Shaft Collars
Shaft collars are mechanical devices used to secure components onto a shaft. They typically consist of a cylindrical collar with a central hole through which the shaft passes. These collars often have set screws or clamping mechanisms that, when tightened, grip the shaft tightly, preventing it from moving relative to the collar.
Shaft collars serve various purposes, such as:
-
Positioning: They can be used to secure components in specific positions along a shaft, such as bearings, gears, sprockets, or pulleys.
-
Axial Retention: Shaft collars prevent axial movement (movement along the axis) of components on the shaft.
-
Load Distribution: By providing a secure point of attachment, shaft collars help distribute loads evenly across the shaft, which can be essential in high-torque or high-speed applications.
-
Limiting Movement: They can also serve as mechanical stops to limit the movement of components along the shaft.
Shaft collars come in various designs and materials, including set screw collars, clamping collars, and one-piece collars. The choice of collar depends on factors such as the application, shaft diameter, and the amount of torque or load the collar needs to withstand.