SIMPLE MACHINES AND BASIC MACHINE ELEMENTS

Complex machines are made up of moving parts such as levers, gears, cams, cranks,
springs, belts, and wheels. Machines deliver a certain type of movement to a desired
location from an input force applied somewhere else. Some machines simply convert one
type of motion to another type, such as rotary to linear. While there is a seemingly endless
variety of machines, they are all based upon simple machine elements.

A machine element refers to an elementary component of a machine. These elements

consist of three basic types: the structural components such as frame members, bearings,
axles, splines, fasteners, seals, and lubricants, the mechanisms that control movement in
various ways such as gear trains, belt or chain drives, linkages, cam and follower systems,
including brakes and clutches, and the control components such as buttons, switches,
indicators, sensors, actuators and computer controllers. Machine elements are basic
mechanical parts and features used as the building blocks of most machines. Most are
standardized to common sizes, but customs are also common for specialized applications.
Machine elements may be features of a part or they may be discrete parts in and of
themselves such as wheels, axles, pulleys, rolling element bearings or gears. All of the simple
machines may be described as machine elements, and many machine elements
incorporate concepts of one or more simple machines.

This exercise presents a compilation of the few items related to machine elements in
terms of designing agricultural machineries. Each element is briefly discussed based on
resources that were examined.

SIMPLE MACHINES

A simple machine is a mechanical device that changes the direction or magnitude of

a force. In general, they can be defined as the simplest mechanisms that provide
mechanical advantage (also called leverage). A simple machine is an elementary device
that has a specific movement, which can be combined with other devices and movements
to form a machine. Thus simple machines are considered to be the "building blocks" of more
complicated machine. Between the simple machines and complex assemblies, several
intermediate classes can be defined, which may be termed "compound machines" or
"machine elements". The mechanical advantage of a compound machine is simply the
product of the mechanical advantages of the simple machines of which it is composed.

Six Simple Machines

 Lever - A lever is a simple machine that consists of a rigid object (often a bar of some
kind) and a fulcrum (or pivot). Applying a force to one end of the rigid object causes it
to pivot about the fulcrum, causing a magnification of the force at another point along
the rigid object. There are three classes of levers, depending on where the input force,
 output force, and fulcrum are in relation to each other. Baseball bats, seesaws,
wheelbarrows, and crowbars are types of levers.

Figure 1. The three types of levers

 Wheel & Axle - A wheel is a circular device that is attached to a rigid bar in its center.
A force applied to the wheel causes the axle to rotate, which can be used to magnify
the force (by, for example, having a rope wind around the axle). Alternately, a force
applied to provide rotation on the axle translates into rotation of the wheel. It can be
viewed as a type of lever that rotates around a center fulcrum. Ferris wheels, tires, and
rolling pins are examples of wheels & axles.

Figure 2. Wheel and axle

 Inclined Plane - An inclined plane is a plane surface set at an angle to another surface.
This results in doing the same amount of work by applying the force over a longer
distance. The most basic inclined plane is a ramp; it requires less force to move up a
ramp to a higher elevation than to climb to that height vertically. The wedge is often
considered a specific type of inclined plane.
 Figure 3. Inclined Plane

 Wedge - A wedge is a double-inclined plane (both sides are inclined) that moves to
exert a force along the lengths of the sides. The force is perpendicular to the inclined
surfaces, so it pushes two objects (or portions of a single object) apart. Axes, knives,
and chisels are all wedges. The common "door wedge" uses the force on the surfaces
to provide friction, rather than separate things, but it's still fundamentally a wedge.

Figure 4. Cross section of a wedge

 Pulley - A pulley is a wheel with a groove along its edge, where a rope or cable can
be placed. It uses the principle of applying force over a longer distance, and also the
tension in the rope or cable, to reduce the magnitude of the necessary force. Complex
systems of pulleys can be used to greatly reduce the force that must be applied initially
to move an object.

Figure 5. Belt and pulley system

  Screw- A screw is a shaft that has an inclined groove along its surface. By rotating the
screw (applying a torque), the force is applied perpendicular to the groove, thus
translating a rotational force into a linear one. It is frequently used to fasten objects
together as the hardware screw & bolt does.

