#40yearsin40quotes
Join us as we explore a new quote each week, reflecting on 40 years of innovation!
“Innovation is often no more than connecting existing products into one new solution. FlexiForce took the USA-based tube shaft and the key-way technology of solid shafts and, in cooperation with a shaft producer, merged these into a new type of shaft: saving material while adding strength.”
An invention to reduce costs: in cooperation with a valued customer, FlexiForce developed the key-wayed tubular shaft made out of 3mm galvanized steel. This was in 1995. This shaft is made on a roll forming machine, where the seam is welded and galvanized. The distance between two radius determines the depth of the key way, which is different than a standard 1/4″ key way. Specials keys of 3/8×1/4″ are needed for this key-way.
Depending on the installation type, this shaft can be used for all lift systems up to doors of 5000x4200mm (width x height) or a maximum door weight of 300 kg. This covers almost 75% of all industrial doors. A new residential version of 2mm steel was also added to the product portfolio shortly after.
Why key-way?
On industrial doors only shafts with key-way are used. This makes it possible to create a fixed connection based on shape, with the help of a key. This is important, because of the high torque in the shaft, which is generated by the torsion springs.
The key-wayed shaft is also needed to make a good connection between two shaft parts. For installation reasons, most shafts of wider doors (+3,5m) are cut in half and need to be connected again.
The same goes for connecting an operator. Most motors and chain hoists have 1″ shaft access and 1/4″ key.
Shaft types
- Solid shafts
- 702C-2000 etc. (black, 1″, key-way)
- 702-3500Z etc. (galvanized, 1″, key-way)
- 699-4500Z etc. (galvanized, 1 1/4″, key-way)
- Key-wayed tubular shafts
- 702GBL2750 etc. (galvanized, 1″, key-way, 2mm material)
- 705GB-2750 etc. (galvanized, 1″, key-way, 3mm material)
- Tubular shafts
- 701-2750Z etc. (galvanized, 1″, 2mm material)
Please visit our catalogue for more details.
Cover it up!
The finishing touch: we introduced black plastic covers to close both ends of the tube shafts. This creates a better look, next to preventing moisture and dirt coming out of the shafts on site. Three different caps are available: 701CAP for tube shafts, 702CAP for the 2 mm tube shaft with key-way and 705CAP, developed for the 705GBL-shaft.
