Motor shaft connections and testing

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on connecting and testing a Hurst motor with a smooth shaft on an MCLV-2 development board. Participants explore options for connectors and tools needed to assess the motor's performance, specifically regarding torque and speed, while considering the implications of different connection methods.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about suitable connectors for a smooth shaft and seeks recommendations for resources to find this information.
  • Another participant notes that most commercially available couplings rely on friction methods, such as clamp or set screw, to transfer torque.
  • A different participant expresses skepticism about the torque capacity of motors with only a round shaft, suggesting that such designs are not typically intended for high torque applications.
  • One participant shares a link to a supplier of couplings, indicating a potential resource for the original poster.
  • Another participant discusses the drawbacks of using keys on high-performance servo motors, particularly in applications involving frequent reversing, and suggests alternative connection methods like clamp or shrink fits.
  • This participant also recommends filing a flat on the motor shaft to facilitate the removal of a setscrew coupling, should it cause dimpling.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present various viewpoints on the effectiveness and appropriateness of different coupling methods for the motor in question. There is no consensus on the best approach, and the discussion reflects differing opinions on the expected performance of a smooth shaft motor.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the need for careful calculations when using clamp and shrink fit connections, highlighting the importance of proper installation to ensure effectiveness. The discussion does not resolve the specifics of the calculations or the implications of different connection methods.

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TL;DR
I wanted to understand how to connect the motor
This is an MCLV-2 development board from microchip, with it got the Hurst motor as shown below
1605281371614.png

The problem is that the shaft is smooth i cannot connect the loads etc. So, I want to clarify the below points
a. What type of connectors i should look for and which websites will have the information?
b. If i want to test the performance of the motor i mean the torque, speed. Which tool do i need to buy?
Presently i have not decided the load to connect.
 
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I personally haven't found many motors without either a keyway or flat spot on the shaft. Any motor with just a round shaft is not likely expected to deliver very much torque.
 
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I do not use keys on high performance servo motors that do a lot of reversing. The reason is that any slippage will eventually hammer the key loose and fret the shaft. Shaft keys work well on drives with minimal reversing torque.

Shaft connections without keys can be done with either clamp or shrink fits. This figure, from the link in Post #4, shows a coupling that uses a clamp fit:
Coupling.jpg

Clamp and shrink fit connections need to be carefully calculated. If the calculations are done correctly, and the coupling is installed correctly, they work very well.

For a small motor like the Hurst motor in the OP, a setscrew should work without problems. It's a good idea to file a flat on the motor shaft for the setscrew. That will make it easier to get the coupling off if the setscrew dimples the shaft.
 
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