What applications present the biggest challenge in terms airpowertoil&hoist 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 airpowertoil&hoist 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.

What applications present the biggest challenge in terms airpowertoil&hoist 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 airpowertoil&hoist 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.

Jim/Stafford: Early design involvement on the part of the manufacturer is the best way to make sure the resulting component will be reliable and effective.Jeff/Tollok: Carefully review your application requirements. Shaft material, hub material, transmittable torques, and bending moments can influence your selection of the proper locking assembly.Intelligent designWhat can DESIGNERS do when selecting and applying locking devices to improve productivity?Jeff/KTR: Obtaining comprehensive technical information will improve selection and performance. Find a manufacturer that maintains the quality of materials, dimensions, and surface finishes.Jeff/Tollok: Too often not enough questions are asked, and selections are made based on previous designs. Don''t use the same locking assembly simply because it was used elsewhere on the same machine or on a previous machine design. Involve your supplier and use their experience to get recommendations.