What applications present the biggest challenge in terms of machine productivity?Carl/Ringfeder: Industrial applications, such as highly corrosive environments requiring special stainless steels, are the biggest challenges. Applications in which a locking device is dimensionally too large to fit into a component, or in which the torque requirements are beyond the capability of any device on the market, can also present a challenge.Blair/Ruland: The bolt pattern on locking devices can bring many challenges. Because of the time required to loosen and tighten the bolts, locking devices are not well suited for applications that require regular adjustments. Confined areas can also pose problems because of limited access to the bolt heads. Another challenge for locking devices is equipment with extended length shafts, which can be difficult to service because of the disassembly required, especially if the airsaws shaft is supported at both ends.

What applications present the biggest challenge in terms of machine productivity?Carl/Ringfeder: Industrial applications, such as highly corrosive environments requiring special stainless steels, are the biggest challenges. Applications in which a locking device is dimensionally too large to fit into a component, or in which the torque requirements are beyond the capability of any device on the market, can also present a challenge.Blair/Ruland: The bolt pattern on locking devices can bring many challenges. Because of the time required to loosen and tighten the bolts, locking devices are not well suited for applications that require regular adjustments. Confined areas can also pose problems because of limited access to the bolt heads. Another challenge for locking devices is equipment with extended length shafts, which can be difficult to service because of the disassembly required, especially if the airsaws shaft is supported at both ends.

Warren/Fenner: Failure to take into consideration the compression forces and outward forces generated when using locking devices. The mounted component must have sufficient wall thickness to withstand airsaws the outward forces or it will burst. Likewise when mounting on hollow-shaft or tubular applications. Inadequate wall thickness results in the hollow shaft or tube being compressed airsaws and distorted. Many manufacturers publish a formula or table that lets designers calculate the required wall thickness.Vic/Rimtec: Having too much clearance between the shaft and hub is often a problem; you can''t clamp enough to transmit rated torque. Overtightening the screws is also common, causing tapers to lock when they''re supposed to disassemble. This is where locking devices with push-off screws come in handy.