Standard parts and their importance for industry

Standardized parts are components manufactured to a specific standard. They are an integral part of modern industry because they offer a number of benefits. This article explains what standardized parts are and explains the advantages and disadvantages they bring.

What are standardized parts?

Standardized parts are components manufactured to a specific standard. If this standard is created by a standards organization and is used in a defined standard range, the associated parts are referred to as a standardized parts. Standardized parts have an accurately-defined (standardized) and constant shape, size and fit that does not change over time.

If a part is mass-produced in a precisely defined shape that is practically the same in shape and function, but is not covered by a standard, then this part is called a custom part.

Custom parts and standardized parts are used to build cost-effective and easy-to-maintain machines and equipment. The higher the proportion of standardized parts used in a machine intended for a particular application, the easier it is to use and obtain these precisely defined parts for the design and to subsequently replace these with type-equivalent parts.

Machines that consist mainly of standardized parts usually have the same properties as machines that were not produced with standardized components. However, the simplified procurement of spare parts often makes them faster and easier to repair and maintain.

Benefits of standardized parts

Standardized parts offer a number of advantages for industry.

Cost savings: Since standardized parts are manufactured in large quantities, the cost per part can be reduced. This allows companies to reduced costs and to generate profits.

Time savings: Standardized parts can be purchased quickly and easily, thus reducing manufacturing times. Maintenance effort is reduced because the parts are uniform and can be easily replaced.

Improved ergonomics: Standardized parts facilitate building machines that are ergonomic and allow for easy operation and maintenance.

Increased safety: Since standardized parts are standardized and therefore easy to replace, they increase the safety of the machines.

Strength of screws, locking screws and dowel pins

Strength is crucially important for selecting the right screws, locking screws and dowel pins. Although there are many different types of fasteners, strength is an important factor to consider. Here, too, standards again play a key role since they precisely define the properties of the respective standardized parts.

The strength of screws, locking screws and dowel pins depends on many factors, such as the type of material, the type of screw and its size. By standardizing steel grades and strength classes, as well as standardizing geometric shapes, sizes and dimensions, the standardizations represent an indispensable core building block for the safe and correct selection of fasteners for specific applications.

In order to ensure that the right screw, locking screw or dowel pin is selected for a specific project, it is therefore important to understand the different types of screws and to know what kind of strength is needed. The use of standardized parts facilitates selecting and combining these connecting elements because the parts and their interaction are precisely matched.  

This article provides a brief look at some typical standardized parts, such as hex screws, circlips, cotter pins, hair pin cotters, and keys.

Set screws with hex socket and flat profile

Set screws with hex sockets are an element frequently used in many industrial and vocational trade applications. They are a versatile and cost-efficient way to attach and connect mechanical components. Depending on the design, they are subject to different national and international standards. Set screws with hex socket, with truncated cone are for example standardized in DIN EN ISO 4026.

Type C retaining rings

Retaining rings are an indispensable locking element used in many industrial and mechanical applications. One of the most well-known types of locking rings is the type C, which is widely used through based on its practical and simple use and is standardized in the German standardization space in DIN 471 for shafts and DIN 472 for bores.

The type C retaining ring is a type of retaining ring that is inserted into a groove of a shaft or into a bore, depending on the design. The groove holds the retaining ring in place to hold the component to be secured against displacement.

Type C retaining rings are usually made of steel or stainless steel. Its special shape ensures that the retaining rings rest as evenly as possible against the shaft or bore groove. Small bores at the end allow for easy handling and assembly with pliers for retaining rings.

The type C retaining ring is a very useful component that can be used in many industrial and mechanical applications. It is easy to install and can be removed without causing damage. It is very durable and can have a long service life if used properly. For more information, see the blog entry for Type C Retaining Rings.

Hex screws and hex nuts

Hex screws and hex nuts are a fundamental element for fastening engineering and a proven solution for a wide range of applications. The classic hex screw is a screw with the screw head shape of an external hex. Often these screws are also called machine screws.

They are manufactured according to different standards depending on the design and the standardization space. International standards such as   DIN EN ISO 4017, for hex screws with threads up to the head and metric standardized threads ensure international compatibility. The screw mentioned in the example is also standardized under DIN 933 as a national standard, which was officially withdrawn, but is still widely used.

Hex screws are an excellent choice when it comes to connecting materials in a releasable manner. They are available in many different sizes and materials, which is why they offer a wide range of applications. There are several types of hex screws that can be selected depending on your needs. Some of the most common types are fully-threaded hex screws, partially-threaded hex screws, and hexagon head screws with flange. Each of these types has its own specific features and benefits that you should consider when selecting the right screw.

Hex nuts are typically attached to screws, bolts, or other fasteners to create a stable and secure fastening system. They are also standardized depending on the respective standardization space and, like screws, can be obtained in various sizes and materials. Hex nuts are easy to install and provide a strong and reliable connection in combination with the matching threads.

To select the right hex screw and/or hex nut for your project, you must first consider some basic factors.

• Will 2 or more parts be connected?
• Will one of the parts be clamped onto or bolted to?
• What materials will be joined?
• What are the environmental conditions? (Weather or chemical resistance, vibration, etc.)
• What is the thickness and strength of the material with internal thread?
• Which screw/nut material is appropriate?
• What forces does the joint need to absorb?
• What diameter of the screw is needed to achieve the required strength?
• What type of thread should be used?
• What is the length of the screw to connect all parts, plus any washers and the available internal thread length (or nut).
• What torque is required to ensure a permanently secure seat?

Cotter pins and hair pin cotters

Cotter pins are another very important element for mechanical design. They are a very flexible fastener that can bent to adapt to the contours of the components. Among other national standards, cotter pins are standardized under DIN EN ISO 1234.

They are often used to secure axle bolts from sliding out of their bearing. They are also commonly used as anti-rotation devices for nuts.

Just like cotter pins, hair pin cotters are available as standardized parts. They are standardized in the German standardization space in DIN 11024, but are also available as custom parts in modified shapes.

Spring Pins and type E retaining rings

Spring pins and Type E retaining rings are also important components and are used in many industrial applications.

Spring pins, also called tension pins, are for example standardized depending on type in DIN EN ISO 8752. This standard deals with heavy-duty versions of clamping pins, slotted.

They are often used to ensure that parts or components remain in place. To ensure your applications are safe and reliable, it is important that you use the correct spring pins. For more information, visit our blog entry on Pin Connections - Connect Components with Cylinder Pins.

Type E retaining ring , also known as shaft lock washers, are very easy to install and are primarily used for securing components on smaller shaft, axle and bolt diameters. They do not require special tools or skills to install them. However, their use requires a groove on the shaft, axle or bolt. They are also available as custom parts and as standardized parts according to the national standard DIN 6799.

Spring pins and type E locking rings are an inexpensive and effective way to ensure components stay in place.

Keys, woodruff keys and tapered machine keys

Keys are commonly used standardized parts and are mainly used to make permanently secure and reliable shaft-to-hub connections. Depending on the design, they are addressed in different standards. For example, DIN 6885 defines the dimensions, tolerances and materials for keys and DIN 6888 defines the dimensions and application of woodruff keys for the German standardization space.

The requirements for tapered machine keys applicable in the German standardization space are specified in DIN 6887. Different standards may apply depending on the country, standardization space and industry.

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