August 4, 2014 - SKF Spherical Washers optimize bolt mounting of machinery and bolted equipment by integrating unique design features promoting ideal performance in industrial, marine, and all other heavy-duty bolted joint applications.  The all-spherical two-piece washer automatically adjusts under compression to compensate for up to four degrees of angular deviations. This creates an exact parallel plane between the inner face of the bolt head and inner face of the nut to distribute the load evenly over the entire inner contact surface areas.  Any need for on–site machining (spot facing) to achieve parallelism is eliminated.

SKF Spherical Washers ultimately serve to reduce the likelihood of bolt relaxation by distributing bolt tension evenly, retaining proper bolt tension by preventing bolt bending, and keeping bolts straight as intended.  The extended length of the spherical washer allows for the use of longer bolts, resulting in additional bolt clamping length and elongation in the bolt.

These two-part spherical washers incorporate a larger ring with a concave surface, which connects to its corresponding smaller convex piece to achieve application benefits, such as an enlarged contact area with a reduced surface contact pressure.  All washers are manufactured from high-grade alloy steel and feature a special surface treatment to enhance corrosion protection in humid, salty, and other corrosive or harsh environmental conditions.

Versions available for quick turnaround and delivery include Type SW standard height (60mm or 2.36 in.), which users can easily machine down for lower washer heights as necessary, and Type SWLP low profile (20mm to 34mm or 0.79 in. to 1.34 in.).  In addition to the stocked product line, custom spherical washers can be ordered (including the opportunity to specify alternative materials).