INDUSTRY COMPONENT

Spline Teeth

Spline teeth are precision-engineered ridges on shafts and hubs that transmit torque while allowing axial movement in mechanical drive systems.

Component Specifications

Definition
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.
Working Principle
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.
Materials
Typically made from alloy steels (e.g., AISI 4140, 4340) or carbon steels, often heat-treated (case-hardened or through-hardened) to achieve surface hardness of 45-60 HRC for wear resistance, with core toughness. Corrosion-resistant coatings like zinc plating or black oxide may be applied. Alternative materials include stainless steel (e.g., 304, 316) for corrosive environments or powdered metal for cost-effective mass production.
Technical Parameters
ParameterTypical rangeNotes & selection driver
Fit ClassClass 5 (medium fit) to Class 7 (precision fit)
Module/Pitch1-10 mm (metric) or 8-48 DP (imperial)
Tooth ProfileInvolute
Axial Movement0-200 mm (for sliding splines)
Pressure Angle30° or 45°
Surface FinishRa 1.6-3.2 μm
Number Of Teeth6-60
Torque Capacity50-5000 Nm (varies with size and material)

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Standards
ISO 4156, DIN 5480, ANSI B92.1

Parent Products

This component is used in the following industrial products

Engineering Analysis

Risks & Mitigation
  • Tooth wear from misalignment or overload
  • Fatigue failure due to cyclic loading
  • Corrosion in humid environments
  • Backlash from poor fit or manufacturing tolerances
FMEA Triads
Trigger: Misalignment during assembly or operation
Failure: Uneven load distribution leading to premature tooth wear or fracture
Mitigation: Use precision machining per standards, implement alignment checks during installation, and apply lubricants to reduce friction.
Trigger: Insufficient hardness or material defects
Failure: Tooth deformation or shearing under high torque
Mitigation: Specify heat-treated materials (e.g., hardened steel), conduct material certification, and perform non-destructive testing (e.g., ultrasonic).

Industrial Ecosystem

Compatible With

Typical Suppliers & Equivalents

Compliance & Inspection

Tolerance
±0.025 mm for tooth profile, ±0.05 mm for pitch diameter (per ISO 4156 Class 7)
Test Method
Coordinate measuring machine (CMM) for dimensional accuracy, hardness testing (Rockwell scale), torque testing under load conditions, and visual inspection for surface defects.

Procurement Evaluation Criteria

A practical evidence checklist for RFQ preparation and supplier evaluation.

Technical documentation
Request current drawings, revision history, and a signed specification sheet.
Manufacturing capability
Verify equipment lists, process limits, capacity, and representative production evidence.
Inspection readiness
Confirm test methods, calibrated equipment, sampling plans, and traceable reports.
Supplier transparency
Check the legal entity, factory address, ownership, certifications, and direct contacts.

CNFX does not score or rank suppliers. Buyers must verify all claims and documents with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Manufacturers of Spline Teeth

Manufacturer profiles associated with Spline Teeth.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between spline teeth and gear teeth?

Spline teeth are designed primarily for torque transmission and axial movement with uniform load distribution, often with a straight or involute profile for sliding. Gear teeth are optimized for speed reduction/increase and motion transfer, with profiles like involute or cycloidal for meshing at specific ratios, and typically do not allow axial movement.

How do I select the right spline teeth for a drive hub?

Consider torque requirements, axial movement needs, space constraints, and environmental conditions. Choose based on standards (e.g., ISO 4156 for metric), material (steel for strength, coating for corrosion), fit class (precision for high loads), and profile (involute for smooth engagement). Consult manufacturer catalogs or engineering guidelines.

Data Basis

Editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records. See the editorial policy.

Preliminary Technical Classification
This page supports structured research, RFQ preparation, and supplier evaluation. It does not replace buyer-led supplier qualification, standards review, or technical approval.

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