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.

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 airtoolsets 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 airtoolsets 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.