More about Shafts

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Shafts are long, cylindrical machine components used in a wide range of devices. Depending upon the application, they may be referred to in more specific terms; a driveshaft, for example, transmits power from an engine or motor to the rest of the system, while an axle is shaft that carries a wheel or gear. In general, they are rotating parts meant to transfer power from one part of the system to another, although they also can be used to support system components.

Shafts are made in a wide variety of materials to virtually any dimension, and are often used in conjunction with a variety of fittings, such as gears, joints, and collars. They can be manufactured with a multitude of end designs, including threaded, knurled and splined tips. When ends of a shaft are displaced from the center of a shaft, they are considered offset. Most shafts are fabricated from metals and alloys such as aluminum, stainless steel, graphite and carbon steel, although synthetic materials are sometimes used in certain applications. Generally, the environmental conditions and mechanical specifications of your system will determine the material of choice.

A number of precision machining processes are used to produce high-quality shafts, including centerless grinding, CNC milling, turning, cutting and rolling. The processes required depend on the design of the shaft; for example, keyways may necessitate the use of a CNC milling machine. Various finishing processes, such as plating and polishing, are also used on shafts in order to enhance corrosion resistance and/or reduce friction concerns.

Shaft diameter, length, key height and stock are all important characteristics to consider when selecting a shaft. The composition of the shaft material is highly important, as a shaft must be able to endure repeated, sometimes extreme, stress. In cases where a straight path between endpoints is obstructed, a flexible shaft may be required.