Woodruff Key
Product Overview
Woodruff key is a semi-circular machine key widely used for torque transmission between shaft and components such as gears, pulleys, and couplings. Named after its inventor William Woodruff, this key design offers improved alignment and a tighter fit compared to traditional straight keys. It fits into a circular recess (keyseat) in a rotating shaft, helping to lock gears or pulleys in position, preventing movement or slippage.
The unique half-moon shape of a Woodruff key allows it to sit deeper within the shaft, which enhances torque transmission and offers resistance against shear forces. Commonly used in automotive, industrial machinery, and power transmission fields, the Woodruff key is a critical component in mechanical assemblies where rotational power needs to be transferred precisely and reliably.
Product Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Material | Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel, Alloy Steel |
| Shape | Half-moon (semi-circular) |
| Sizes | Metric: M1.5 to M25, Imperial: 1/8″ to 1″ widths |
| Length | 3 mm to 80 mm |
| Width tolerance | ±0.05 mm |
| Application fit | Shaft and wheel joint applications |
Technical Parameters
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Strength Grade | 8.8, 10.9, 12.9, A2-70, A4-80 |
| Surface Treatment | Zinc plated, Black oxide, Dacromet, Nickel plated |
| Compliance Standards | ISO 3912, DIN 6888, ANSI B17.1, GB/T 1096 |
| Thermal Treatment | Case hardened, Tempered |
| Certifications | RoHS, CE, ISO 9001 Certified |
Material and Manufacturing Process
High-performance Woodruff keys are manufactured from premium materials such as stainless steel 304/316, which provide exceptional corrosion resistance, or high-strength alloy steel for enhanced torque capacity. Carbon steel is also used for economic yet strong applications.
Manufacturing Process:
- Raw Material Selection
- Cold Forming or Hot Forging
- Precision Grinding to Desired Thickness
- Heat Treatment for Strength and Durability
- Surface Treatment for Corrosion Protection
- 100% Dimensional & Visual Inspection
- Bulk or Custom Packaging
This rigorous process ensures quality, durability, and dimensional accuracy in each piece.
Typical Applications in Key Industries and Scenarios
Woodruff keys are used across various demanding sectors due to their adaptability and mechanical integrity. Typical application fields include:
- Automotive transmissions and engines
- Agricultural machinery
- Industrial automation systems
- Electric motor assemblies
- Marine engine components
- Wind turbines
- Machine tool manufacturing
Their strong holding capacity and perfect shaft alignment make them essential in environments where rotational load and misalignment resistance are critical.
Product Advantages and Competitive Edge
Why Choose Our Woodruff Keys:
- Premium Materials: Only high-grade stainless steel and alloy steels are used to ensure longevity and strength.
- Precision Manufacturing: Tight tolerance control ensures firm fits and seamless operation.
- Advanced Surface Treatments: Protection from corrosion, wear, and environmental damage.
- Customization Options: Available in customized dimensions/drawings or sample-based production.
- Ample Stock & Fast Delivery: Quick order turnaround to meet tight production schedules.
- Excellent After-Sales Service: Timely technical assistance and customer-oriented service philosophy.
These factors give our Woodruff keys a competitive edge across industrial markets worldwide.
Inspection and Quality Control
At Flybear Fastener, stringent quality control is at the core of our operations. Every Woodruff key undergoes a series of inspections to guarantee compliance with international standards:
- Thread and profile check using go/no-go gauges
- Tensile and shear load testing
- Salt spray corrosion testing (ASTM B117 compliant)
- Optical sorting and dimensional scanning
- Hardness testing and metallographic evaluation
- Torque and fatigue life assessment
With certifications like ISO 9001 and IATF 16949, we ensure our fasteners meet the highest quality benchmarks. Every production batch is subjected to 100% random inspection to detect deviations before shipping.
Product Selection & Procurement Guide
When selecting the right Woodruff key, consider the following:
- Material Requirements: Determine if corrosion resistance (stainless steel) or high torque (alloy steel) is a priority.
- Size Compatibility: Match key dimensions to shaft and hub keyway accurately using ISO/DIN/ANSI charts.
- Strength Rating: Choose suitable tensile grade based on mechanical loads.
- Surface Finish: Consider environmental conditions to select zinc, Dacromet, or black oxide treatment.
- Compliance and Certifications: Ensure the product is certified for your industry’s regulatory standards.
You can always consult technical drawings or collaborate with our engineers for custom solutions to unique mechanical setups.
Summary & Company Highlights
We at Flybear Fastener are committed to providing precision-engineered fastening solutions globally. Our experienced team ensures every component meets or exceeds industry expectations. From automotive applications to high-demand industrial systems, our fastener products stand for durability, reliability, and engineering excellence.
We always uphold the principle of “Quality First, Customer Supreme”, offering comprehensive solutions and customized services to meet wide-ranging industry needs. Explore our full product range or contact us for expert advice, detailed quotations, or technical support tailored to your unique requirements.
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