Key (engineering)

In mechanical engineering, a key is a machine element used to connect a rotating machine element to a shaft. The key prevents relative rotation between the two parts and may enable torque transmission. For a key to function, the shaft and rotating machine element must have a keyway and a keyseat, which is a slot and pocket in which the key fits. The whole system is called a keyed joint.^[1]^[2] A keyed joint may allow relative axial movement between the parts.

Commonly keyed components include gears, pulleys, couplings, and washers.

^ Bhandari, V. B. (2007), Design of machine elements (2nd ed.), Tata McGraw-Hill, p. 340, ISBN 978-0-07-061141-2.
^ Leonard 1919, p. 394.

[1] Bhandari, V. B. (2007), Design of machine elements (2nd ed.), Tata McGraw-Hill, p. 340, ISBN 978-0-07-061141-2.

[2] Leonard 1919, p. 394.

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