafts to control end-play, and in transmissions to space gears and handle axial forces. For instance, an engine’s crankshaft has thrust washers to keep it from moving forward/backward, preventing clutch or torque converter forces from damaging the engine block.
Gearboxes and Heavy Machinery
In industrial gearboxes, thrust washers sit between gears or between a gear and the housing to take up axial load when gears try to push away under load. This is common in heavy equipment and machinery gear trains. They help maintain gear alignment (preventing gears from walking sideways).
Pumps and Rotating Equipment
Many pumps, motors, and generators have thrust washers to handle the small axial forces due to fluid pressure or magnetic forces. Electric motors and fans often use thrust washers in their bearing assemblies to absorb axial loads and keep the rotor centered.
Appliances and Power Tools
Even everyday items use thrust washers. Think of a power drill, a washing machine, or a ceiling fan – any device with a spinning shaft that shouldn’t scrape its casing may use a thrust washer. In fact, small actuators in gadgets (like the spindle of a CD player or the hinges in a laptop) can have tiny thrust washers to ensure smooth motion.
Automotive Steering and Suspension
In car steering systems or suspension components, thrust washers can appear in joints or linkages to provide a slick bearing surface and take up play. They help in absorbing axial shock in components like the kingpin or shock absorber mounts in some designs.
In summary, thrust washers are found “everywhere” in machinery – from massive industrial presses to the fan in your computer. They are especially favored in applications where space is tight or cost must be kept low, making a full thrust bearing impractical. Whenever engineers need a simple solution to handle axial forces and reduce friction, thrust washers are a go-to option. This broad use is a testament to their versatility and effectiveness in solving a very common engineering challenge: controlling axial movement and friction in rotating parts.
(Having seen where thrust washers are used, let’s discuss the different types and designs available.)
4. What Are the Different Types of Thrust Washers?
While all thrust washers share the same basic purpose, they come in a few different types and designs to suit various needs. The differences usually lie in shape and construction. Here are the main types you should know:
Flat Thrust Washers
This is the most common type – a simple flat ring (doughnut-shaped) washer. Flat thrust washers provide basic axial load support and are used in many general applications. They are great for space-constrained setups because of their slim profile.
Flanged Thrust Washers
A flanged thrust washer has an integrated collar or rim (flange) sticking out from its edge. This flange offers additional surface area and can help locate or align components. The flange acts almost like a built-in shoulder, useful in gearboxes or automotive systems to keep parts positioned. The extra material also distributes load over a larger area, which reduces wear even further on the supported parts.
Tapered and Belleville Washers
In some cases, conical (tapered) thrust washers or Belleville washers (spring washers) are used to take up thrust. These aren’t flat – they are slightly cupped or cone-shaped. They combine axial load support with a spring action (Belleville washers especially act like springs). Such washers can absorb shock or compensate for expansion. They are used when a bit of preload or flexibility is needed in the thrust direction.
Thrust Bearings (Roller/Ball) vs. Washers
It’s worth noting that terms can blur here. Sometimes needle-roller assemblies or cylindrical thrust “washers” with rolling elements are referred to in catalogs. Technically, those are thrust bearings, not plain washers, because they have moving rollers or balls. They handle higher loads at lower friction. (We’ll compare thrust washers and thrust bearings more in a later section.) For heavy-duty needs, a needle thrust bearing might be chosen, but it often still uses flat washers as races on either side of the rollers.
Aside from shape, thrust washers can also be categorized by whether they are solid or grooved. Some thrust washers have grooves or oil pockets on their face to improve lubrication. Others might be split into halves (common in engine crankshaft washers) to ease installation.
Choosing the type is all about the application: a flat washer suffices for many cases; a flanged washer adds stability and load spread; a springy washer adds compliance; and if loads are very high, you might move up to a full thrust bearing assembly. The good news is there’s a thrust washer design for almost every scenario, ensuring that designers have flexibility in how to tackle axial load challenges.
(Next, we’ll look at what materials these washers are made of, since materials greatly affect performance.)