Figure 6. Screw and its parts

MACHINE ELEMENTS
These refer to the component parts of machines, each of which is a single piece and
cannot be disassembled into simpler component elements without destruction. Machine
elements also constitute a scientific discipline, in which the theory, design, and construction
of machines are studied.
The number of elements in complex machines reaches into the tens of thousands. The
construction of machines from elements is dictated primarily by the necessity for the motion
of the parts relative to one another. However, machine parts (links) that are fixed relative to
the entire machine or relative to one another are also made of separate interconnecting
elements. This makes it possible to use optimum materials and to restore the serviceability of
worn-out machines by replacing only simple and inexpensive elements, simplifies the
manufacture of machines, and facilitates their assembly.

Classification of Machines Elements

The machines elements are classified into two main types: general purpose
elements and special purpose elements.

1. General Purpose Elements: The elements which are common to various types of
machines serving different applications are called general purpose elements.
Examples of these elements are nuts, bolts, keys, axles, shafts, couplings, bearings etc.

Types of General Purpose Elements

 Fasteners: The fasteners are the machine elements that connect or join various parts
of the machine. The joints can be of permanent type or temporary type. The
permanent joints are the ones that cannot be separated or disassembled into
 individual elements without destroying or damaging them. The examples of
permanent joints are welded joints, riveted joints etc. The temporary joints are the
ones in which the individual elements of the assembly can be separated easily
without destroying or damaging them. The joints obtained by nut and bolt, and the
cotter joints are common and widely used examples of the temporary joints.

Figure 7. Fasteners

 Elements of rotary motion drive: These are the elements that help transmit the motion
or power to or from the machines. For example belt connected to the motor and
pump helps running the pump. The fear box helps transmit the motion and power
from the engine to the wheels of the vehicles. Other examples of elements of the
rotary motion drive are rope, chain, gear, worm drives, shafts, axles, couplings,
bearings etc.

2. Special Purpose Elements: The elements that are used only in the specific type of
machine are called as special purpose elements. For instance piston and connecting
rods are used in the engines and compressors, while blades are used in the turbines
and blowers. Some other examples are cam shafts, push roads, crankshaft, cylinder
etc.

NUT - a block or sleeve having an internal thread designed to assemble with the external
thread on a bolt, screw, stud or other threaded part.

Figure 8. Nuts
BOLT - an externally threaded fastener designed for insertion through holes in assembled
parts, and normally tightened or released by torqeuing a nut.

Figure 9. Bolts

Types of Bolts

 Hex Bolts - The hex bolt is among the most commonly used fasteners, as its basic shape
offers a universal application. This bolt is comprised of a 6-sided head, threaded shaft,
and is made from a variety of steel grades. Hex bolts are threaded, and need a
matching nut size in order to complete operation. These are commonly used in
construction and custom auto applications.

 Carriage Bolts - The carriage bolt is most commonly used in wood lumber construction
for fastening large structural wood members. Carriage bolts are made with a smooth,
rounded head, and small cubic section underneath that serves to lock the head in
place when tightened. Like the hex bolt, these bolts also have threaded shafts that
require the use of a matching threaded nut.

 Lag Bolts - The lag bolt resembles the hex bolt in that it also has a hex head, but the lag
bolt is made with a pointed wood thread shaft and is used for fastening wood without
the use of a threaded nut. Before these bolts can be used, a pilot hole must be drilled
in the wood to prevent splitting.

 Eye Bolts - Eye bolts are unlike other bolts as they are made with circular rings instead
of a wrench head; these circular heads are used for attaching rope or chain. The eye
bolt is also made with pointed lag threads for use in wood without needing a threaded
nut. These bolts are most commonly used for hanging heavy fixtures like lighted ceiling
units or storage containers.

 U-Bolts - The U-bolt is in the shape of a "U" and is threaded on both ends for the
attachment of a metal strap and nuts. The purpose of the U-bolt is for securely
 attaching pipes or other round objects to structural members, and is also available with
a square bend instead for use with non-round objects.

Figure 10. Types of bolts

SCREW- A screw is a shaft that has a in inclined groove along its surface. By rotating the screw
(applying a torque), the force is applied perpendicular to the groove, thus translating a
rotational force into a linear one. It is frequently used to fasten objects together as the
hardware screw & bolt does.

