Zero-Max ETP Shaft Locking Devices Provide Easy Phase Adjustments

The latest ETP Shaft Locking Devices from Zero-Max utilize a self-contained hydraulic system to provide several performance improvements over traditional mechanical wedge-style shaft locking devices. 

Use of a hydraulic mounting principle allows the keyless shaft bushings to expand inward on the shaft and outward to the hub, eliminating any axial movement during installation. This ensures accurate phasing, timing, and positioning requirements for machine components are met throughout a machine, resulting in smooth machine operation and precise processes being performed.

Mechanical shaft locking devices, on the other hand, utilize a tapered wedge principle that can cause the mounted component to “walk” along the shaft as the wedge is drawn in during installation which can complicate accurate positioning of the mounted component. 

The device's hydraulic design offers several other benefits as well such as:

• requiring only a few actuating screws (or a single screw in some models) to be fastened, adjusted and removed which allows for fast and easy assembly  
• capability to be mounted/adjusted/removed hundreds to thousands of times (depending on size/model), suiting use for applications where mountings and adjustments are frequent
• high durability and long lifetime, with no loss of accuracy after repeated mountings, due to inclusion of self-contained hydraulic system
• establishing concentric mounting of the machine component to the shaft, leading to ultra-low runout (as low as 0.0002 in. TIR in some models), as well as higher accuracy, better balance, and operation at higher speeds
• thinner wall thickness (ID/OD) of the bushing, meaning hubs do not have to be oversized to fit the application
• consistent mounting pressure throughout the bushing to ensure accurate mounting.

According to Zero-Max, the ETP Shaft Locking Devices are infinitely phase adjustable to time and synchronize machine components to one another. They also allow for timing adjustments between various processes or stations on a machine. 

Additional features of the keyless locking devices include: 

• ability to precisely mount and dismount in seconds
• shaft connection that is infinitely phase adjustable for applications such as machine tools requiring ultra-precise rotary timing and linear positioning, along with extremely low run-out
• micrometer-level repeatable accuracy, ensuring high concentricity which is critical in automated machinery, slitter knife holders and other applications
• keyless design provides more robust, reliable, and precise connection.