5. What Materials Are Used in Thrust Washers?
Thrust washers can be made from a variety of materials, each offering different benefits. The choice of material influences a washer’s load capacity, friction behavior, durability, and suitability for certain environments. Here are the primary categories of materials for thrust washers:
Metallic Thrust Washers
Metals like hardened steel, stainless steel, bronze, and brass are commonly used. Metal washers are strong and can handle high axial loads and higher temperatures. For example, steel thrust washers (often with a hardened or ground surface) are used in engines and heavy machinery for strength. Bronze thrust washers are popular too, as bronze offers good load capacity and is somewhat self-lubricating (especially certain bronze alloys). Many metal thrust washers are coated with a low-friction layer such as PTFE (Teflon) or have grooves to hold oil. This reduces friction and wear on the metal surface during operation.
Plastic and Composite Thrust Washers
There are also thrust washers made of engineering plastics or composites – for instance, PTFE-based materials, nylon, polyamides, and other resins. These resin-based washers are often filled with lubricants or have inherently low friction. They can be a great choice for moderate loads, offering the advantage of being maintenance-free (they typically don’t require additional grease). Plastics also resist corrosion and can provide electrical insulation, which is useful in certain applications (for example, in electrical motors to avoid metal contact). A common composite is a metal-backed washer with a PTFE/fiber overlay – combining strength and self-lubrication.
Self-Lubricating Materials
A subset of both metallic and plastic washers are those specifically designed to be self-lubricating. For instance, some bronze washers are impregnated with graphite or oil. Composite washers might integrate solid lubricant (like PTFE or graphite) into their structure. Embedded graphite plugs in a bronze washer can continuously provide lubrication as the washer wears. These materials aim to minimize friction without external oil, which is ideal for hard-to-reach places or where regular maintenance is tough. In 2025, such self-lubricating thrust washers have become especially popular, aligning with the trend toward maintenance-free machinery.
How do you pick a material?
It boils down to the application’s demands:
- For high-load or high-temperature situations (think heavy machinery, car engines), a metal washer (steel, bronze) is usually preferred due to its strength.
- For light to medium loads where you want low friction and possibly lower cost, plastic or composite washers are attractive. They’re also lighter in weight and can handle scenarios where metal might corrode.
- Always consider the environment: e.g. if the washer will see chemicals or needs to be non-magnetic or non-conductive, a polymer or special alloy might be needed. If it’s going into food machinery, certain food-grade plastics or stainless steel might be required.
Many thrust washers today are marketed as “maintenance-free,” which often means the material has built-in lubricants or the surface is treated to reduce friction. This is a big plus for industrial buyers who want long-lasting parts with minimal upkeep.
(Now that we know types and materials, the next question is how to choose the right thrust washer for a given use.)
6. How to Choose the Right Thrust Washer for Your Application
Selecting the proper thrust washer might seem daunting given the variety, but it becomes easier if you focus on a few key factors. Whether you’re an engineer or an industrial buyer, consider the following when choosing a thrust washer:
1. Load and Performance Requirements
Determine how much axial load the washer needs to support. If the application involves high thrust loads or continuous heavy stress, a metallic thrust washer is usually the better choice due to its superior load capacity. For more moderate loads, plastic or composite washers can suffice and offer cost advantages. Also consider the speed of rotation – at very high speeds, a pure sliding washer may generate more heat, so make sure the material can handle it or consider a different bearing type if needed.
2. Material Characteristics
Based on your operating environment, choose a material that fits:
- If you need wear resistance at high temperature, go for steel or bronze.
- If you require corrosion resistance or electrical insulation, a composite or plastic is ideal.
- For shock or impact loads, sometimes a slightly softer material (or even a spring washer) can absorb energy better.
- If maintenance is an issue, look for self-lubricating washers that won’t need regular greasing.
3. Space and Design Constraints
Thrust washers come in various thicknesses (often from ~0.5 mm up to a few millimeters). Ensure the washer thickness suits the assembly – too thick and it might cause binding, too thin and it might wear out faster or not take up enough slack. Also, check if a flanged washer would help in your design (for alignment) or if a plain washer is sufficient. Remember, thrust washers are commonly used when a rolling thrust bearing won’t fit or isn’t necessary. So if you’re constrained by space, a washer is likely the solution.
4. Cost and Longevity
In budget-sensitive applications, plastic washers often cost less and, for average loads, will work just fine while also being lighter. However, if a failure would be catastrophic, investing in a high-grade metallic washer or even a thrust bearing might save money in the long run. Consider the duty cycle of the machine: if it’s a high-use, continuous operation, lean toward more robust materials or even dual washers (some designs use two washers face-to-face for heavy duty).
