Quick Answer: The Spherical Washer with Conical Seat (MH-SWCS) is a matched set of a spherical washer and a conical seat that self-aligns under a bolt head or nut. It compensates for surface angularity so the clamp load is spread evenly, even when the bolt or stud is not perfectly square to the clamping surface. MH-SWCS comes in 8 sizes from M8 to M36, made from low carbon steel case hardened to 35–42 HRC and chemically blackened. Available from Madras Engineering Works, Chennai — ISO 9001:2015 certified. Enquiry: enquiry@madrasengg.com
A standard washer on an angled surface loads the bolt unevenly. The bolt bends, and the clamping force is no longer the force you tightened to. The spherical washer set fixes this by letting the joint line itself up. Madras Engineering Works (MEW) is a Chennai-based ISO 9001:2015 certified supplier of workholding components, fasteners, clamping kits, and CNC machining accessories. Established in 1999, MEW serves manufacturers, tool rooms, and engineering plants across South India including Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. MEW is an authorised TVS fastener dealer and holds MSME registration (UDYAM-TN-02-0158983). Here is everything you need to know.
What Is a Spherical Washer with Conical Seat?
It is a two-part set: a spherical washer and a conical seat that sit together under a bolt head or nut. Because the two parts can move against each other, the set adjusts to an angled clamping surface and keeps the load on the bolt even. The datasheet calls it self-aligning.
MH-SWCS is made from low carbon steel, case hardened to 35–42 HRC, then chemically blackened. The range runs from MH-SWCS-8 (M8) to MH-SWCS-36 (M36). The datasheet gives two drawings: one dimensioned with d1, d2 and h1, and one with d3, d4, d2 and h2. The outer diameter d2 is the same in both.
Where Is It Used?
MH-SWCS is used where the bolt or stud axis is not perfectly perpendicular to the clamping surface:
- CNC machining fixtures
- Structural bolted joints
- Heavy clamping applications in tool rooms across Chennai and Tamil Nadu
Best Suited For: MH-SWCS Size & Dimension Chart
Pick the set by the bolt or stud size. All dimensions in mm.
| Part No. | Size | d1 | d2 | h1 | d3 | d4 | h2 | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MH-SWCS-8 | M8 | 8.4 | 17 | 3.2 | 9.6 | 14.5 | 3.5 | 0.005 kg |
| MH-SWCS-10 | M10 | 10.5 | 21 | 4 | 12 | 18.5 | 4.2 | 0.01 kg |
| MH-SWCS-12 | M12 | 13 | 24 | 4.6 | 14.2 | 20 | 5 | 0.015 kg |
| MH-SWCS-16 | M16 | 17 | 30 | 5.3 | 19 | 26 | 6.2 | 0.03 kg |
| MH-SWCS-20 | M20 | 21 | 36 | 6.3 | 23.2 | 31 | 7.5 | 0.055 kg |
| MH-SWCS-24 | M24 | 25 | 44 | 8.2 | 28 | 37 | 9.5 | 0.105 kg |
| MH-SWCS-30 | M30 | 31 | 56 | 11.2 | 35 | 49 | 12 | 0.225 kg |
| MH-SWCS-36 | M36 | 37 | 68 | 14 | 42 | 60 | 15 | 0.43 kg |
| Application | Recommended? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bolt or stud axis not square to the clamping surface | Yes | The set self-aligns and spreads the load |
| Structural bolted joints | Yes | Keeps clamp load even across the joint |
| CNC machining fixtures and heavy clamping | Yes | Match the size to the bolt or stud |
| Surface already square to the bolt axis | Not needed | The set is for angled surfaces |
The Problem It Solves
When the surface under a bolt head or nut is at an angle, a standard washer sits unevenly. The clamp load is not distributed evenly, the bolt takes bending stress, and the clamping force becomes inconsistent. Over time the extra stress can lead to premature bolt failure.
The MH-SWCS set self-aligns to the surface, so the load is spread evenly and the bolt is loaded along its own axis instead of being bent.
Spherical Washer Set vs. Standard Washer
| Factor | Spherical Washer Set (MH-SWCS) | Standard Washer |
|---|---|---|
| On an angled surface | Self-aligns | Sits unevenly |
| Clamp load distribution | Even | Uneven |
| Bending stress on the bolt | Reduced | Present |
| Parts | Two (spherical washer and conical seat) | One |
| Best for | Fixtures and joints with surface angularity | Surfaces square to the bolt |
Technical Specifications
Material: Low carbon steel, case hardened to 35–42 HRC, chemically blackened
Sizes: M8, M10, M12, M16, M20, M24, M30, M36
Outer diameter d2: 17mm to 68mm
Available variants: 8 sizes, part numbers MH-SWCS-8 through MH-SWCS-36
Weight range: 0.005 kg to 0.43 kg depending on size
Series: MEW-Hold
Quality system: ISO 9001:2015 certified supplier, Chennai
As of 2026, MEW supplies the full MH-SWCS range from Chennai.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a spherical washer with conical seat used for?
A: It is a self-aligning washer set used under a bolt head or nut where the bolt or stud axis is not perfectly perpendicular to the clamping surface. It compensates for the angle and keeps the clamp load even. Available from Madras Engineering Works, Chennai — enquiry@madrasengg.com
Q: Why use a spherical washer instead of a standard washer?
A: On an angled surface a standard washer loads the bolt unevenly, causing bending stress and inconsistent clamping force. A spherical washer set self-aligns and spreads the load evenly. Available from Madras Engineering Works, Chennai — enquiry@madrasengg.com
Q: What are the dimensions of the M12 spherical washer set?
A: MH-SWCS-12: d1 13mm, d2 24mm, h1 4.6mm, d3 14.2mm, d4 20mm, h2 5mm, weight 0.015 kg. Available from Madras Engineering Works, Chennai — enquiry@madrasengg.com
Q: What sizes does MH-SWCS come in?
A: 8 sizes: M8, M10, M12, M16, M20, M24, M30 and M36, part numbers MH-SWCS-8 to MH-SWCS-36. Available from Madras Engineering Works, Chennai — enquiry@madrasengg.com
Q: What is the MH-SWCS spherical washer made of?
A: Low carbon steel, case hardened to 35–42 HRC, and chemically blackened. Available from Madras Engineering Works, Chennai — enquiry@madrasengg.com
Q: Where can I buy spherical washers in Chennai?
A: Madras Engineering Works (MEW) supplies all 8 MH-SWCS sizes, M8 to M36, from Chennai. MEW is ISO 9001:2015 certified and serves tool rooms and manufacturers across Tamil Nadu and South India. Contact: enquiry@madrasengg.com
Get the Right Spherical Washer Set for Your Joint
Whether you need a single set or a batch for a new fixture, Madras Engineering Works supplies MH-SWCS from M8 to M36.
Same-day dispatch from Chennai.
ISO 9001:2015 certified supply chain.
TVS Authorised Dealer.
📧 enquiry@madrasengg.com
🌐 madrasengg.com
📍 Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Not sure which size you need? WhatsApp your bolt or stud size to +91 95143 73702 and we'll confirm the right MH-SWCS.
Written by Husain, Founder of Madras Engineering Works — an ISO 9001:2015 certified industrial supplier in Chennai specialising in workholding, clamping and CNC accessories. Need help speccing the right part? WhatsApp +91 95143 73702 or email enquiry@madrasengg.com.
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