Precision hollow shaft

Types of precision hollow shafts

The precision hollow shaft is widely used in conjunction with bearings or other support structures, mainly to transmit power, torque, or rotational motion. According to industry research, the precision hollow shaft market size was valued at US$ 2.46 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ 3.57 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 3.9% during the forecast period from 2023 to 2032.

The following types of precision hollow shafts are available:

• Hollow shaft couplings

  A hollow shaft coupling is a flexible coupling that connects two parallel shafts. It is a mechanical device that compensates for the axial and angular misalignment of the joined shafts.

• Hollow encoder shaft

  The hollow encoder shaft is designed to measure motion through a rotating cylindrical object. Moreover, the encoder can be coupled directly to the gear, belt pulley, or any mechanism that provides the requisite motion. A torque transmission shaft with an encoder at one end can be used to measure the speed of the load.

• Hollow shaft motor

  Hollow shaft motors have a notch on the drive motor that allows the wires to link to the motor in the right orientation. Due to the cost of wires inside the motor, that number is often negligible, but it can still make a difference. A motor with a hollow shaft can use a rotary encoder, sensor, or additional gearbox directly connected to the motor shaft.

• Hollow shaft reducers

  The hollow shaft gearbox is designed to reduce motor speed while increasing torque and featuring a housing that can be mounted directly to a bracket or machine.

• Hollow shaft torque sensor

  The hollow shaft torque sensor is used for measuring torque in rotating shafts. Commonly used in the automotive and aerospace industries, these sensors can be used in any application that requires torque measurement in rotating machinery or equipment.

Specification and maintenance of precision hollow shafts

Specification

The following parameters can be used to determine the specification of a typical precision hollow shaft:

• Material: The precise hollow shaft can be made of various materials, such as stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, etc. The material will affect its application and performance.
• Size: The size of the precision hollow shaft usually includes length and outer/inner diameter. Length refers to the length of the shaft, while outer/inner diameter refers to the outer/inner width of the shaft.
• Tolerance: Precision hollow shafts can achieve tight tolerances, which control the size and fit of the shafts to ensure their precision and interchangeability.
• Surface finish: Precision hollow shafts can have different surface treatments, such as polishing, anodizing, etc., which will improve their appearance and performance.

Maintenance

Although the maintenance requirements of the precision hollow shaft are not elaborate, and more or less, the limitations of the material will, of course, be more critical, the following are some general tips for care and maintenance:

• Storage: Store it in a dry and clean environment, avoiding exposure to sunlight or moisture. Dust and foreign objects on the surface should be cleaned to avoid contamination or damage to precision during use.
• Cleaning: A soft cloth or brush should be used to clean the surface of the hollow shaft, avoiding hard objects that might scratch or damage it. For oil stains or dirt that is not easily removed, mild solvents can be used for cleaning.
• Avoid corrosion: Precision hollow shafts should avoid contact with corrosive substances, such as chemicals and acids, to prevent it from being damaged or reducing its lifespan.
• Avoid overload: When using precision hollow shafts, avoid overload and ensure that the load does not exceed the specified range to prevent damage or deformation of the shafts.
• Regular inspection: Regularly inspect the condition of the hollow shaft, such as appearance, play, etc., to ensure that it is in good condition. If any problems are found, take timely repair or replacement.

Usage scenarios for precision hollow shafts

Industry owners and machinery business buyers can find several application scenarios for the precision hollow shaft.

• Optical devices: The hollow shaft provides a pathway for light to travel through. It connects the objective lenses to the focal plane in the telescope and microscope. These devices use the precision hollow shaft to magnify objects.
• Automobile industry: The automobile industry uses hollow shafts in vehicle parts, including the propeller, drive, and axle shafts. They transmit torque and rotational power to the vehicle's wheels. Advanced automobiles often use precision hollows with lightweight material to improve acceleration.
• Medical Equipment: A precision hollow shaft with smaller diameters is used in medical devices, including catheter and endoscope makers. The component aids in non-invasive surgical procedures and the movement of medical instruments and devices within the patient's body.
• Packaging machines: A packaging machine uses a precision hollow shaft encoder for accurate packaging. The encoder assists in providing the precise packaging needed, especially for food items.
• Industrial robots: Industrial robots use the hollow precision shaft as part of their joint mechanism. Robotics joints often have a hollow shaft due to structure lightweight and can move with ease. IoT hollow shafts with encoders can provide feedback to the robotics joint for positioning and speed control.
• Textile industry: In the textile industry, the hollow shaft connects the motor to a driving element, like a pulley or gear. Precision hollow shafts help textile companies with accurate and efficient fabric production and high-speed spinning.
• Aerospace industry: The aerospace industry uses precision hollow shafts in several ways. They connect and support rotating parts. They are lightweight and have high rigidity, making them an essential choice for aerospace applications.
• Automation industry: The automation industry uses the precision hollow shaft coupling to connect two shafts, especially when misalignment occurs. It transmits torque between servo motors and output gears in automation setups. The automation industry includes machinery for warehousing, assembly, inspection, and packaging.

How to choose precision hollow shafts

When choosing precision hollow shafts, the following factors need to be considered:

• Application requirements analysis

  Users need to clarify the requirements of the application for precision hollow shafts, including the working environment, load-bearing and transmission capacity, connection forms, etc. This helps users choose the type and specifications of the hollow shaft that meets the requirements.

• Material selection

  Users need to choose the appropriate material for the precision hollow shaft according to the working environment and application. For example, choose stainless steel or other corrosion-resistant materials for corrosive environments, or choose lightweight materials such as aluminum alloy for high-precision applications that require low weight.

• Structure and precision

  Users need to choose the appropriate structure and precision level according to the specific application. For example, in some high-precision transmission applications, it is necessary to choose a high-precision hollow shaft with an especially high precision that reduces the gap between the shaft and the sleeve.

• Quality and reliability

  Users should choose hollow shaft precision encoders from reputable manufacturers to ensure product quality and reliability. Consider the manufacturer's experience and reputation in the industry, as well as after-sales service and support.

• Cost performance

  Users need to weigh factors such as quality, performance, and application suitability to choose a precision hollow shaft that has good cost performance and meets specific budget requirements.

Precision hollow shaft Q&A

Q1: What is a hollow shaft?

A1: A hollow shaft is a cylindrical metal piece with an empty center that provides support for rotating machinery components.

Q2: What are the benefits of a precision hollow shaft?

A2: Precision hollow shafts are typically lighter than solid shafts, making them ideal for applications where reducing weight is essential. They can also help dissipate heat in high-temperature applications. Furthermore, the hollow shafts can be designed and engineered to provide a better fit for custom applications.

Q3: What are the types of hollow shafts?

A3: Some common types of hollow shafts include:

• Hollow square shafts that have hollow tubes with square cross-sections.
• Hollow round shafts that have hollow tubes with circular cross-sections.
• Hollow key shafts that have a keyway or groove along their length to accommodate a key for locking onto a rotating element.

Q4: What does hollow shaft coupling do?

A4: A hollow shaft coupling connects two shafts, usually between a driving motor shaft and a load shaft.