Machined keys are used in slots milled into shafts to provide a means of attachment and transmit power to a hub. Keystock is divided into two categories. One has a plus tolerance over the nominal width and is designed to have an interference fit with the mating key slot. The other is minus tolerance barstock which would have a looser fit in the same key slot, but provide easier assembly and disassembly.

In corrosion resistant materials, minus tolerance barstock in 316 Stainless is generally the only on the shelf option. Nickel Systems’ shop can provide finished keys in these materials as well as Alloy C276 (Hastelloy® C), Alloy 20 (Carpenter® 20), Alloy 400 (Monel®) and other nickel-based alloys.

The primary function of pins are to align two parts or maintain a fixed position between them. Machined pins can be either straight (cylindrical) or tapered (conical). Straight pins can be further divided by how tightly they fit in a hole. They can be either “free-running” or designed to have an interference fit to thwart disassembly.

Nickel Systems can machine pins per your print. Our specialty is short runs in highly corrosion resistant nickel-based alloys.

Shoulder screws feature a socket head, a close tolerance body and a threaded portion smaller than the body. The area under the head may be undercut so that the head will seat on the work surface. The threads may be undercut so that a nut will go all the way to the end of the shoulder. Shoulder screws are often referred to as “Stripper Bolts”.

Almost everybody in the fastener business can provide shoulder screws in Alloy Steel or 303 Stainless. If more corrosion resistance is required, these parts would have to be made. Nickel Systems maintains an inventory of raw material in Alloy C276 (Hastelloy®), Alloy 20 (Carpenter® 20), Alloy 400 (Monel®), 316 Stainless and other non-ferrous materials should you have a requirement is these areas.