Parallel Keys

Parallel keys secure shafts and hubs and are therefore also a predetermined breaking point. If the force on the parallel key now becomes too great, the parallel key will shear off. Parallel keys are available in materials such as steel or stainless steel.

1. Parallel keys
2. Our delivery program of stainless steel parallel keys - buy online in our online shop
3. The assembly of parallel keys
4. The forms of parallel keys
5. DIN 6885 for the parallel keys?
6. DIN 6888 for parallel keys - Woodruff keys
7. The production of stainless steel parallel keys
8. Related websites around the topic of parallel keys

Parallel keys made of stainless steel or steel are pure safety elements which ensure that a power transmission between one component and the next can take place. The parallel keys only serve one purpose, to secure the power transmission permanently and another criterion is that the key must also provide overload protection in case of too high load - in this case too high torque. In the event of a torque overload on shafts and other components, the parallel key has the task of immediately interrupting the power transmission by destroying the parallel key so that no further destruction of more expensive components occurs. At this moment the parallel key is sheared off at the point of overload - i.e. between shafts and gear hub. The forces acting on the key are exceeded and the shearing forces begin. The parallel key is thus sheared off in the middle. A further transmission of force can now no longer take place. The components themselves - i.e. the shaft and the hub frame of the gearwheel - remain largely undamaged if the technical system immediately switches to fault in the event of overload. This is important because the two different components rotate within the hub and they were not designed for this purpose. In the worst case, the parts could "seize" if they rotate for a long time, which would mean total loss, as the two parts would weld together and then be impossible to separate again. The parallel keys could then no longer be removed and replaced. If you want to know more about stainless steel parallel keys, please read the blog post on our blog.

Our delivery program of stainless steel parallel keys - buy online in our online shop

We stock a wide range of parallel keys in various sizes made of stainless steel in V2A or primarily V4A in our warehouse to enable fast and efficient delivery. The smallest parallel keys of stainless steel in V2A are 4x4 mm up to the largest parallel key of 14x9 mm. Of course all common intermediate sizes are also available. In order to be able to buy your parallel keys securely in our online shop, we converted our website to a secure encryption method some time ago. This has the advantage that when you order your parallel keys in our shop, all data can be securely stored and transferred to our merchandise management system without external access. This protection becomes more and more important so that your sensitive data does not fall into the wrong hands. In order to purchase securely in our webshop, please add all the required parallel keys to your shopping cart. These can be in small quantities as well as larger quantities. If you have all items in your shopping cart, you will be asked to choose the best payment method for you when you perform the next step. Once you have decided which payment method you would like to use to purchase your parallel keys, press the button to proceed to the secure payment page of the supplier. By confirming your payment you will automatically be redirected back to our shop. Afterwards you will receive an automatic confirmation e-mail. If we have also received your purchase in our shop, the desired parallel keys will be commissioned and assembled for you in our warehouse. Afterwards the dispatch will be carried out directly. After a few days, you should receive your ordered parallel keys.

The assembly of parallel keys

When mounting stainless steel parallel keys, the following must be observed: If you have received the delivery from us, you can start directly with the installation of the parallel keys. Please check first if the delivered parts correspond to your order. Unpack the keys. Now look at the parallel keys in the shaft and the parallel keys in the hub of the component. Both must be in perfect condition, which means that no burrs can be seen on the keyways of the components! The slightest burr on the keyway can cause the parallel key to be abraded when the parallel key is pressed in, which in turn can cause play in the keyway when the parallel key is loaded. Loading occurs during direct power transmission. If there is no burr to be seen, just add some grease to the parallel key and press it forcefully and with some tension into the groove. If the parallel key cannot be pressed in so easily, use a soft-face hammer and with a few blows the key should fit. Now place the hub with the groove over the inserted stainless steel parallel key and let the component slide over the parallel key until the component has reached its final position. Now secure the component against axial displacement, if necessary using a retaining ring for shafts. The assembly of the parallel key is now complete.

The forms of parallel keys

There are many parallel key shapes for the locking and torque transmission elements. However, as some of our customers always ask us questions, we would like to clarify which shapes can be used for parallel keys on machine parts, shafts and axles. We are familiar with the standard form of DIN 6885, which is the parallel key form most frequently used and installed on parts. This form of parallel key is also known as the A-shape. The next form of such parallel keys is called Form B. Form B declares a key shape that forms a clean and straight cut edge at both ends and is often used when shaft ends are fitted with it. The next form of parallel key is the AB form. In this form of key, one side is round and the other is straight. Form C is in principle constructed like form a, but with an extension. The extension is that a fixing screw can be screwed in the middle. This screw holds parallel keys in the groove if they are not to leave this space on their own, or the possibility bstht that an unintentional loss may occur. The next shape of a parallel key The D shape. This key is cut off in a straight line at both ends and has a fixing hole in the middle, i.e. in the centre. Of course, there are many more parallel keys, but unfortunately we cannot address them all in this article.

DIN 6885 for the parallel keys?

Many people wonder or start looking for DIN standards on parallel keys. This is also good, because this is the only way to get to your destination quickly and finally in order to buy your desired parallel keys quickly. The standard parallel key is either made of steel or stainless steel V2A or V4A. The form is usually form A. Semicircular on both sides. This DIN standard is DIN 6885.

DIN 6888 for parallel keys - Woodruff keys

Woodruff keys also belong to the large family of positive-locking power transmission elements. The function is the same as for DIN 6885, but the shape is completely different. This DIN standard 6888 is designed in such a way that they are set as a disc shape. Such Woodruff keys are always used on shafts and axles that are recessed with a side milling cutter. As a rule, such parallel keys are always used where there is less space available in the width.

The production of stainless steel parallel keys

When manufacturing parallel keys, a number of things have to be taken into account. Because, as the name clearly indicates, it is a fitting element that has to be inserted into another fitting element. For this reason there are no compromises whatsoever in the production of such sensitive fitting elements. When manufacturing parallel keys, it is important that this takes place on modern CNC-controlled machines in order to achieve the highest degree of accuracy in the manufacturing process. It does not matter whether the springs are provided with a straight end or with a round end. Parallel keys with a round end are the most common in the large family of parallel keys. At the beginning of the manufacturing process the machine must be set up and fed with the necessary data. Only then can the raw material be clamped in order to start the manufacturing process. Now the outer surfaces of the parallel keys can first be pre-roughened with the milling cutter and then finely finished with a finishing cutter. Only in this way is it possible to produce an accurately fitting parallel key. Finally, the curves on the key must always be milled. The parallel key is then finished and can be sold to you as a customer as a V2A or V4A variant.