Types of Machine Screws

 Flat Head - This screw has a flat surface for the top of the head with a countersink angle
of 82°. It is standard for machine screws, cap screws, and wood screws.

 Round Head - This screw has a semielliptical head and is standard for machine screws,
cap screws, and wood screws except that for the cap screw it is called button head.

 Fillister Head - This screw has a rounded surface for the top of the head, the remainder
being cylindrical. The head is standard for machine screws and cap screws.

 Oval Head - This screw has a rounded surface for the top of the head and a countersink
angle of 82°. It is standard for machine screws and wood screws.

 Hexagon Head - This screw has a hexagonal head for use with external wrenches. It is
standard for machine screws.

 Socket Head - This screw has an internal hexagonal socket in the head for internal
wrenching. It is standard for cap screws.
 Figure 11. Types of Screw heads

COUPLINGS - are used to join lengths of shafting, which must often be sectionalized for
practicability and economy in manufacture and shipping or for purposes of ready
installation.

Types of Couplings

 Rigid Couplings - A rigid coupling has all the functions of a regular coupling alongside
with some additional advantages. Using rigid couplings allow for more accurate
alignment and a secure hold. With this precise alignment and firm hold, rigid couplings
are able to maximize the performance of a machine. Rigid couplings further have two
basic types of designs; sleeve style and clamped style. The sleeve style couplings are
basically tubes that have an inner diameter that is the same as the size of the shafts.
They can be easily slipped over the shaft and screws can be tightened into it to secure
the shaft inside the coupling and ensure that the shaft does not pass all the way through
it. The clamped couplings come in two separate parts that can be fitted together onto
a shaft. These couplings allow more flexibility as they can be fitted onto shafts that are
fixed in place.

1. Clamp shaft coupling - A clamp shaft coupling is essentially a split and bolted
sleeve coupling, proportioned to clamp firmly on the shafts.

2. Flange face coupling - Flange couplings are commonly used in permanent

installations for heavy loads and large sizes and particularly for vertical drives, as
agitators.

 Flexible Coupling – Flexible couplings also work on the basics of holding two shafts
together, however they allow more flexibility of the shafts. They are used to transmit
 torque if the shafts happen to be misaligned. They can accommodate 3 degrees up
to misalignment. They can even accommodate parallel misalignment. Both the types
of couplings have their own advantages depending on their application.

1. Gear-type coupling - The hubs have integral external gear teeth, perhaps
crowned, that mesh with internal teeth in the casing through 360° as in a splined
connection. Flexibility is obtained by play between the teeth.

2. Oldham (double slider) coupling - Eliminates the need for large clearances and
the resultant noisy backlash by providing a double-tongued central slider fitting
between two flanges slotted at right angles to each other.

3. Rubber-bushed coupling - The rubber-bushed coupling cushions by means of

steel pins bolted alternately to one flange and sliding in self-lubricated bronze
bushings, rubber-cushioned in the opposite flange. The construction permits free
axial movement to accommodate motor end play and is especially suited to
damping shock and momentary overload. It also affords electrical insulation,
thus preventing such dangers as electrolysis in direct motor-driven pumps.

4. Roller chain flexible coupling - The two opposing hubs are made with integral
sprockets over which a double roller chain is fitted. The drive is through the chain.
Flexibility is obtained by lateral play in the fit of the chain over the sprocket teeth.

5. Rubber-flexible coupling - In a rubber-flexible coupling, the torque is transmitted

through a comparatively soft rubber in compression. It is recommended where
quietness is desired.

6. Universal joint - Universal joints are used to connect shafts with much larger values
of misalignment than can be tolerated by the other types of flexible couplings.

 Fluid Couplings - Fluid couplings have two basic parts—the input member, or impeller,
and the output member, or runner. There is no mechanical connection between the
two shafts, power being transmitted by kinetic energy in the operating fluid. The
impeller is fastened to the flywheel and turns at engine speed. As this speed increases,
fluid within the impeller moves toward the outer periphery because of centrifugal force.
The circular shape of the impeller directs the fluid toward the runner, where its kinetic
energy is absorbed as torque delivered by the shaft. The positive pressure behind the
fluid causes the flow to continue toward the hub and back through the impeller. The
toroidal space in both the impeller and runner is divided into compartments by a series
of flat radial vanes.
 Figure 12. Nomenclatures of Couplings

CLUTCHES – these are couplings which permits the disengagement of the coupled shafts
during rotation.

