What is a Shaft: 7 Types and Uses

Shafts are popularly used in applications for many reasons, and almost every industry uses them. There are different types of shafts, and they have different dimensions that can be opted based on specific requirements.

If you are looking forward to learning about what is a shaft and what its types are, you can read the guide below.

What is a Shaft?

The shaft is used to transmit power from one machine to another. It is a very important machine and it mostly supports parts that rotate, like pulleys and gears. The shafts are supported by bearings. The power transmission in the shafts leads to torque.

The cross-section of the shafts is round; this can either be solid or hollow. They are flexible, straight, and cranked. The straight ones are suitable for power transmission.

Shafts consist of cylindrical bars with steps and have multiple diameters throughout their length.

Pros of Shaft

The benefits of shafts are as follows:

• The shaft has fewer chances to jam.
• It requires less maintenance than the chain system when the shaft tube is attached.
• A hollow shaft has a lesser weight compared to a solid one.
• The internal shape of the hollow shaft is also hollow and uses less material.
• The shaft offers strength, which reduces the chances of failure.
• It has high torsional strength and high polar moment of inertia.

Cons of Shaft

Along with benefits, there are some downsides of the shafts too, which are as follows:

• In a shaft, there is a loss of power because of the loose coupling.
• During rotation, shafts vibrate a lot.
• They produce consistent noise.
• Manufacturing costs are high.
• The process of manufacturing is difficult.
• In case of mechanical problems, their downtime is longer.

Standard Dimensions of Shafts

The standard sizes of shafts are as follows:

Transmission shafts:

• 10 mm steps, 60 mm to 110 mm.
• 15 mm steps, 110 mm to 140 mm.
• 20 mm steps, 140 mm to 500 mm
• 5 mm steps, 25 mm to 60 mm.
• The length of the standard shafts ranges from 5,6 and 7 m.

Machine Shafts

• There are 25 mm steps of 0.5 mm.

Types of Shafts and Their Uses

The different types of shafts are as follows, along with their uses.

Transmission Shaft

Transmission shafts are used to transfer power between the components of a mechanical system. These are used mostly in automobiles as they transmit the power of the engine to the drivetrain and allow the movement of the vehicles.

Crankshaft

The crankshaft converts the linear motion into rotational motion and rotational motion into linear motion. It uses an internal combustion engine and turns the motion of pistons up and down to drive the wheels.

Axle Shaft

Axle shafts support the weight of the wheel and transfer torque between the differential and wheel so that they can rotate. It helps to ensure stability and appropriate wheel alignment.

Line Shaft

A line shaft is a long shaft that rotates and transmits power from one place to another. It is used to generate power using one source and supply it to multiple machines. It is commonly used in factories.

Counter Shaft

The counter shaft is connected in parallel to the main transmission shaft and helps to change torque or reduce speed. It's used in gearboxes of cars and other types of machinery to control speed.

Camshaft

The camshaft is a shaft that rotates, opening and closing the exhaust valves and engine intake. It controls the movement of cams and even regulates the process of the engine’s breathing.

Propeller Shaft

The propeller shaft transmits power from the engine to the vehicle's differential and allows the wheels to rotate. It is used on ships and rear-wheel drive vehicles.

Shaft Material Selection & Considerations

Shafts that are used for ordinary purposes are manufactured using mild steel. The ones that require high strength are manufactured using nickel-chromium, chromium-vanadium, and other types of alloy steel.

Some of the important considerations to keep in mind when choosing shaft material are as follows:

• The material must have high strength
• It offers good mechanization.
• It should possess enhanced heat treatment properties and low sensitivity.
• It should be resistant to wear and tear.

In the case of regular shafts, the material used is carbon steel and is 40 C8, 50 C4, 45 C8, and 50 C12.

How to Manufacture Shafts through CNC?

The process of manufacturing shafts using CNC machining is as follows:

• The first stage is where the design of the shaft is created, and all the dimensions are clearly specified. A CAD program is designed and then converted to the G-code using CAM software so that the machine can understand the instructions.
• When you have prepared the design, the second stage is selecting the right type of CNC machining method, which may include a milling machine, lathe machine, and tools like turning or end mills. The workpiece is then fixed properly with the machine.
• CNC machining offers high precision, and in manufacturing shafts, mostly CNC turning is used so that precise and versatile custom shafts can be manufactured using the process.
• Once the custom shaft is produced through CNC machining, some additional surface finishing processes may be required to enhance its appearance and performance. These processes may be anodizing, bead blasting, and much more.

Conclusion

A shaft is a very important component, and to help it achieve its purpose, it must be accurate and precise.

If you want to have high-quality and high-performing shafts manufactured based on your custom dimensions, you can approach us at DEK. We have been manufacturing shafts for years using our expert skills and experience.