5. Manufacturer and Quality
Lastly, source your thrust washers from reputable manufacturers if possible. Look for washers that meet relevant standards or have good reviews in similar applications. A well-made thrust washer will have a smooth finish, proper hardness (for metals), or uniform material (for plastics), which all translate to better performance.
By evaluating these factors, you can narrow down the type and material of thrust washer that best fits your needs. For example, if you’re designing a small electric motor gear system with moderate load in a humid environment, you might choose a fiber-reinforced composite washer that is corrosion-proof and self-lubricating. On the other hand, for a heavy press machine, you’d likely opt for hardened steel thrust washers or a thrust bearing to handle the high forces.
In short, match the washer to the job: heavy jobs get heavy-duty washers, lighter jobs can use lighter-duty (and often cheaper) washers. When in doubt, consult manufacturer catalogs – many provide load ratings and material guidelines. Selecting the right thrust washer is a small decision that can have a big impact on your machine’s reliability and life.
(Next, let’s clarify how thrust washers differ from full thrust bearings, as this is a common point of confusion.)
7. Thrust Washer vs. Thrust Bearing: What’s the Difference?
It’s a question we hear a lot: “When should I use a simple thrust washer, and when do I need a thrust bearing with balls or rollers?” The difference comes down to design and performance:
Design and Construction
A thrust washer is basically a flat ring – no moving parts, just a smooth surface for sliding contact. In contrast, a thrust bearing (like a ball or roller thrust bearing) contains rolling elements (balls, needle rollers, or cylindrical rollers) sandwiched between two rings. Because of this, thrust bearings are thicker and more complex, while thrust washers are thin and simple.
Load Capacity and Speed
Thrust bearings generally handle higher axial loads and can operate at higher rotational speeds with less friction, thanks to the rolling elements. They maintain a low friction coefficient even under heavy load, which is why you’ll find them in high-stress applications (for example, the main thrust bearing in a car engine’s crankshaft or in turbomachinery). Thrust washers, being plain surface bearings, have more friction and wear, so they are best for moderate loads and speeds. If you exceed their limits, they’ll wear out faster or cause drag.
Space and Cost Considerations
Thrust washers shine when you need a compact and low-cost solution. They are lightweight, very thin, and inexpensive compared to roller thrust bearings. This makes them attractive for designs where there’s not enough room to fit a big bearing or where cost must be kept down (e.g., consumer appliances or budget-friendly equipment). Thrust bearings, with their more elaborate construction, cost more and take more space (due to the thickness of the rolling assembly and cages).
Maintenance
Many thrust washers today are designed to be maintenance-free (or low maintenance), especially the self-lubricating types. Thrust bearings usually require grease or oil lubrication and sometimes periodic attention to ensure they remain in good shape. However, when well-lubricated, thrust bearings can outlast washers in severe service because the rolling action minimizes wear.
When to use which?
Use a thrust washer when:
- The loads are not extreme (light to medium range).
- You have limited space or need to keep things simple.
- A bit of friction is acceptable or can be managed (perhaps with lubrication or low-duty cycles).
- Cost or ease of replacement is a key factor.
Use a thrust bearing when:
- You’re dealing with high axial forces or continuous heavy loads.
- The shaft is spinning at high speed under thrust (where a washer would generate too much heat).
- You need to minimize friction as much as possible.
- There’s room and budget for a larger, more complex bearing.
As a rule of thumb, thrust washers are chosen when a rolling-element bearing is not needed from a cost-performance or space perspective. Many machines actually use both: for smaller axial loads in a system, washers might be used, and for critical high-load points, a thrust bearing is installed.
In summary, both do the same job (handling axial thrust) but at different performance levels. The thrust washer is the simpler, economical choice for everyday applications, while the thrust bearing is the heavy-duty workhorse for demanding conditions. Knowing the difference ensures you won’t under-spec or overpay – you’ll use the right level of tech for the problem at hand.
(With the differences clear, let’s move on to how to properly install and care for thrust washers to get the best results.)
8. How Do You Install and Maintain Thrust Washers Properly?
One of the beauties of thrust washers is their simplicity – installing them is typically straightforward. That said, a few best practices can ensure they perform optimally and last a long time:
Installation Tips:
- Inspect Mating Surfaces: Before inserting a thrust washer, make sure the surfaces of the shaft and housing (or whatever parts the washer will sit between) are clean, smooth, and free of burrs. Any dirt or rough spot can cause extra wear on the washer.