Types of Clutches

 Friction clutches - Friction clutches are designed to reduce coupling shack by slipping
during the engagement period. They also serve as safety devices by slipping when the
torque exceeds their maximum rating.

1. Centrifugal clutch - A centrifugal clutch produces its torque by virtue of the

centrifugal force of weights pressing against the driving or frictionally driven
member.

2. Cone clutch - The conical friction clutch consists of a frustum of a cone, so fitted
to a shaft by means of a feather key that it can be pushed into an opposite
engaging surface rigidly attached to the other shaft.

 Positive clutches - Positive clutches are designed to transmit torque without slip, jaw
clutches are the most common. These are made with square jaws for driving in either
directions, or spiral jaws for unidirectional drive. These are used for slow-moving shafts,
where sudden starting action is not objectionable and where the inertia of the moving
parts is relatively small.
 Figure 13. Nomenclature of clutches

SPLINES - are used for the transmission of power from a shaft to hub or vice versa.

Types of Splines

 Square splines Square splines are employed in multiple-spline fittings having 4, 6, 10, or
16 splines.

 Involute splines - Involute splines are multiple keys in the general form of internal and
external gear teeth, used to prevent relative rotation of cylindrically fitted machine
parts.
 Figure 14. Nomenclature of square splines

Figure 15. Nomenclature of an involute spline

GEARS – A gear can be defined as a toothed wheel which can be engaged into another
toothed wheel or gear in order to transmit energy that facilitates change of speed and
direction of motion. The gear, as mentioned above, is widely used in mechanical devices.
The teeth of the gear are principally carved on wheels, cylinders or cones. Many devices
that we use in our day-to-day life have their working principle as the gear. The tooth and
wheel of the gear are basic working parts of all gears.

Types of Gears

 Internal and External Gears - The most simple form of gears that are used to control
locomotion of a mobile body are external gears. The teeth of a gear that interconnects
with another gear are carved on exterior of the wheel or cylinder or cone. The exterior
gear is many a time used along with a chain, like in a bicycle or motorcycle. More
 complex combination of exterior gears are used to manufacture gear boxes for
vehicles. The design of interior gear is similar to that of an exterior gear. The only
difference is that the teeth are carved inside the wheel, and gear is most of the time
used for perpendicular transfer of energy. The teeth of these gears that apply the effort
have a perpendicular or straight projection.

 Spur Gears - The spur gear is also known as straight-cut gear. The design of this gear is
very similar to that of a simple exterior gear. The spur gear, however has greater break
strength than an exterior gear, and are shaped like a cylindrical disk. Another
difference between exterior gear and spur gear is radial projection of teeth. The
uppermost portion of this gear is carved in such a manner that it is always parallel to
the axis of rotation.

 Helical Gears - Helical gears are an upgraded version of spur gears. The difference is
that, axis of teeth of gear is different. As compared to other gears, like exterior gears
and spur gears the axis of the helical gears is directed in a slanting direction. Due to this
direction of axis, the teeth get the appearance of a helix. The helical teeth of these
gears were developed to replace spur gears that could not last the stress high-speed
rotation and resolution.

 Bevel Gears - Bevel gears are gears that are essentially made up cones or conical
surfaces. The bevel gear is used in transfer of energy from one angle to another. It is
especially useful for a perpendicular transfer of energy. Bevel gears are further
classified according to the angle, as per which they transfer their energy.

 Crown Gear - The crown gear as the name suggests is shaped like a crown. The teeth
of a crown gear are pointed in upward direction. The teeth are perpendicularly carved
on the wheel of the gear. It is often considered to by an evolution of bevel gears.
 Figure 16. Types of gears

RIVET - a headed pin of metal used for uniting two or more pieces by passing the shank
through a hole in each piece and then by beating or pressing down the plain end so as to
make a second head.

