The Anchor and The Link: Shaft Collars, Couplings, and Keys at Penn Tool Co.
Since 1968, Penn Tool Co. has been the essential provider of components that define the structure and connection of rotating machinery. Shaft collars, couplings, mounts, and keys constitute the core of power transmission, ensuring shafts are precisely located, securely joined, and protected from misalignment.
Explore our meticulously curated selection of shaft collars, couplings, mounts, and keys, that provide the superior parts you need for positioning, connecting, and mounting drive components. Discover professional-grade shaft collars that offer reliable holding power, and precision couplings engineered to transfer torque reliably.
Components for Position, Connection, and Protection
A robust drive system requires various components to secure, join, and support its rotating shafts. Shaft Collars are used to position, locate, or act as mechanical stops for other parts (like bearings or sprockets) on a shaft. We offer various styles of metal shaft collars for machinery, including set-screw and one- and two-piece clamp designs, ensuring maximum holding power without damaging the shaft surface.
Couplings are used to connect two shafts end-to-end to transmit power.
- Rigid Couplings: Our rigid shaft couplings & collars offer a strong, solid connection for perfectly aligned shafts, delivering high torque with no backlash.
- Flexible Couplings (Coupling & Universal Joints): These are vital for compensating for minor axial, angular, or parallel misalignment, protecting connected equipment (like motors and pumps) from undue stress and vibration.
We also provide essential shaft coupling and key sets for industrial purposes, including straight and Woodruff Keys, which fit into corresponding keyways to prevent relative rotation between the shaft and mounted components (like gears or pulleys). Our Shaft Mounts provide secure and stable housing for bearings and other components.
We partner with industry leaders like Climax Metal Products, Lovejoy, and TB Wood's to bring you durable, high-precision power transmission parts.
Explore our broader Motion Control & Fluid Power category for all your industrial movement and force application needs.
Precision and Maintenance: Trends in Power Transmission
The demand for increased automation and speed in U.S. industrial sectors is driving several key component trends:
- Zero Backlash and Precision: There is a surge in demand for precision shaft couplings & keyways, especially in robotics and CNC machining, where zero-backlash couplings are necessary to ensure highly accurate, repeatable motion control.
- Corrosion Resistance: The market for stainless steel and specialized coating options for industrial shaft collars and couplings is growing rapidly, thanks to the strict hygiene requirements in the food and beverage industry and the need for longevity in corrosive environments.
- Clamping Advantage: Clamp-style metal shaft collars for machinery (both one and two-piece designs) are increasingly preferred over set-screw styles, as they provide uniform holding force, are easily adjustable, and do not mar the shaft surface.
- Simplified Assembly: Solutions like two-piece heavy-duty shaft collars and couplings and specialized shaft collar mounting accessories for industrial uses are popular because they enable in-place installation and removal without requiring the disassembly of the entire shaft assembly, reducing maintenance time.
- The Keyway System: The robust combination of shaft keys and coupling sets for shafts remains the standard for high-torque applications where positive drive and shear protection are critical for system safety.
By integrating these modern shaft collars & mounts for motors and advanced coupling designs, you ensure your equipment operates with maximum efficiency, reduced vibration, and extended component life. Build, repair, or upgrade your drive system with total confidence by partnering with Penn Tool Co.
