Why Using Conical Washers and Spherical Washers Together

Conical washers and spherical washers are two types of washers that are often used together to improve the performance of screw connections. Conical washers have a conical surface that fits into a conical seat, while spherical washers have a spherical surface. This combination of washers helps to compensate for non-parallel surfaces, distribute the load evenly, and reduce stress on the fastener.

In this article, we will discuss the benefits of using conical washers and spherical washers together, as well as some of the applications where they are commonly used.

What are Conical Washers and Spherical Washers?

Conical washers are washers that have a conical surface. The conical surface fits into a conical seat, which is a concave surface with a conical shape. This allows the conical washer to compensate for non-parallel surfaces.

Spherical washers are washers that have a spherical surface. The spherical surface distributes the load evenly over a larger area, which can help to reduce stress on the fastener and prevent it from loosening.

How Are Conical Washers and Spherical Washers Used Together?

Conical washers and spherical washers are typically used together in screw connections. The conical washer is placed under the head of the screw, with the conical surface facing the non-parallel surface. The spherical washer is then placed on top of the conical washer, with the spherical surface facing the screw.

This combination of washers helps to compensate for the non-parallel surfaces and distribute the load evenly. This can improve the performance of the screw connection by reducing stress on the fastener and preventing it from loosening.

Benefits of Using Conical Washers and Spherical Washers Together

There are several benefits to using conical washers and spherical washers together. These benefits include:

Compensation for non-parallel surfaces: One of the biggest benefits of using conical washers and spherical washers together is that they can help to compensate for non-parallel surfaces. This is important in applications where the two parts being joined are not perfectly aligned, such as in machine tools or construction equipment. When a screw is tightened into a non-parallel surface, the washers can help to distribute the load evenly, which can prevent the screw from stripping or loosening.
Increased load bearing capacity: In addition to compensating for non-parallel surfaces, conical washers and spherical washers can also increase the load bearing capacity of a screw connection. This is because they distribute the load over a larger area, which reduces stress on the fastener. This is especially important in applications where the screw connection is subjected to heavy loads, such as in heavy machinery or automotive applications.
Reduced stress on the fastener: The reduced stress on the fastener can also help to prevent it from loosening over time. This is especially important in applications where the screw connection is subjected to vibration or shock. The vibration can cause the fastener to loosen, but the conical washers and spherical washers can help to absorb some of the vibration energy, which can help to prevent the fastener from coming loose.
Improved vibration damping: In addition to reducing stress on the fastener, conical washers and spherical washers can also help to improve the vibration damping of a screw connection. This is because they can absorb some of the vibration energy, which can help to protect the fastener and the connected parts from damage. This is especially important in applications where the screw connection is subjected to high levels of vibration, such as in machine tools or construction equipment.

Applications where Conical Washers and Spherical Washers Are Used

Conical washers and spherical washers are used in a variety of applications where it is important to have a secure and reliable screw connection. Some of the common applications include:

Machine tools: Conical washers and spherical washers are often used in machine tools to help compensate for the non-parallel surfaces of the machined parts. This can help to prevent the screws from stripping or loosening, which can lead to costly repairs.
Construction equipment: Conical washers and spherical washers are also used in construction equipment to help compensate for the non-parallel surfaces of the welded joints. This can help to prevent the screws from loosening, which can lead to safety hazards.
Heavy machinery: Conical washers and spherical washers are also used in heavy machinery to help compensate for the non-parallel surfaces of the components. This can help to prevent the screws from loosening, which can lead to damage to the machinery.
Medical devices: Conical washers and spherical washers are also used in medical devices to help ensure that the connections are secure and reliable. This is especially important in applications where the devices are subjected to vibration or shock.
Automotive applications: Conical washers and spherical washers are also used in automotive applications to help ensure that the connections are secure and reliable. This is especially important in applications where the vehicles are subjected to high levels of vibration.

Conclusion

The combination of conical washers and spherical washers is a versatile and effective way to improve the performance of screw connections. They can be used in a variety of applications where it is important to have a secure, reliable, and vibration-resistant connection.

If you are looking for a way to improve the performance of your screw connections, consider using conical washers and spherical washers together. They are a simple and effective way to make your screw connections more reliable and durable.