Types of Rivets

 Blind Rivets - A mandrel runs through the center. Blind rivets are useful where it is
undesirable for the rivet tail to be seen. Once the rivet has been driven into the work
pieces, the mandrel is snapped off at the blind end. Since this process results in an
unlocked mandrel, the carrying capability is significantly lowered. Vibrations may also
cause the mandrel to break off. Blind rivets aren’t suitable for structural repairs. Where
access to the joint is only possible from one side, blind rivets are useful.

 Semi-Tubular Rivets - Semi-tubular rivets are also referred to as tubular rivets. A partial
hole is evident at the tip of the rivet tail end. This calls for less force during driving
processes. Waxing is an integral process for tubular rivets. This facilitates proper
assembly. They offer a quick means of riveting where items are produced en masse.
Tubular rivets are ideal to use as pivot points since the rivet only swells at the tail. The
rivets are usually plated with tin, nickel, brass or zinc. Finished tubular rivets have the
head to one side with a shallow blind hole apparent on the other side.
  Compression Rivets -These have two members, a solid male rivet and a female tubular
rivet. The unit is driven into the work piece with the male rivet on one side and the
female tubular on the other side. When the two components are squeezed together,
a press fit is formed.

 Drive Rivets- A short mandrel sticks out through the head. The pin is driven into the shank
using a hammer or some other tool. Due to less clamping force, drive rivets aren’t as
secure as other rivets. Drive rivets are popular when installing wooden panels since it
isn’t necessary to drill the hole all through the wood. This produces a better aesthetic
effect. Materials that do not require enhanced fastening also work well with drive rivets.

 Flush Rivets - Where a nice appearance is critical on external metal surfaces, flush rivets
work well. These use countersunk holes to improve on the rivet appearance. Due to the
countersunk hole, flush rivets are also referred to as countersunk rivets. Flush rivets are
widely used in the aviation industry for aerodynamic purposes.

 Friction Lock Rivets - they represent one of the earliest forms of blind rivets. Friction lock
rivets, especially the Cherry friction lock, are very useful in repairing light aircraft. Two
head styles with three standard diameters characterize friction lock rivets.
Unfortunately, vibrations or other impact may result in the loss of the mandrel. This
weakens the rivets considerably.

SHAFTS - Shafts are rotating members, usually of circular cross section used to transmit power
or motion. It provides the axis of rotation, or oscillation, of elements such as gears, pulleys,
flywheels, cranks, sprockets, and the like and controls the geometry of their motion.

Figure 16. Rotating shaft

ANTI-FRICTION BEARINGS - Anti-friction bearings are designed to support and mount rotating
shafts. They transfer loads between rotating and stationary members and permit relatively
free rotation with minimum friction. The most significant advantage of anti-friction bearings
is that the starting friction is not very much larger than the operating friction.

Types of Anti-Friction Bearings

Ball Bearings
 Single-row Radial - This bearing is often referred to as the deep groove or conrad
bearing. It is available in many variations such as single, double shields, and seals. This
type of bearing is normally used for radial; and thrust loads (maximum two-thirds of
radial).

 Double-Row Radial - This bearing provides for heavy radial and light thrust loads without
increasing the outside diameter of the bearing. It is about 60 to 80 percent wider than
a comparable single-row bearing. Because of the filling slot, thrust loads may be light.

 Internal self-aligning double-row - This bearing may be used for primarily radial loads
where self-alignment (±4°) is required. The self-aligning feature should not be abused,
as excessive misalignment or thrust load (10 percent of radial) causes early failure.

 Angular-contact bearings - These bearings are designed to support combined radial

and thrust loads or heavy thrust loads depending on the contact-angle magnitude.

 Ball bushings - This type of bearing is used for linear motions on hardened shafts
(Rockwell C 58 to 64). Some types can be used for linear and rotary motions.

 Split-type ball bearing - This type of ball or roller bearing has split inner, outer ring, and
cage, which are assembled by screws. This feature is expensive but useful where it is
difficult to install or remove a solid bearing.

Roller Bearings

 Cylindrical roller - These bearings utilize cylinders with approximate length/diameter

ratio ranging from 1:1 to 1:3 as rolling elements. They are normally used for heavy radial
loads and especially useful for free axial movement of the shaft. They also have the
highest speed limits for roller bearings.

