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Shaft Locking Bushings



ETP Express Bushings are used in aircraft fuselage assembly. Flexible fixtures, called hexapods, employ the ETP bushings to support the fuselage during assembly. As additional components are added to the fuselage at various stages, new hexapods are added or moved to new locations on the structure, giving maximum support while enabling accessibility around the fuselage for the assemblers.

Every operator's goal when preparing a tool set-up is to load, locate, lock and operate the set-up in seconds without problems. The challenges are basically the same whether setting up a machining center or power transmission system. A static application can have the same demands as a dynamic application. The set-up steps for both must be simple - the fewer components, the better. The locating and locking process must be very precise and equally repeatable.

The ETP set-up and shaft locking device from Zero-Max, Inc. is designed for both dynamic and static applications. The ETP is essentially a precision bushing that will accurately expand both the I.D. and O.D. at the same time when the single actuation screw is tightened. Since the expansion is caused by the self-contained hydraulic pressure, the resulting force is even along all surfaces. The bushing aligns precisely without axial movement as it is tightened.

"Another key ETP feature is that it can be actuated thousands of times with repeatable accuracy and without any axial movement," said a company spokesperson. An Allen wrench is all that is required to mount and lock these bushings into place. They have sealed, clean lines that resist debris collection and clean easily without any special maintenance.

ETP is available in several models to fit the application. The ETP Express and Techno models both feature a single actuation screw. The Express handles a torque range from 40 to 6,400 ft-lbs. while the Techno handles a torque range from 28,000 to 32,000 ft-lbs. Sizes available handle 15 mm through 100 mm shafts with both operating well in temperature ranges from -22° to +180 °F.

For more information contact:

Zero-Max, Inc.

13200 Sixth Avenue North

Plymouth, MN 55441-5509

800-533-1731 / 763-546-4300

sales@zero-max.com

www.zero-max.com

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