HMS locknuts improve the mounting of large components

SKF has announced the release of its new HMS locknuts which improve the process of locking, mounting and demounting of large components. With a unique design, HMS locknuts enable faster locking and mounting processes, and prevent any weakening of the shaft caused by the slots needed in current locknut designs. The common demounting problem of locknuts sticking to the shaft due to fretting corrosion is also avoided. HMS locknuts consist of a slotted ring body fitted with a clamping bolt that enables more effective locking and mounting than traditional models. By tightening the bolt, the nut is located without clearance around the whole circumference of the shaft. Traditional locknuts have between four and eight slots machined into the shaft, which necessitates a corresponding number of collars and bolts. However, with no axial slots needed for fitting the locking devices, HMS locknuts provide substantial component savings. The lack of axial slots and locking nuts also speeds up the placing of the nut and gives secure fastening 360o around the shaft. HMS locknuts are ideal for the fast and exact axial location of large components such as gearwheels, flywheels and large size bearings used in steel, paper, construction and marine applications. Field tests on wind turbine bearings have also proven to be extremely successful.