 Needle bearings - These bearings have rollers whose length is at least 4 times their
diameter. They are the most useful where space is a factor and are available with or
without inner race, it must be hardened or ground. Full-complement types are used for
 high loads, oscillating or slow speeds. Cage type should be used for rotational motion.
They cannot support thrust loads.

 Tapered roller - These bearings are used for heavy radial and thrust loads. They are
designed so that all elements in the rolling surface and the raceways intersect at a
common point on the axis: thus true rolling is obtained. Where maximum system rigidity
is required, the bearings can be adjusted for a preload. They are available in double-
row.

 Spherical roller - These bearings are excellent for heavy radial loads and moderate
thrust. Their internal self-aligning feature is useful in many applications such as HVAC
fans.

 Straight-roller thrust bearing - These bearings are made of a series of short rollers to
minimize the skidding, which causes twisting of the rollers. They may be used for
moderate speeds and loads.

 Tapered-roller thrust bearing - It eliminates the skidding that takes place with straight
rollers but causes a thrust load between the ends of the rollers and the shoulder on the
race. Thus speeds are limited because the roller end and race flange are in sliding
contact.

PULLEY AND BELT TRANSMISSIONS - Pulley and belt transmissions are systems that transmit
motive power from one place to another. As the name suggests, pulley and belt systems
involve pulleys, which are rotating disks, and belts, which are flexible bands of material
looped around the pulleys. The rotating disks of the pulleys may have grooves with flanges
to keep the belt attached to the pulley. Other terms for pulleys are sheaves or drums.

Types of Pulleys

 Idler Pulleys - Idler pulleys are used as part of larger pulley and belt transmissions. When
a pulley and belt transmission is in constant use, the belt is always a little stretched. This
produces an initial reduction in the tension in the belt, which reduces the ability of the
system to transmit power. The idler pulley is designed to press against the belt to
increase tension when the pulley and belt transmission is in use, thus increasing tension
in the belt and aiding power transmission.

 Intermediate Pulleys - Intermediate pulleys are used when large velocity differences in
rotational velocity are required between two pulleys. This requires that one pulley be
much larger in diameter than another. Sometimes the velocity ratios are so high an
 intermediate pulley is needed to step up the velocity, as it would be impractical to
have such large or small pulleys.

 Loose and Fast Pulleys - Loose and fast pulleys are used in situations where one engine
has to drive several different pieces of machinery at different times. Each machine has
both loose and fast pulleys. The loose pulley is not attached to the shaft that drives a
particular machine, whereas the fast pulley is. When a particular machine is needed,
the belt is attached to the driving pulley and drives the machine. When that machine
is no longer needed the belt is attached to the loose pulley, and therefore does not
drive the machine.

 Guide Pulleys - The purpose of a guide pulley is to connect two shafts that are not
parallel with each other. The guide pulley holds the belt at the correct angle relative
to the two main pulleys and ensures that the belt does not slip and can still transmit
power.

Types of Belt Drives

Belt drives are widely used in many industries for power transmission since they are
cheap and easy to maintain. However they are often a source of vibration due to
misalignments, belt resonance, and belt wear. The main purpose of belt drives is to transfer
power between machines such as motor and fan. They are subject to rotary and push-pull
motions with varying dynamic characteristics. Belts are friction drives, which mean they
depend on friction between the belt and pulley/sheave to transmit power.

 Round Belts - Round belts are generally made of rubber. This type of belt is generally
used for light loads, such as in a sewing machine or a vacuum cleaner.

 V - belts - V belts are arguably the most widely used belts in industry. V belts have a V
shaped cross-section, which rests against the side of V pulley under tension. The V
shaped cross-section prevents belt from slipping off.

 Flat belts - Flat belts are also used to transmit power from one shaft to another. They are
generally classified as either small woven endless belts or higher power flat belts. The
woven endless belts are especially useful where minimum vibration is required at the
driven pulley due to semi-elastic material used in construction. The higher power flat
belts are often useful because they eliminate the need to high belt tension used to grip
pulleys, which in turn reduces the load on the shaft bearings. The material used for high
power flat belts is sticky yet abrasion-resistant rubber compounds.

 Timing/toothed belts - Timing belts are toothed belts that use their teeth for power
transmission, as opposed to friction. This configuration results in no slippage, and
 therefore, the driving and driven shafts remain synchronized. It’s more expensive to
manufacture due to complexity of the belt and pulley shapes.

