Published 10/29/2021

J.W. Winco's Locking Joints Enable Precise Adjustments

The core of J.W. Winco’s locking joints are the locking plates with their precisely aligned serrations, as well as their adjustment based on positive and nonpositive connections.

Edited by: Chris Pasion

Managing Editor, Modern Machine Shop | Production Machining

Photo Credit: J.W. Winco

J.W. Winco Inc.’s locking joints comprise serrated locking plates, thrust springs and guide housings. According to the company, the core of these joints are the locking plates with their precisely aligned serrations, as well as their adjustment based on positive and nonpositive connections.

Winco says it relies on typical tooth configurations, which enable important and specific adjustments in incremental steps of 6, 7.5, 10 and 15 degrees. The fastening of the locking plates is oriented around the serration position, which enables clearly defined adjustments. The company uses hardened sintered steel, sintered stainless steel and precision cast stainless steel in AISI CF-8 (A2) quality, and it plans to add more materials to its range soon.

Winco recently added GN 189, a 60-tooth locking plate of glass fiber-reinforced plastic, to its product range. The locking plates are said to offer very short disengaging paths and have zero backlash after retightening. They are also self-centering and produce exceptionally strong joints.

For heavy duty applications, Winco recommends the stainless steel serrated locking plates GN 188 for welding, available in sizes up to 3.15 inches (80 millimeters) in diameter. Tensioning pins oriented around the serration simplify the pre-positioning, and optional threaded bushings and a centering strip can be easily added.

In addition, the GN 187.5 locking plates of precision cast stainless steel are available with threaded stud connection, fastening flange or a plate for welding. Together with the GN 187.6 locking joint sets , the stainless steel locking plates can be combined to create locking joints that can be locked with a hex key or even tool-free using an adjustable hand lever with or without an eccentrical cam. The GN 187.5 locking plates are compatible with the GN 187.4 locking plates, enabling unusual joint assemblies to be realized.

When combining two GN 187.4 locking plates , the previously mentioned guide housings ensure that the positive connection is retained even when the joints are loosened, which protects the serrations from wearing. In other words, the guide housings are also important elements, which is why Winco is already working on new variations of these, including sealed models.

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