steel strength for one way needle clutch bearing

[james123cb]

what type of steel rod/axle would you use for one way roller bearings.

I've read that the harder the better,but i have a feeling if i went too hard the needles/bearing might slip.

any feedback appreciated

 

[eromlignod]

The Torrington catalog calls for the shaft to be hardened to 58 Rc and have a finish of 16 u-in or *better*, which is a fine ground finish.

I have used these clutches extensively and can tell you that they do not rely on surface finish for their traction. I have often used them with polished dowel pins. I will, however, caution you not to use grease with them (only oil).

Don
Kansas City

 

[james123cb]

thank you for the quick reply.

Thanks for mentioning the oil/not grease..... i was wondering that as well

 

[tbuelna]

james123cb,

A case hardened shaft would be best for a roller clutch. The case will also need to be fairly heavy, so carburizing would be preferred. 8620 or 9310 steels have excellent combinations of case hardness (Rc58-64), case depth (approx. .030 to .060 inch), and core toughness with a carburization, single quench and temper.

You'll need to do a hertz stress analysis to calculate at what depth the maximum subsurface shear stress occurs at near the contact zone. It should be well within the case layer.

Also, try not to remove too much of the case after during final grind.

Good luck.