Component interactionsHow do locking device choices affect other areas of the machine or system?Andrew/Whittet-Higgins: The precision and life expectancy of a bearing, power transmission, or modern assembly is only as good as the precision of the individual components and the care in which they are put together.Blair/Ruland: It''s important to look at where and how the locking device is being used and whether adjustments may cause problems. Locking devices in general are not easy to remove and replace. Because of this, it may be advantageous to have necessary adjustments done from another section of the machine.Doug/Zero-Max: When using keyless locking devices, there are fewer application problems because there is no keyway failure or fatigue. Connections without keyways also have smaller shaft diameters, translating into shaft material cost savings. The single screw type can be tightened and repositioned many times without component wear or machine downtime.

Component interactionsHow do locking device choices affect other areas of the machine or system?Andrew/Whittet-Higgins: The precision and life expectancy of a bearing, power transmission, or modern assembly is only as good as the precision of the individual components and the care in which they are put together.Blair/Ruland: It''s important to look at where and how the locking device is being used and whether adjustments may cause problems. Locking devices in general are not easy to remove and replace. Because of this, it may be advantageous to have necessary adjustments done from another section of the machine.Doug/Zero-Max: When using keyless locking devices, there are fewer application problems because there is no keyway failure or fatigue. Connections without keyways also have smaller shaft diameters, translating into shaft material cost savings. The single screw type can be tightened and repositioned many times without component wear or machine downtime.

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 airtoolnailers present a challenge.Blair/Ruland: The bolt pattern airtoolnailers 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 shaft is supported at both ends.