The development and application of the new methodology for conveyor idlers fits testing

The proper interference fit between the joined parts is a prerequisite for an effective pressure joint. The main purpose of the pressure joint is to transfer tangential, radial and axial loads between the joined parts. In order to provide proper functioning of the machine assembly (whose component parts are connected by the pressure joints), i.e. the transfer of loads without skidding, it is essential to determine the pressure joints interference fit parameters. The new methodology for the conveyor idlers pressure joints quality control is presented in this paper. The procedure for the analytical determination of the expected disassembling force (limiting value) in the pressure joints between the shaft rolling bearing and the bearing idler shell is described in detail. The analytically calculated boundary values are compared with the experimental ones. According to the presented criteria, the evaluation of the conveyor idler fits quality was performed and reliable conclusions were successfully adopted. (C) 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. Peer-review under responsibility of the ECF22 organizers.