Effective Methods for Securing a Rotor Disk to a Shaft

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on methods for securing a rotor disk to a shaft, specifically focusing on a 3" diameter acrylic disk with a 0.375" hole for a steel shaft. Participants explore various techniques suitable for this application, considering factors such as rotational speed and torque.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that a press fit could be the simplest method, but notes that it limits rotational speeds and torque unless the disk is made from metal.
  • Another participant proposes creating a flange face on the shaft to allow for bolting the disk directly to it.
  • Keying the disk and shaft is mentioned as a common method for securing components like gears and pulleys.
  • Some participants introduce the idea of using shaft collars on both sides of the disk as an alternative method.
  • Knurling the shaft is suggested as a way to achieve a press fit, along with the option of chemical or thermal bonding of the plastic to the metal.
  • One participant clarifies that the rotor disk will rotate at around 1000 RPM with minimal external torque, which influences the choice of securing method.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple competing views on the best method to secure the rotor disk, with no consensus reached on a single approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the specific application and design constraints, such as the material properties of the disk and shaft, which may affect the effectiveness of the proposed methods.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in mechanical design, particularly those working with rotor systems or similar applications in engineering and hobbyist projects.

Jdo300
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Hello,

I am wondering what the best (and simplest) way to secure a rotor disk to a shaft is. I have a 3" diameter Acrylic disk with a 0.375" hole drilled in it to accept a 0.375" diameter steel shaft. What do you all think?

Thanks,
Jason O
 
Last edited:
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How fast is the shaft going to turn? Has the shaft already been designed and machined? What is the application?

The simplest would be to remake the disk and undersize the hole in the center to provide a press fit. This would mean that the rotatioal speeds couldn't be too terribly high nor could the disk convey a large amount of torque. These would improve if the disk were made from a metal.

The next way to do it would be to have a flange face on the shaft that you could put a bolt circle in and directly bolt the disk to the shaft.

Another, the usual way, would be to key the disk and the shaft. Keyways are very common method for mounting gears, pulleys and the like.

You could also consider shaft collars that would be fixed to both sides of the disk. A shaft collar looks like this:
http://www.mcmaster.com/param/images/shaftcollars/3357k_150x100.gif
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Hi, Jdo300. A couple of other thoughts about it. You could still obtain a press fit by knurling the shaft. There's also chemical or thermal 'welding' of the plastic to the metal. It would be quite simple, for instance, to lay a bead of epoxy or silcone sealant along both sides of the disk along the line of Fred's collars.
 
Thanks guys for the tips. My rotor disk will not have a lot of torque on it but will be rotated at around 1000 RPM by a small DC motor (like the kind used in tiny hand fans that use two AA batteries). If the disk experiences any external torques, it will be only ounces of force.

Thanks for the advice :-).
 

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