Grooves on the surface of these shafts transmit rotary power while allowing bearings to move freely along the length of the shaft. The edges are chamfered to remove sharp corners, reducing damage to bearings, housings, and other components during installation. All are turned, ground, and polished to tight diameter and straightness tolerances.

Four Splines

Shafts with four splines work with ball spline bearings, which create relatively little friction. They're commonly found in robotic and other automated systems that require complex, fast movements. They don't transmit as much torque as shafts with six splines.

All four-spline shafts are 52100 alloy steel for high strength. They're case-hardened to increase hardness and wear resistance on the surface of the shaft while allowing the center to remain soft for absorbing stresses caused by shifting loads.

Some of our four-spline shafts have a step-down end, which has been ground smooth and round like a standard shaft. Mount bearings, gears, and other round-bore components.