Figure 17. A flat belt

PINS – A pin is a general type of fastener that is finding increasingly popular application in
machinery, especially in light machinery parts. Pins may be used in straight or tapered
forms in function.

Types of Pins

 Grooved pin - The grooved pins have rolled groove, generally tapered the rolling of the
pins by enlarged sectional view, so that when the pin is driven or pressed into a drilled
hole a tight fill is produced between the pin and the hole.

 Locating pins - Locating pins also called dowel pins which fix the relative position of two
parts.

 Shear pins - Shear pins are transmit service load.

 Safety pins - The safety pins have the function of a shear pin but which are designed
to fail at a predetermined load and thus protect expensive parts from damage.

ROLLER CHAINS - Roller chain is used in everything from forklifts to some cars, to transfer
movement and power from gears to wheels and other moving parts. As such, it is sometimes
referred to as power transmission chain. Roller chain is manufactured in two ways: riveted
and cottered. Riveted chain is made utilizing short pins that go through each link from the
side, then are riveted to provide extra strength. Cottered chain is also secured on one side
with a short pin, then reinforced on the other side with a double-pronged, removable pin
called a cotter.
Types of Roller Chains

 Standard Roller Chain - Standard roller chain is the kind familiar to most bicycle riders.
It is used for moving gears and conveyor mechanisms with precision, often in extended
lengths for industrial applications. Standard roller chain comes in a variety of sizes and
strengths, and is very strong--even a simple bicycle chain has a breaking point of 1,000
pounds. It can be purchased in single strands or in attached lengths of multiple strands,
from double to quadruple. Chain sizes match with a corresponding sprocket type, and
the fit of the chain must be tight enough to prevent it from slipping off while in motion.

 Extended Pitch Transmission - Extended pitch chains are often stronger and longer
lasting than regular chains, and can provide a smoother operation in some heavy-duty
applications. "Pitch" in chains is defined as the distance between three consecutive
rivets divided by two, and it therefore designates the size of the chain; in order for a
system to gain the advantages of an extended pitch chain, it must be set up to utilize
a particular size of chain.
Transmission chain can be used in applications related to automobiles. As such,
it is called transmission chain because it is used in drive trains to transmit power and
energy from the engine to turning wheels, gears and other moving parts. It is also
available in a standard pitch.

 Conveyor - Conveyor chain is used for many applications in manufacturing, such as

keeping production belts running smoothly. It is also used in industrial mining to move
shuttle cars, bridge conveyors and wash boxes. The chain is attached to belts or cars,
then moved around gears. When the gears move, the chain moves, in turn drawing
along the items or belt attached to it. Conveyor chain, like transmission chain, is
available in extended pitch sizes.

Figure 18. Roller chain

SPROCKETS - Like some power transmission parts such as pulleys, shafts, and couplings,
sprocket is also a useful part for power transmission. It is a very popular and common gear or
wheel that comes with metal teeth which meshes perfectly with a chain or track. The term
pitch is used to refer to the distance between two sprockets. They do not allow gears to slip
away and are specifically applied in cases where chains get engaged by gears or wheels.
Besides, they are also used in cases of motors producing rotational motions. Industrial
sprockets are essentially part of the chain drives. It is important in a chain drive that the
sprocket should match with the type of chain used.
This kind of power transmission part is available in a variety of styles and types. Some
manufactures adopt some specific sprocket making styles. For example, one type is a
sprocket that has a hub extension on one side. One type is a sprocket that comes with a
detachable bolt on a hub connected to a plate. There are still other types which are different
from each other.

Types of Sprockets

Based on the number of strands, sprockets can be classified into various types.

 Split Type Sprocket – split type sprocket is a good alternative for solid type which allows
quick installation without in any way hampering the shaft and alignment.

 Taper Bushed Sprocket (TB) – this is an interchangeable bushed sprocket which gives a
positive grip on the driven shaft.

 Quick Detachable (QD) Sprocket - In this type a tapered bushing is typically bolted into
the bore that is machined in the sprocket. A tight grip is provided as the bushing is
inserted into the sprocket, which compresses onto the shaft.

Figure 20. Sprockets