Mechanical Parts Glossary
Bearing – A machine element that has a specific purpose of supporting a load while allowing it to rotate. Bearing can be used in a variety of machines including motors and turbines.
Bushings – A type of sleeve with an inner and outer diameter, assembled between two parts to reduce friction or serve as a bearing.
Cams – A specialized motion-producing mechanism consisting of two or more lobes or cams arranged in such a way that the movement of one part produces a periodic motion in another part.
Clutches – Devices used to engage or disengages two rotating shafts mechanically, allowing for better control of the transfer of power between them.
Clamps – Devices used to apply force to an object to secure it in an assembly or to join two or more parts together.
Couplings – Components used to join two or more rotating shafts together to transfer movement or torque.
Fasteners – Hardware used to mechanically join two or more components together.
Fittings – Connectors used to join two or more components together.
Gears – Wheels with teeth or notches along their edges that are used to transmit power and torque from one shaft to another.
Hex Screws – A mechanical fastener consisting of an internally threaded, externally hexagonal head that is designed to be driven by a wrench.
Shafts – A long, cylindrical piece of metal or other material that serves as a support or connects two or more parts of a machine.
Springs – Coil or helical components that store elastic energy or absorb shock and vibration in order to reduce wear and protect components from damage.
Studs – Bolts with a threaded end that are used to secure two or more components together.
Universal Joints – A mechanical device that is used to accommodate angular misalignment in rotating shafts.
Bushings – A type of sleeve with an inner and outer diameter, assembled between two parts to reduce friction or serve as a bearing.
Cams – A specialized motion-producing mechanism consisting of two or more lobes or cams arranged in such a way that the movement of one part produces a periodic motion in another part.
Clutches – Devices used to engage or disengage two rotating shafts mechanically, allowing for better control of the transfer of power between them.
Clamps – Devices used to apply force to an object to secure it in an assembly or to join two or more parts together.
Couplings – Components used to join two or more rotating shafts together to transfer movement or torque.
Fasteners – Hardware used to mechanically join two or more components together.
Fittings – Connectors used to join two or more components together.
Gears – Wheels with teeth or notches along their edges that are used to transmit power and torque from one shaft to another.
Hex Screws – A mechanical fastener consisting of an internally threaded, externally hexagonal head that is designed to be driven by a wrench.
Shafts – A long, cylindrical piece of metal or other material that serves as a support or connects two or more parts of a machine.
Springs – Coil or helical components that store elastic energy or absorb shock and vibration in order to reduce wear and protect components from damage.
Studs – Bolts with a threaded end that are used to secure two or more components together.
Universal Joints – A mechanical device that is used to accommodate angular misalignment in rotating shafts.
Thrust Washers – Flat or curved metal plates used to support the axial forces applied to a rotating shaft. They are used to limit wear and reduce friction between two surfaces.
Cotter Pins – Spring-loaded pins or clamps used to secure two components together.
Toggle Clamps – Devices used to secure a slider or other device against a track or supporting base. They are designed to hold a load in place when impacted by a force moving in the opposite direction.
Seals – Components that are designed to create a barrier between two separate areas.
Brushes – Devices made up of a bundle of metal or plastic bristles that are used to transfer power, transmit a signal, create an electrical contact, or provide lubrication.
Belts – Flexible bands made of rubber or other materials that are used to transfer power between two rotating components.
Bearings – A machine element that has a specific purpose of supporting a load while allowing it to rotate.
Bushings – A type of sleeve with an inner and outer diameter, assembled between two parts to reduce friction or serve as a bearing.
Spline Shafts – A shaft that has longitudinal grooves machined into it used to engage with a mating part such as a gear, pulley, or sprocket.
Splines – Longitudinal ribs or grooves machined onto the end of a shaft to engage a mating part.
Spindles – A vertical shaft designed to support and rotate an object.
Chain – A length of interconnected links or rings used to transmit rotary motion or provide traction.
Pins – Short cylindrical rods made of metal used to secure two or more components together.
Pulleys – A circular wheel with a groove along its edge used to transmit power from one shaft to another or redirect a drive line.
Rivets – A mechanical fastener consisting of a headed pin that is driven with a hammer into a hole in two parts, forming a secure joint.
Rollers – A circular or cylindrical part that is used to reduce friction in a machine by allowing two parts to roll against one another.
Rings – Circular components designed to support a load in a machine or act as a stop.
Gaskets – Components used to create a barrier between two surfaces.
Studs – Long bolts with a threaded end that are used to secure two or more components together.
Nuts – Internally threaded components used to secure a bolt or screw in place.
Washers – Flat plates used to distribute the force of a fastener evenly over the surface of a component.
Bolts – A mechanical fastener consisting of a head and a threaded shaft.
Rod Ends – Cylindrical components with threaded ends that are used to support or secure components together.
Screws – A mechanical fastener consisting of a head and a threaded shaft.
Sockets – An open-ended cylindrical part or tool used for holding a nut, bolt, or other fastener.
Locknuts – Nuts with an internal thread and a locking mechanism designed to prevent them from slipping off a bolt or screw.
Press-fit Bushes – Metal cylindrical components with an inner and outer diameter, designed to slip into the hole of a mating part and hold it in place.