- Orientation Matters: Check if your thrust washer has a specific orientation. Some washers are flat on both sides, but others might have grooves or a coated side. Manufacturers often specify which side should face the rotating part. For example, a washer with an oil groove might need the groove facing the rotating component to sling oil properly. **Some thrust washers have a designated “front” and “back”**, so be mindful during assembly.
- Securing the Washer: In many designs, the thrust washer simply slips onto a shaft or into a recess and stays in place once the assembly is together. Ensure it’s properly seated in any machined slot or against any shoulder it needs to register with. In some cases, washers might have little tabs or notches to lock them from spinning – align those as instructed.
- Lubrication on Assembly: If you’re using a metallic thrust washer that relies on external lubrication (like in an engine), apply assembly lube or oil on the washer surface during installation. This prevents a dry start and reduces immediate friction until normal lubrication flows. For self-lubricating or polymer washers, additional grease is usually not needed (and can even be counterproductive if it traps grit).
One big advantage of thrust washers is that they are often maintenance-free once installed – especially if made of self-lubricating material or operating in an oil-rich environment (like inside a gearbox). Unlike roller bearings, you generally don’t need to periodically regrease a thrust washer that’s made of a lubricant-filled bronze or a PTFE composite. They simply do their job silently.
However, there are still a few things to monitor over the life of the machine:
- Periodic Inspection: During major maintenance overhauls or if you have the assembly apart, inspect the thrust washer for wear. Look for thinning, scoring, or pitting on its surface. If it’s significantly worn (or if you can see copper underlying a coated washer), it’s wise to replace it. Thrust washers are cheap insurance compared to the parts they protect.
- Ensure Lubrication (if applicable): If your thrust washer relies on oil (like engine or transmission use), maintain proper oil levels and quality in the machine. Oil starvation or very dirty oil can lead to rapid thrust washer wear. In our experience, many thrust washer failures trace back to lubrication issues or contamination.
- Watch for End-Play: A symptom of a worn thrust washer is increased axial play in a shaft. If you notice a shaft moving more than it should (for instance, a crankshaft end-play beyond spec, or a gearbox shaft that clunks back and forth), the thrust washer may be worn out or broken. Checking axial play periodically on critical equipment can give early warning of thrust washer issues.
- Environmental Factors: If the machine operates in a dirty environment, keep grit and debris out of the areas around the thrust washer. Although many washers are in closed housings, abrasive dust or particles can sometimes sneak in and act like sandpaper. Seals and covers help, but be aware if you open things up.
The good news is that thrust washers generally require little care. They’re often considered “fit-and-forget” components, especially modern ones that don’t need re-lubrication and are built for long life. As long as you install them correctly and use them within their intended load/speed limits, they tend to quietly do their job. Should a replacement be needed, it’s usually as simple as disassembling the unit and swapping in a new washer – a relatively quick fix.
In summary, proper installation (right orientation, clean surfaces, lubed if needed) will set a thrust washer up for success. After that, just keep an eye (or ear) out for changes in machine behavior, and you’ll catch any washer issues well before they become serious. This proactive approach helps maintain the trustworthiness of your equipment’s performance.
(Finally, let’s look at new developments and future trends in thrust washer technology, to see how this classic component is evolving.)
9. What Are the Latest Innovations and Trends in Thrust Washer Technology?
Even a simple component like the thrust washer isn’t immune to innovation. In recent years, there have been notable trends and improvements aimed at making thrust washers more effective and easier to use. Here are some recent innovations and trends (as of 2024-2025) in thrust washer technology:
Self-Lubricating Thrust Washers
Perhaps the biggest trend is the rise of self-lubricating materials. We touched on this earlier – companies now offer thrust washers made of composites that incorporate PTFE, graphite, or other lubricants right into the material. These washers can run for thousands of hours with minimal wear and no external lubrication needed. For industries pushing for maintenance-free solutions (think electric vehicles or automated factories where downtime is costly), this is a game-changer. Advances in polymers and surface engineering have increased demand for such specialized thrust washers, which simplify operations and reduce maintenance costs.
Higher Performance Coatings
Traditional coated thrust washers (like steel with a babbitt or Teflon coating) have gotten better too. Modern coatings are more durable and can handle higher loads without peeling or wearing off quickly. Some washers use advanced ceramics or diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings to further reduce friction and increase hardness. This means longer life and lower friction, bridging the gap between plain thrust washers and rolling bearings.
