shaftmounted

Shaft-mounted refers to components and assemblies that are installed directly on a rotating shaft of a machine, rather than on a separate base or frame. This arrangement places power transmission or control elements in line with the shaft, yielding a compact drive arrangement and minimizing misalignment between connected components.

Typical shaft-mounted devices include inline and right-angle gearboxes mounted directly to the drive shaft, shaft-mounted brakes and clutches, torque limiters, and pulley or sprocket hubs with a shaft bore. These devices are common in conveyors, fans, pumps, milling equipment, and other machinery where space is limited or a direct-drive arrangement is advantageous.

Key design and installation considerations involve ensuring a proper shaft diameter and bore fit, and selecting an appropriate torque-transfer method such as setscrews, keys, or clamping hubs. Interference fits may be used for high torque, while clamp-type hubs reduce bore stress and allow easier disassembly. Although shaft-mounted components reduce external alignment requirements, some misalignment and shaft bending can still transmit vibration and loads directly into the shaft, so careful attention to alignment, balance, and mounting tolerances is important. Adequate lubrication, seals, and bearing maintenance help extend service life, and fasteners should be checked regularly for loosening due to vibration.

Advantages of shaft-mounted configurations include compactness, reduced assembly time, and direct torque transmission with fewer couplings. Disadvantages can include higher precision requirements for shaft preparation, more challenging replacement, and greater sensitivity to shaft faults or overload conditions. Standards for bore sizes, hubs, and mounting patterns are typically defined by component manufacturers and aligned with ISO, DIN, or other regional specifications.