Mark/B-LOC: Using keyless locking devices in place of keys, splines, and shrink or press fits typically means savings in other areas of machine design, such as smaller shafts and bearings and simplified machining. PT components can be positioned anywhere along a shaft without regard to keyway placement or access for mounting or removal tools. Keyless locking devices require only torque wrench access for installation and adequate hub strength of mounted components.Carl/Ringfeder: The main reasons to use locking devices are to eliminate backlash in aortoolparts a connection, eliminate troublesome assembly or disassembly later on, and to have some adjustment to a connection during the lifetime of the aortoolparts component. Traditional shrink fit and press fit methods of attaching components to shafts don''t allow for easy adjustment or removal. Some connections will never be loosened; so attaching them with a locking device only makes sense when using it facilitates assembly. Employing aortoolparts keyless locking devices in the design means smaller shaft sizes because the stress concentration factors of keyways is eliminated. Smaller shaft sizes, in turn, mean smaller bearings and other mating components can be employed.

Mark/B-LOC: Using keyless locking devices in place of keys, splines, and shrink or press fits typically means savings in other areas of machine design, such as smaller shafts and bearings and simplified machining. PT components can be positioned anywhere along a shaft without regard to keyway placement or access for mounting or removal tools. Keyless locking devices require only torque wrench access for installation and adequate hub strength of mounted components.Carl/Ringfeder: The main reasons to use locking devices are to eliminate backlash in aortoolparts a connection, eliminate troublesome assembly or disassembly later on, and to have some adjustment to a connection during the lifetime of the aortoolparts component. Traditional shrink fit and press fit methods of attaching components to shafts don''t allow for easy adjustment or removal. Some connections will never be loosened; so attaching them with a locking device only makes sense when using it facilitates assembly. Employing aortoolparts keyless locking devices in the design means smaller shaft sizes because the stress concentration factors of keyways is eliminated. Smaller shaft sizes, in turn, mean smaller bearings and other mating components can be employed.

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 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 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.