Copy of New aluminium shaft collars are lightweight and easy to machine #industrynews

WDS Components has extended its existing line up of shaft collars by presenting a new range in aluminium. Adding to its stainless steel and mild steel versions, the new 6061 aluminium shaft collars from WDS are lightweight and easy to machine, making them ideal for OEM or end user customisation. The collars can be used to clamp and position components to a shaft or control rod, securing parts such as tools, fittings, or machinery and in transmission, such as bearings, gearboxes and motors. Collars can also be used as spacers to separate machinery and parts.

The new aluminium range is a response to customer demand. Compared to steel and stainless steel, aluminium is much lighter. Lightweight collars can be important for machines with rotating shafts, or if the machine requires more regular movement where multiple collars increase the total weight.

The new aluminium collars are also much easier to machine compared to steel. This more readily enables customisation, a requirement if the collar needs to fit specific shaft designs or dimensions, either for retrofit or new machine builds. Along with this capability, aluminium shares a similar anti-corrosion performance to stainless steel, ensuring increased durability.

The new aluminium collars are available in semi or double split designs. The semi split collars are ideal when less frequent adjustment is required, with the split closed and the collar tightened with a screw. Alternatively, the double split collar enables the device to be completely removed from the shaft at the point of installation by releasing the fixing mechanism. This design is beneficial if sliding the collar along the shaft is impractical, such as when other parts clamped onto the same shaft would cause an obstruction to movement, or if the shaft is located in a difficult to reach position.

The collars can be locked in place with a screw and allen key or, if more regular adjustment is required, a clamping lever enables tool-free tightening and release. The clamping lever handles are available in colours including light grey, orange, and black. A keyway version of the collar also provides greater security in shaft clamping, intended for higher torque applications to remove the potential of the collar spinning or slipping on the shaft.

The collars are available in sizes ranging from 12-50mm shaft diameters. Designed and manufactured in-house at WDS’ Leeds production facility, the collars are machined to very high tolerances, optimising positional accuracy for machine builders and end users.

In-house design and manufacturing also means WDS can fulfil customised requirements for higher volume orders, as well as ensuring high stock levels. Many of the part numbers are available under the WDS Stock Guarantee, providing 10% discount on a subsequent order for any required quantity not currently available in stock. For OEM designers, CAD drawings in a variety of formats, as well as full product specification and order information, are available on wdscomponents.com.