A pinion shaft is the primary driving element in most gear sets, transferring input from a drive shaft or crank to produce work. It can transfer motion to linear or right angle bevel gear sets. Pinion shafts and drive gears are typically one-piece steel assemblies and may pass through pillow block bearings and have an […]
An axle armature provides support and resistance against bending or misalignment for heavy-duty vehicles. It is commonly made from steel bars or tubing and can be mounted below or welded to the rear of the axle housing. Small cross members can also be added for increased strength. Using axle armor is essential for high-performance vehicles, […]
A brake axle on a trailer contains a magnetic or electrical braking system that helps the tow vehicle bring the trailer to a controlled stop. It is activated by a cable and prevents rough and erratic motion of the trailer. The brake axle is usually placed on the forward axle, and higher-end trailers may have […]
Ventilation shafts are open passageways that circulate air in underground and surface constructions. They bring fresh air in and remove stale or polluted air, with fans and heating/cooling machinery often integrated. Mines, subways, military installations, workspaces, homes, and skyscrapers all use ventilation shafts. Chimneys are the simplest form of ventilation shafts, carrying smoke out of […]
A fan shaft can refer to a rotating spindle that holds a fan blade, or a ventilation shaft in industrial settings. Fans work by rotating blades around a central axis, with different types of fans moving air in different directions. Industrial fan shafts are used to improve air quality and can be driven by various […]
Shaft bearings support loads and allow for rotational or sliding motion between parts. They are used in various industries, with different types ranging from simple to high-precision bearings. Plain bearings are inexpensive and consist of a low-friction material, while rolling bearings use balls or small cylinders to reduce friction. Selection depends on factors such as […]
A torsion axle is a combined axle and suspension unit that provides suspension deflection through twisting of the axle bar within a steel sleeve lined with rubber compounds. It has been historically used on military vehicles, trailers, and equipment, but has declined in popularity since the late 1980s. Torsion axle systems are found primarily on […]
A worm shaft is a type of gear with a raised ridge that provides a surface for ball bearings and is commonly found in steering boxes and electric motors. It reduces speed and increases power, and is used in power tools and fishing reels. Heavy oil is the best lubricant for worm shafts. A worm […]
A propeller shaft is used to turn a propeller on watercraft, taking rotation and torque from the engine and feeding it to the propeller. Engineers aim to create a strong, durable, and light shaft, while considering the environment it will be used in. The propeller generates enough thrust to make a heavier-than-air object fly. A […]
Shaft couplings join two shafts together in engines and can be welded, bolted, or held in place by a press fit or lynch pins. They are often used to join shafts of different sizes and can be splined or placed on a “D” shaped shaft. Proper maintenance is important to prevent coupling failure. A shaft […]
Tips for a successful straight shaft conversion include thoroughly investigating the project, comparing conversion kits, purchasing a complete kit, and being skilled in reading measuring devices to ensure proper alignment. Proper research and attention to detail can save time, money, and prevent dangerous driving conditions. A straight shaft conversion can be completed for a number […]
Shaft pulleys use belts to connect axles and power sources for heavy duty workloads. They are used in automobiles, grinders, mining, elevators, and belt conveyors. They have strong shafts and elastic belts for friction. A shaft pulley is a type of pulley that uses a belt as a means to connect two or more axles […]
Choosing the right steel axle for your vehicle depends on its type and intended use. Steel is durable and affordable, but can rust or sustain damage. Upgrading may be necessary for special purposes, but compatibility with other components must be considered. Consulting a mechanic is recommended. Choosing a steel axle starts with determining which type […]
Tips for identifying axles include studying axle labels, visual cues like center section and wheel hub markings, and dimensions. Axle identification aids in purchasing replacement axles and identifying high-performance axles. The identification tag affixed by the manufacturer contains important information. Visual design cues can also aid in identification. Brake drums or discs and wheel studs […]
Shaft milling is a high-speed metalworking process that uses a rotating blade to cut or shape raw materials. It can be used for various applications and requires little finishing. The machine can run at any angle and is commonly used in the automotive and aeronautical industries. The process is suitable for most materials with a […]
A helicopter has two rotor shafts: one for the main rotor blade and one for the tail rotor. The main rotor shaft is attached to the engine via a gearbox, while the tail rotor shaft is driven from a gearbox that matches the speed of the main rotor. The tail rotor is crucial for maintaining […]
Solid shafts convert circular power from a driveshaft into linear motion to propel a vehicle. They are commonly found in rear-wheel drive cars and trucks, while independent front axles provide a smoother ride. Swapping a solid axle for a split axle involves removing suspension and steering components and welding leaf spring brackets in place. The […]
Gears convert engine speed into torque and are mounted on a drive shaft. Gear reduction transfers power from the engine to the transmission mechanism, allowing the wheels to run at different speeds. Gear shafts may contain gear teeth and be made of various materials. In their most basic form, gears are round toothed devices that […]
Flexible shafts allow rotary motion to be transferred along a non-linear path, with the ability to drive through obstacles. They can transfer power or motion and are used in a range of applications, including machining and plumbing. The hydraulic snake is a good example of a flexible shaft in action. A flexible shaft is a […]
