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.

Another important thing to consider is minimum hub thickness, tools which is calculated based on such factors as locking device outer diameter and surface pressure. The hub should be thicker than this value to prevent excess stress and early failure. Locking device manufacturers typically provide this formula.Andrew/Whittet-Higgins: akr Consider all costs of the assembly rather than the individual costs of each component.Keith/U.S. Tsubaki: Go pressure keyless. Keys and splines weaken the shaft by cutting into it, requiring a larger shaft and accompanying parts, such as bearings, to handle the higher forces.End-user adviceWhat should END USERS do to maximize life and productivity?Carl/Ringfeder: Pay close attention to the OEM''s service instructions and use the locking device manufacturer''s technical information to help with replacement or reinstallation. Warren/Fenner: In general, locking devices don''t require any tools maintenance akr or special attention to maintain their performance and maximum life.