In mechanical equipment, the motor produces motion that is called torque and the transfer of that force to the receiving mechanism is done using splined shafts. This transfer is done primarily through splined shafts, with each splined shaft interlocking with another to turn each other to transfer the torque.
Splined shafts are the ideal transferring mechanisms for high torque. There is an equal distribution of load across the length of the splined shaft, allowing for a longer service life for the splined shaft.
Creating splined shafts is not easy. The following are the design pitfalls in manufacturing splined shafts.
Material. In order for optimum service life of the splined shafts, it is important that it is made of high grade durable materials. Even the metal needs to be properly finished and properly cured as any imperfections would result in stress cracks during operation. In the long run, the splined shafts would break due to metal fatigue.
Measurements. Splined shafts interlock to move each other according to the axis of motion. This movement transfers the torque across the splined shaft. Thus, the proper measurements of the splines, the gear and the shaft have to be made and cut. Also, the female and male splines need to properly align and interlock to provide maximum transference of the torque from motor to hub.
Load Capacity. One of the most overlooked aspects of splined shafts is the load capacity. This is the force that the splined shafts are able to carry across its axis to transfer. If the load is too much for the splined shafts to turn, then the consequence would be disastrous. If the load is too light, then there is loss in the torque since the splined shafts become the weight instead of the carrier.
Splined shaft basics are simple. Understanding how splined shafts work is key for the proper use, operation and maintenance of mechanical equipment using these tools.