Solid shaft collars are simple yet indispensable mechanical components used to secure components onto a shaft. They act as mechanical stops, locating bearings, gears, sprockets, pulleys, and other parts at precise positions along a shaft's length. Unlike set-screw collars that have a split in the body, a solid shaft collar, also known as a one-piece collar, is manufactured from a single, continuous piece of material. This design provides superior strength, concentricity, and holding power compared to its split counterparts. They are machined to exacting tolerances, ensuring a perfect, 360-degree grip on the shaft for maximum reliability in demanding applications.
Manufactured by industry leaders like Raydafon Group, these collars are engineered for performance and durability. Raydafon Group's commitment to precision machining and high-grade materials ensures their solid shaft collars meet the rigorous demands of various industries, from automotive and aerospace to manufacturing and robotics. The primary function is positional retention and load bearing, making them a critical element in power transmission systems, linear motion assemblies, and countless other mechanical setups.
Raydafon Group solid shaft collars are distinguished by their robust construction and meticulous attention to detail. Here are the defining features and specifications that set our products apart in the marketplace.
The following tables outline the standard specifications for Raydafon Group's solid shaft collars. Custom sizes and configurations are available upon request.
| Shaft Diameter (Inch) | Shaft Diameter (mm) | Outer Diameter (OD) (Inch) | Width (W) (Inch) | Set Screw Size (Qty) | Standard Material |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4" | 6.35 mm | 1/2" | 1/4" | #10-32 (1 or 2) | Carbon Steel, SS 303 |
| 3/8" | 9.53 mm | 11/16" | 5/16" | 1/4"-20 (1 or 2) | Carbon Steel, SS 303 |
| 1/2" | 12.70 mm | 7/8" | 3/8" | 5/16"-18 (1 or 2) | Carbon Steel, SS 303, SS 316 |
| 3/4" | 19.05 mm | 1-1/8" | 1/2" | 3/8"-16 (1 or 2) | Carbon Steel, SS 303, SS 316 |
| 1" | 25.40 mm | 1-1/2" | 5/8" | 1/2"-13 (1 or 2) | Carbon Steel, SS 303, SS 316 |
| 1-1/2" | 38.10 mm | 2-1/4" | 3/4" | 5/8"-11 (2) | Carbon Steel, SS 303 |
| Shaft Diameter (Inch) | Outer Diameter (OD) (Inch) | Width (W) (Inch) | Set Screw Size (Qty) | Alloy | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4" | 9/16" | 1/4" | #10-32 (1) | 6061-T6 | Robotics, UAVs, Optical Mounts |
| 3/8" | 3/4" | 5/16" | 1/4"-20 (1) | 6061-T6 | Packaging Machinery, Prototyping |
| 1/2" | 1" | 3/8" | 5/16"-18 (1 or 2) | 6061-T6 | Conveyor Systems, Laboratory Equipment |
| 3/4" | 1-1/4" | 1/2" | 3/8"-16 (2) | 6061-T6 | Aerospace Components, Racing Vehicles |
| Material Grade | Tensile Strength | Surface Finish | Corrosion Resistance | Operating Temperature Range | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon Steel (Black Oxide) | Min. 70,000 psi | Black Oxide | Good (Indoor/Protected) | -20°F to 400°F (-29°C to 204°C) | Rockwell B70-B100 |
| Stainless Steel 303 | 85,000 psi | Passivated / Natural | Excellent | -100°F to 800°F (-73°C to 427°C)* | Rockwell B80-B90 |
| Stainless Steel 316 | 84,000 psi | Passivated | Superior (Marine/Chemical) | -100°F to 800°F (-73°C to 427°C)* | Rockwell B80-B90 |
| Aluminum 6061-T6 | 45,000 psi | Mill Finish / Anodized | Very Good (Anodized) | -100°F to 400°F (-73°C to 204°C) | Rockwell B60 |
*Practical temperature limits may be lower based on sustained load and environment.
The versatility and reliability of solid shaft collars make them suitable for a vast array of applications. Raydafon Group collars are trusted by engineers across multiple sectors.
Q: What is the main advantage of a solid shaft collar over a two-piece clamp-style collar?
A: The primary advantage is superior rigidity and concentricity. A solid shaft collar, being one piece, cannot distort or become oval under heavy clamping force, ensuring a perfectly circular grip on the shaft. This minimizes runout and provides more consistent, reliable holding power, especially in high-precision or high-vibration applications.
Q: How do I properly install and tighten a solid shaft collar?
A: First, ensure the shaft and collar bore are clean and free of burrs. Slide the collar to the desired position on the shaft. Using the correct size Allen key or hex driver, tighten the set screw(s) in a crisscross pattern if there are two screws, gradually applying torque to the manufacturer's specification (provided by Raydafon Group's technical sheets). Avoid over-tightening, which can strip the threads or damage the shaft. For critical applications, a thread-locking compound may be recommended.
Q: Can solid shaft collars damage my shaft?
A: If improperly installed or over-tightened, the set screw can indent (or "dimple") the shaft surface. For applications requiring frequent adjustment or where shaft damage must be avoided, consider using a collar with a brass-tipped set screw or using a shaft keyway in conjunction with the collar. Raydafon Group offers options with cup-point (standard) or flat-point set screws for different needs.
Q: How do I choose the right material for my application?
A: Material selection depends on your operational environment and requirements. Choose carbon steel for general-purpose, high-strength applications indoors. Opt for stainless steel (303 or 316) for corrosion resistance in wet, outdoor, or chemically aggressive environments (316 is best for saltwater or acids). Select aluminum when weight is a critical factor, such as in aerospace or moving robotic components, and where moderate strength and good corrosion resistance are sufficient.
Q: What size collar do I need? Is the bore size exactly the shaft size?
A: You need a collar with a bore size that matches the nominal diameter of your shaft (e.g., a 1/2" shaft requires a 1/2" bore collar). The bore is machined to a "slip fit" or "close fit" tolerance. It should slide onto the shaft with minimal hand pressure. A perfect, exact match would be an interference fit and would not be adjustable. Raydafon Group collars are machined to standard shaft tolerances for a secure yet adjustable fit.
Q: Can I get custom solid shaft collars from Raydafon Group?
A: Absolutely. Raydafon Group specializes in providing standard and custom-engineered solutions. We can manufacture solid shaft collars in non-standard bore sizes, unique outer diameters, special widths, with specific hole patterns, or from exotic materials to meet your unique design specifications and application challenges. Contact our engineering support team with your requirements.
Q: Are there alternatives to set screws for securing the collar?
A: Yes. While set screws are the most common, Raydafon Group also produces solid collars with threaded holes for clamping screws that draw a split in the collar body together (similar to a two-piece but from a single piece), offering even clamping force without shaft indentation. The choice depends on the required holding force and concern for shaft preservation.


