a b c d Keys and Keyways (PDF), archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-06-14 , retrieved 2010-03-19.

Power transmission between two rotating components requires a secure connection between the shaft of the driving component, and the hub of the mating part. One way to ensure torque transmission without slipping is by using a keyed connection. For most automation applications (motors, gearboxes, pulleys, etc.), a parallel key, also known as a straight key, with a square cross-section is used. Spoiled shafts are used when the force to be transmitted is proportional to the size of the shaft as in automobile transmission and sliding gear transmission. By using split shafts, we obtain axial movement as well as a positive drive. Material Selection for Shaft keyRegistered Australian Company: Small Parts & Bearings Pty Ltd (ABN 79 121 865 414) - Trading as Bearing Shop Online The feather keys are undone to the exact length. There is no need for cutting, measuring, filing, or fitting.

Shaping or slotting is largely used for cutting keyways that do not extend through the full length of the part. Like keyseating, shaping uses a single-point cutting tool for cutting, however, shapers are not guided through the cut on a fixed post. As such, shaper cuts are generally more susceptible to deflection than keyseater cuts. [9] Milling [ edit ] Leonard, William Samuel (1919) [1905]. Machine-shop Tools and Methods (Revised 7thed.). New York: John Wiley & Sons. pp. 39–42. OCLC 848146647 . Retrieved 30 April 2019. a b Cutting Keyways - Broaching, Keyseating, Wire-Cut EDM, Shaping, & Milling , retrieved 2014-12-03. It can be replaced to provide a high degree of strength or wear resistance. Austenitic (300 Series) stainless steel shaft key material should be used where the material will be exposed to a highly corrosive environment. High-strength materials are required and martensitic stainless-steel shaft key material should be used when exposed to mildly corrosive environments. Benefits and limitations of keyed jointsSaddle: Basically, there are two types of saddle keys: the flat saddle key and the hollow saddle key. The flat saddle key is a taper key that fits into a keyway in the hub and is flat on the shaft. It is most times utilised for light loads. The hollow saddle key is a taper key that fits in a keyway in the hub. The bottom of the key is shaped to fit the curved surface of the shaft. Shaft Keys are made of varied types of materials and also come in different shapes and sizes. The most common key shapes are rectangular or tapered and are typically made of steel. Containing teeth or ridges that allow them to mate with other components, splined shafts are primarily used to transfer torque throughout mechanical drive systems while allowing for linear motion, such as those found in vehicles. Normally, they are composed of different metals depending on the localized stresses they are expected to undergo. Their teeth or ridges equally distribute circumferential force to a mated component, facilitating a uniform transfer of torque between the mated pair. This also helps to prolong the lifecycle of the parts. A flat saddle key is a taper key that fits into the keyway in the hub and lies flat on the shaft. It is likely to round the shaft under load. Therefore, it is used for comparatively light loads.