The Many Advantages of Parallel Keys

The Many Advantages of Parallel Keys

11 Sep 2023
General
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Parallel keys, also known as straight keys, have been in use for centuries. As long as people have used rotating devices in machinery, whether it was windmills, watermills, clockworks, or farm machinery, parallel keys were being used for transferring the torque from a rotating shaft to the machinery that made use of this power.

The refinement and sophistication of machines continued to advance through the medieval and Renaissance periods. It brought new uses for parallel keys and increased the variety of designs for these crucial components.

The Industrial Revolution of the 18th and 19th centuries marked a significant period of technological development and innovation in the sophistication of machinery. The need for safe and reliable torque transmission mechanisms also grew as machines grew in complexity, size and power.

Standardization

The growth of manufacturing and assembly lines also led to the standardization of uses for parallel keys and the keyway designs they were used for to improve efficiency and accuracy in many industries. Standardization meant the easier replacement of broken or worn parts, extending the life expectancy of crucial machinery and making parts easier to find and keep in stock.

As engineering principles became more formalized and standardized, the design and application of parallel keys were further refined. Standards and guidelines for keyway dimensions, tolerances and materials were established, enhancing the reliability and interchangeability of parallel keys.

The three types of parallel keys that have become standards in mechanical engineering are straight, round at one end, and round at both ends. They are manufactured in a variety of types of steel.

Early Fail-safe Mechanism

Torque is a measurement of the rotational analog of linear force. It can be referred to as ‘the moment of force’ and can be extremely dangerous. The keyway represents a critical junction in a machine where a stationary component meets a rapidly spinning one.

Early in the history of parallel keys, they were often thought of as a fail-safe mechanism. They would be the component that broke first or could be easily removed and kept the powerful torque from destroying the other parts of a valuable machine if the operators lost control of a spinning shaft.

Today parallel keys are used for efficient and effective torque transmission between a shaft and a rotating machine element, like a gear, pulley, or sprocket. Their use has many advantages in engineering, and they are seen to be an indispensable part of any light to medium-load machine that deals with the forces of torque. Some of the advantages of parallel keys include:

Simple design and installation. Parallel keys have a straightforward design, making them relatively easy to install. They consist of a rectangular bar with a variety of shaped ends that fit into matching keyways on both the shaft and the machine element and tie the two elements together.

Effective torque transmission. Parallel keys provide a safe, reliable, and efficient method of transmitting torque between components, ensuring minimal power loss and efficient energy transfer.

Uniform load distribution. The design of parallel keys allows for an even distribution of forces along their length, preventing localized stress concentration. This results in improved durability and reduced risk of component failure.

Accurate positioning. Parallel keys ensure precise alignment between the shaft and the machine component, which is crucial for maintaining proper functionality and reducing wear and tear.

Low Price. Parallel keys are cost-effective to manufacture and replace, making them low-price, practical components for various applications.

Ease of maintenance. Replacing parallel keys is relatively simple and can be accomplished without the need for specialized tools or equipment. This contributes to overall ease of maintenance and reduces downtime.

Compatibility. Parallel keys can be used with a wide range of shaft and machine element configurations, making them versatile and adaptable.

Buy Quality Parallel Keys Online

Nejireo.com, by Hanshin Neji Thailand, offers parallel keys online for immediate shipment to anywhere in Thailand, with no minimum order requirements.

Our low-price, high-quality parallel keys are made of a choice of S45C, 304, and S50C(H) steel and are manufactured to Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS).

We also offer a full range of other fasteners on our extensive website, including nuts and bolts, washers, screws, rivets, cleats, and grinding wheels. Please browse our extensive website and place your order for Nejireo parallel keys and other fasteners today.

Nejireo.com by Hanshin Neji

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