Shaft collar is for low-rpm applications

One of the simplest and consequently most overlooked components in the power transmission industry is the shaft collar. However, the importance of the shaft collar is demonstrated through the widespread use of these components.

Shaft collars can be found in virtually any type of equipment. They are used by themselves for various applications, including mechanical stops, locating components and bearing faces, and are frequently accessories to other components to create assemblies for many types of power transmission equipment, including motors and gearboxes.

Among the types available, quick-clamping shaft collars are designed with a low-profile integral clamping lever, in contrast to the typical approach of employing separate single or double tangential screws. These collars are suited for quick positioning adjustments in light-duty stationary or low-rpm rotating shaft applications that require frequent setup changes or adjustments, or in situations where the use of tools is not practical. Quick-clamping collars do not mar the shaft.

An application example found in the printing industry is the positioning of rolls of media on a shaft within a production process. Repositioning adjustments or changes of raw material can be quickly and easily made without the need for tools or time-consuming fastener fine-tuning, improving both operator and machine productivity.

Quick-clamping collars also perform well in other applications such as fixture and guide rail adjustment, use of the clamp as a spacer, or when mated with light-duty split-hub power transmission components such as gears and sprockets. The collars can also be machined to facilitate the mounting of other components. Many application benefits are being realized in packaging, food processing, medical, general manufacturing and other industries.

The collar clamping mechanism works quickly and efficiently with the simple hand opening of the integral clamping lever, positioning the collar on the shaft, and closing the lever flush with the outer surface of the collar. The design of the cam on the lever and the mating machined surface on the collar assure a tight fit, with a maximum axial load of 35 lb to 120 lb (133 to 489 N) depending on the collar bore size. In situations where higher holding power or clamp axial load is required, the quick-clamping collar is not the recommended choice.

This guide was prepared by Ruland Manufacturing Co. Inc., Marlborough, MA.

Quick-clamping shaft collar speeds up positioning adjustments

Designed with a low-profile integral clamping lever, the quick-clamping shaft collar from Ruland is suited for quick positioning adjustments in light-duty stationary or low-rpm rotating shaft applications with frequent setup changes or adjustments, or in situations where the use of tools is not practical. The design of the cam on the lever and the mating machined surface on the collar assure a tight fit with a maximum axial load of 133 N to 489 N (35 lb to 120 lb), depending on the collar bore size. Available sizes are 8 mm to 38 mm and 0.375 in. to 1.5 in. The collar is suited for use in a wide range of applications, including packaging, food processing, general manufacturing, medical and more.

RotoPrecision Inc.