Induction Shrink Fitting
Introduction
Shrink fitting involves the preheating of a metal component for the insertion of another metal component producing a strong mechanical joint between two pieces of metal. As heat is applied to one component it expands while the component to be inserted is at ambient temperature. The ambient component is inserted into the heated component and as the heated component cools down it produces a strong joint between the two components.
Common Applications
These applications for shrink fitting are often found in the Aerospace, Automotive and Railroad Industries:
- Heating Roller Bearing assemblies for Shrink Fit application
- Shrink fit starter ring gear to flywheels
- Shrink fit gear wheel onto transmission shaft
- Shrink fit steel gear onto gear motor shaft
- Shrink fit gear to crankshaft
- Shrink fit motor stators into motor housings
- Removal and re-fitting of gas turbine impeller
- Removal and re-fitting of hollow bolts in electrical generators
Advantages
The shrink fitting process offers many advantages, including:
- Minimal distortion
- Prevents galling during assembly
- Accurate localized and controlled heating allows for faster cooling
- Reduced processing time
- Energy savings
- Minimal surface preparation
- Maintains concentricity
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