Choosing a Key Woodruff

Choosing a Key Woodruff

Key Woodruff

Keys are machined metal fasteners used to transfer torque from a shaft to gears where tight tolerances and functionality are paramount.key woodruff They also function as a fail-safe device to ensure that the key breaks before the gears do, which significantly cuts replacement costs. They are typically made of hard materials like high-carbon steel, but can also be crafted from more resilient alloys or even stainless steel.

There are many different types of keys, each with its own purpose, tolerances and specifications.key woodruff Some are more widely used than others, though, due to their versatility and ability to meet specific needs. One of the most popular, and for good reason, is the Woodruff key. Woodruff keys, sometimes called half-moon keys, are shaped like a half circle and are designed to fit into a circular recess in the shaft known as the woodruff keyseat. The flat end of the key is then pressed into a keyway, or rectangular slot, in a mating component on the host shaft to prevent it from moving independently of the spindle.

When choosing a key, the first thing to consider is its dimensions and fit.key woodruff There are several different types of keys, with each fitting into a unique shape in the shaft and mating component. Parallel keys, for instance, have a square or rectangular cross section and are inserted into a shaft's keyway with a set screw, which is a threaded fastener that locks the key in place.

Other common keys include a full radius and a flat bottom. Both are inserted into the key seat, but the full radius type has added feet on its protruding segment that extends over the host shaft's face. These feet help to prevent the key from wobbling inside the rounded key seat and eliminates any potential clearance issues that may arise with long keys, which are more likely to interfere at their base with the shaft's flange.

The flat-bottom type of woodruff key is a variation on the full radius variant and is similar in construction to its counterpart. The main difference is that its base is ground flat instead of rounded, which makes it easier to insert and allows it to fit more easily into the key seat. The flat bottom of the key also prevents it from rocking in the keyseat and resolves any potential interference concerns that would otherwise occur with a tall woodruff key.

Stanho offers a number of standard woodruff keys in a variety of lengths, widths and heights. Standard imperial keys are crafted from cold drawn SAE-1035 carbon or alloy steel and heat treated to Rockwell "C" 40-50. Special sizes, types of material and treatments are available as well per customer print. For more information about what is required for a particular application, please contact us. We would be happy to work with you to determine what size and type of key will best suit your needs.