What Is a Machine Key?
A machine key is a machine element inserted into the groove of the mating part of a shaft and gear of a machine tool, etc.
Types of machine keys are described as: “parallel key,” and “semi-round key.” In addition, “double round key,” “double square key,” and “single round key” are specified for the parallel key.
Uses of Machine Keys
Machine keys are essential for power transmission in various applications and fields.
Machine keys are used in the gears on the shaft side of electric motors and pumps, which are the source of power, as well as in mating gears such as gearboxes and pulleys that transmit power to belts.
Machine keys are used in a wide range of fields, including machine tools, construction machinery, food machinery, and other machinery, as well as in vehicle-related fields such as automobiles.
Characteristics of Machine Keys
Machine keys are required to have high strength for the purpose for which they are used. They must also have the characteristics of tenacity, tensile strength, and durability due to their fitting structure, and the ability to be removable as needed.
Machine keys are available in various shapes and materials, including carbon steel for machine structural use such as S50C, copper alloy, stainless steel such as SUS316, tool steel, and titanium, depending on the application.
Furthermore, machine keys need to be removed when replacing worn or damaged gears and pulleys, etc. Since it is difficult to remove machine keys that have been used for a long time, tapped keys are also available to make removal easier.
In addition, machine keys need to be replaced with caution because the position of the key groove on the shaft may determine which machine keys can be used.
The order in which machine keys are inserted differs depending on the shape of the key.