Which fit is the right one?

An explanation of the significance of ISO fits to standard shafts and holes.

Table of content

Torque application
Couplings
Choice of fits
Conclusions

Torque application

Correct torque application to the transducer is crucial for measuring torque. It is the only way to obtain precise and reliable measurement results. Torque is applied mainly via flanges using a friction joint, a method that has proven its worth a thousand times over with torque flanges, for example T12. Here a choice has to be made between ease of mounting through loose running fits or small unbalance through minimal clearance. In many cases, no flange is available at the customer side, but instead a shaft stub. In this case, choosing the right fit is extremely important. It is the only way to ensure correct torque introduction with dynamic processes, too.

Couplings

It is essential to eliminate parasitic loads on all transducers to ensure correct mounting of torque transducers [1]. HBM provides bellows couplings for torque transducers using shaft stubs (Fig. 1) and multiple-disk couplings for the torque flanges. The coupling supplier offers additional mounting accessories for these multiple-disk couplings, e.g. clamping hubs.

The bellows couplings offered by HBM feature H7 tolerance holes. HBM recommends to implement a tolerance of j6 for the shaft diameter, to produce the preferred fit of H7/j6 [2]. [4] suggests additional securing against rotation for this configuration (Fig. 3). For this reason, the couplings come with additional clamping bolts. Irrespective of whether bellows couplings offered by HBM, centering seats of flanges or clamping hubs are used, the decisive factor is that: Choosing the right fit is crucial to successful measurement.

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Choice of fits

DIN 7151 [3] or ISO 286 provide basic information for selecting the right fit. Figure 2 gives a first overview.

Choosing the right fit depends on the mounting and dismounting options at the user's site. In general, the user can choose freely to ensure correct torque application in all conditions of use. However, the user has sole responsibility for obtaining correct measurement results. Application examples and types of fits are specified in [4]. Fig. 3 shows an excerpt.

Conclusions

There are various possibilities for connecting shafts with holes. Be it interference and transitions fits, clearance fits, clamping connections or feather keys - the right manufacturing tolerance is crucial to the quality of measurement. HBM offers extensive support. Our tip: Do not refer to the data sheet only in the design, use the mounting instructions, too. Documentation for all torque products can be downloaded from HBM's web site at any time. In addition, the technical articles about frequently asked questions, available on the Internet, are very useful.

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References

[1] Rainer Schicker, Georg Wegener: Measuring Torque Correctly, ISBN 3-00-008945-4, Published by Hottinger Baldwin Messtechnik GmbH, Darmstadt
[2] HBM Mounting instructions T20WN A0726_13.1_en/de/fr, Published by Hottinger Baldwin Messtechnik GmbH, Darmstadt, 2011
[3] DIN 7157, Passungsauswahl, Toleranzfelder, Abmaße, Paßtoleranzen, German standards are exclusively sold by Beuth-Vertrieb GmbH, Berlin 30 and Köln
[4] Böge, A.: Das Techniker-Handbuch, 2. Auflage, Friedrich Vieweg & Sohn GmbH, Braunschweig, 1969