What applications present the biggest challenge in terms of machine productivity?Carl/Ringfeder: Industrial applications, akr 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 tool 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 of machine productivity?Carl/Ringfeder: Industrial applications, akr 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 tool 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.

Another important thing to consider is minimum hub thickness, which is calculated oilers 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. tool Tsubaki: Go keyless. Keys and splines weaken the shaft by oilers 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 maintenance or special attention to maintain their performance and maximum life.