Composite and Fiber Reinforcement
New composite structures are being used to improve strength. For example, metal-polymer composites where a strong metal backing is bonded to a low-friction surface layer (like a bronze + PTFE laminate). There are also fiber-reinforced thrust washers using materials like fiberglass within a polymer matrix to boost load capacity. These hybrid designs allow washers to take on higher stress while still offering a degree of self-lubrication and light weight.
Precision Manufacturing and Customization
The manufacturing of thrust washers has become more precise. Laser cutting, improved stamping techniques, and sintering processes yield washers with very tight thickness tolerances and flatness. This is important for applications like aerospace or precision machinery where even slight variations matter. Additionally, custom-tailored washers are easier to get now – manufacturers will produce thrust washers in non-standard sizes or materials to fit niche applications. This level of customization means designers aren’t limited to catalog options; if a special size or material is needed (say a very high-temp plastic, or a certain flange geometry), it’s often feasible to have it made.
Integrated Thrust Washers in Assemblies
Some modern designs integrate thrust washer functionality into larger components. For example, a gear or a bushing might be made with an extended flange that serves as a thrust surface, effectively acting as a built-in thrust washer. This reduces part count and assembly steps. It’s not a separate product innovation in washers themselves, but it shows how engineers are creatively achieving the same goal within complex components.
Industry Adoption and Recognition
Perhaps an equally important “trend” is that thrust washers are getting more recognition for their role. They used to be an overlooked little part. Now, with the focus on reliability, designers and maintenance engineers pay closer attention to thrust washers. Industry articles even call them “unsung heroes” of machinery. There’s a push for using higher quality washers during builds and overhauls, rather than treating them as an afterthought. In industries like automotive and heavy machinery, standards for thrust washers have become more stringent to ensure they meet the rising demands for efficiency and longevity.
Looking ahead, we can expect thrust washers to continue evolving. Material science breakthroughs could bring washers that handle even more load with less friction – imagine nano-composite surfaces or further use of ceramics. Also, as electric vehicles and renewable energy systems grow, thrust washers in those systems (like wind turbine gearboxes or EV drivetrains) will need to be more robust and possibly smart (who knows, maybe someday a thrust washer with an embedded wear sensor could alert you when it’s due for replacement!).
In summary, the thrust washer is keeping pace with modern engineering needs. By becoming more self-sufficient (in lubrication) and more specialized (in materials and design), this simple device maintains its relevance. It’s a great example of incremental innovation on a fundamental component, driven by the eternal needs for higher performance and lower maintenance in machinery.
(Finally, let’s wrap up with some key takeaways and final thoughts.)
10. Conclusion: Ensuring Smooth Operation with Thrust Washers
Despite their unassuming appearance, thrust washers play a vital role in countless machines. They stand guard against excessive friction and wear, all while occupying just a sliver of space in an assembly. In this guide, we’ve explored what thrust washers are, how they work, and how to choose and use them effectively. The core message is simple: paying attention to this small component can have a big impact on machinery reliability.
From an experience standpoint, I’ve seen situations where a cheap thrust washer prevented a major equipment failure – truly an unsung hero saving the day. In fact, thrust washers often **“silently” contribute to the reliability and performance of industrial systems**. When selected wisely and installed properly, they can significantly extend the life of more expensive parts and ensure everything runs like clockwork.
For industrial buyers, the takeaway is to consider thrust washers not as a trivial line item, but as a strategic component. Evaluate the options (materials, types) in light of your application’s needs. A small upgrade in washer spec can mean longer intervals between maintenance and more trust in your equipment’s performance. For the curious reader or engineer, hopefully this article clarified how something so simple can be so important. It’s always fascinating to see how such fundamental elements of engineering – like a flat ring of metal or plastic – enable the complex machines we rely on daily.
In a world chasing high-tech solutions, the thrust washer reminds us that sometimes the simplest solutions are the most elegant and dependable. By balancing technical understanding with practical application (and a dose of appreciation for these components), we ensure our machines remain efficient, durable, and trustworthy. So the next time you hear a smooth-running engine or machine, you might just give a nod to the humble thrust washer doing its quiet work behind the scenes.
References
29 Thrust Washer Manufacturers in 2025
Thrust Washers: The Ultimate Guide to Self-lubricating Thrust Bearing Solutions
Washer (hardware) - Wikipedia
