Understanding rotary shafts, axes and motor shafts: A guide

Rotary shafts are an key element of modern mechanical engineering. Rotary shafts transmit rotational motions. They can be made of different materials, which are specifically selected depending on the application. Materials include stainless steel, rust-free steel and steel.

Motor shafts are a special type of rotary shaft designed to provide a direct connection between a motor or other source of power and the mechanical part of a machine.

Motor shafts and rotary shafts are used to generate and transfer torques in various systems and applications. These include synchronous belt drives as well as chain drives and applications that transfer torque directly without a gear. In many cases, shaft couplings are used as connecting elements at the ends of the rotary shaft.

Brief summary: Rotary shaft and rotation axis

• Rotary shafts are suitable for rotary motions. The rotating shaft between the motor and the gearbox, for example They absorb mainly torsion forces.
• Motor shafts/pivot shafts are a special form of rotary shaft. They are primarily suitable for power transmission with
• Rotation axis Suitable for rotary motions. Objects are transported on them by rotation, as with roller conveyors, for example. They absorb mainly bending forces.
• Shaft holders Hold the shafts in place. Bearings (e.g. ball bearings) are used to “hold” rotary shafts so that the shaft can still rotate. They absorb mainly bending forces.

Requirements for rotary shafts

The surface of the rotary shaft must have a high level of accuracy and good sliding properties. An uneven surface can cause the pivot shaft to rotate without providing the required power.

Finally, rotary shafts must be able to provide sufficient lubrication. This is important to prolong the service life of the rotary shaft and to ensure smooth and efficient movement.

Rotary shafts are not only suitable for stationary axes, but also for rotational movements. In contrast to the rotation axes, the entire assembly, consisting of the rotary shaft and the components attached to it, rotates around itself. Rotary shafts must be mounted with a roller bearing or bearing housing to enable low-friction rotary motion.

MISUMI offers a range of combination options for positioning rotary shafts, which include both one-sided and two-sided support of the axis of rotation. These combinations enable axial position locking to maintain the required roundness and straightness and to avoid undesirable vibrations (vibrations), which can lead to inaccuracy, loss of components, increased wear and undesired noise generation. The high-precision rotary shafts enable high speeds to be achieved, while the required smooth running is maintained thanks to the axial position lock.

Requirements on the rotation axis

The bending strength of a rotation axis plays a key role in the design of a rotary shaft, as it is primarily exposed to bending moment loads. In order to transfer the forces applied to the rotation axes to the axle mounts, they can be manufactured from high-strength materials such as stainless steel, aluminium or titanium.

Requirements on motor shafts

In a motor shaft, the entire assembly of motor shaft and attached components rotates, which means that, in contrast to a rigid axle, a roller bearing or a bearing housing is required for mounting.

Motor shafts and torsion shafts are particularly suited for mechanical and plant engineering, as they have high torsional strength and very high concentricity and roundness precision. This enables low-vibration transfer of rotation and torque at high speeds. The points for force transmission can also be reworked by hardening for even higher torsional strength. MISUMI motor shafts are equipped with centring bores on the end faces for easy installation.

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