Spline Teeth

Spline teeth are a series of parallel ridges or teeth machined onto a shaft or within a hub that mesh with corresponding grooves to transmit rotational torque and power. As part of a drive hub assembly, they provide a positive mechanical connection that prevents slippage while permitting controlled axial movement (sliding) or fixed positioning, depending on the spline type (involute, straight-sided, or serrated). They ensure precise angular alignment and distribute load evenly across multiple contact surfaces.

Spline teeth operate on the principle of mechanical interference and geometric meshing. When the external teeth of a shaft engage with the internal teeth of a hub, torque is transferred through shear forces along the tooth flanks. The involute profile (common in industrial applications) ensures smooth engagement, constant velocity transmission, and self-centering action due to its curved shape, which reduces stress concentration. They allow for relative axial movement in sliding splines or provide a fixed connection in fitted splines, maintaining alignment under rotational loads.