What’s a Trunnion?

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Studs are protrusions used as mounting points for stability and strength in a variety of devices, including trunnion valves and bearings. They are installed in pairs and can allow movement in one plane while restricting it in another. Proper design is crucial for strength and stability.

A stud is a protrusion that is used as a mounting point. These mounts are used on a wide variety of objects and devices and are usually designed to be an integral part of a device for greater stability and strength. Making things with this kind of built-in support can be challenging, but the superior strength and support on offer is sometimes worth the extra effort. Their use is specifically mentioned in the names of devices such as trunnion valves and bearings, which rely on this technology to function.

Classically, the pins are installed in pairs, one on each side of the device. One of their classic uses is in the gun, where they are integrated into the barrel and inserted into the mounting block that holds the gun in place. They allow the barrel to be moved up and down for easier aiming, and the mounting block itself can be mounted on a swivel so that the cannon can be rotated safely.

When something is mounted on a pivot, it can move freely in one plane, but not in another. Rotation is allowed in the plane perpendicular to the support because it can rotate within the structure to which it is fixed. Some designs include those with notches or pegs designed to hold an object rigidly in place, and locks are also available to keep these mounts from rotating during transport or once an object has been maneuvered into the desired position.

Some types of vehicle suspension have historically used trunnions, as have antenna systems where some movement in one plane is desired. Some types of saws and equipment may even be installed with those in place to allow movement in only one direction. Because they are installed in pairs, they are generally extremely stable and hold a device efficiently without requiring additional fasteners and support when designed correctly.

Like other mounting points, studs can be weak points if they’re not designed properly. When solidly fused into a fixture, they tend to be very strong, whereas if they are later welded, glued, or otherwise secured, the bond can weaken, causing the supports to fail. Strength can also be determined by their size, the materials they are made of, and the weight of the object they are supporting. The design must be carefully calculated to provide an adequate level of support and strength without wasting materials.




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