KEYS

Basic Machine Design

Prepared by: Rajib Bhowmik

 KEYS
Basically a temporary fasteners

A key is defined as a machine element which is used to

connect the transmission shaft to rotating machine
element like pulley, gears, flywheel or sprockets.

Materials for keys

Keys are made of plain carbon steels like 45C8 or 50C8

in order to withstand shear and compressive stresses
resulting from transmission of torque.
 Function of keys
The primary function of key is
to transmit torque from the
shaft to the hub of the mating
element and vice versa.

To prevent relative rotational

motion between the shaft and
the joined machine element like
gear or pulley. In most of the
cases, the keys also prevents
axial motion between two
elements, except in case of
feather keys or splined
connection.
Thank you.