What is a parallel key?

Parallel keys or feather keys are a type of mechanical part used to fasten two mechanical components together. The most common example is rotational motion in a transmission (a shaft and a hub). When the key is inserted into the groove (which is made on the shaft beforehand by a slotting machine), it prevents the hub from rotating around the shaft and thus ensures torque transmission.

However, parallel keys with straight ends such as this one can be used in a wide variety of industrial and mechanical applications where two components need to be fastened together. They are often used in industrial machines, automobiles, agricultural equipment or other applications that require the transmission of power between two components.

Our straight-ended parallel keys are made in line with the DIN 6885B standard, and can be based on specific designs from our clients.

‍Characteristics of our parallel key with straight ends

Also known as a feather key, the parallel key, type B (with straight ends) is a part with a rectangular or square cross section and is characterised by two straight, parallel ends. It is generally used in applications that require unidirectional power transmission, without any back-and-forth movement. It is important to note that the type of parallel key you will need depends on your particular application requirements, design constraints, tolerances and other factors.

Materials used to make our straight-ended parallel key

The B-type parallel key is usually made from steel or stainless steel. However, at Gardette, we understand that each project may have different material requirements depending on its technical specifications, usage constraints, application environment, and so on.

That's why we strive to offer you a wide range of materials to meet your specific requirements.

How are straight-end parallel keys made?

1. Rolling: the raw material, usually steel or stainless steel, is rolled and then drawn to make a rectangular or square shape. At Gardette, we are experts at cold rolling, drawing and heat treatment. This know-how means we can manufacture a wide variety of standard and special profiles in various materials, e.g. steel.
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2. Cutting: once the rectangular or square profile has been obtained, cutting machines, such as circular or band saws, are generally used to cut the parts to the required length.
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3. Tribofinishing: after milling, keys may have burrs or a rough surface. To improve parts' surface roughness, a vibratory finishing process is used to obtain a high-quality finished product.
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4. Quality control: finally, before they can be stored or shipped, our parallel keys with 2 straight ends must undergo a quality check to ensure that they meet the required specifications and standards. This can include visual inspections, dimensional measurements and other tests to ensure that the keys comply with quality requirements.
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It is important to note that the stages in the manufacturing process may vary depending on standards, internal manufacturing procedures and each client's particular requirements.