QD Bushing (Quick Disconnect Bushing)

What is a QD Bushing?

A QD bushing, also known as a Quick Disconnect bushing, is a mechanical component used to secure and mount rotating shafts to various types of industrial equipment, such as pulleys, sprockets, and sheaves. It provides a secure and reliable connection between the shaft and the mounted component, allowing for easy installation, removal, and adjustment.

The "QD" in QD bushing stands for "Quick Disconnect" or "Quick Detachable," indicating its key feature of rapid installation and removal. This feature is particularly advantageous when frequent adjustments or replacements of mounted components are necessary.

QD style bushings are a popular type of bushing used in various applications. They are designed to provide excellent clamping force on a shaft. These bushings feature a split heavy-duty flange design. QD Bushings are available in several different variations. The main differences include the length and diameter of the bore. Also, QD bushings can be reverse-mounted.

QD Bushing Dimensions

Our QD bushing types conclude with metric QD bushing series and inch series.

QD Bushing Torque Capacity

The metric system does not refer to keyseat or keyway dimensions, as does the English system; instead, dimensions are given for the key itself, which is rectangular in shape, not square as in the English system.

Features of QD Bushings

QD-style bushings are precisely machined and then split on one side. The QD bushings can be placed over a pulley or sprocket. Once they are installed, QD bushings are easy to remove.QD bushings are among the most commonly used bushing designs for industrial use. They have a taper of about 1/4 inch/foot that provides double the force of gripping as other mounting systems for the bushing. They're also made of premium steel, with one split in the length of the bushing.
QD bushings come in various sizes. They are available in sizes ranging from JA to M. They also have an efficient mounting system that makes the installation and replacement effortless. The bushings can also be used in reverse, which allows you to put them on the opposite side of an axle.
QD bushings work well to use in power transmission or shaft connection. They feature a tapered grip which lets you remove them quickly without causing damage to the shaft.

How Does a QD Bushing Work?

A QD (Quick Detachable) bushing is a mechanical component used to secure rotating shafts to various types of pulleys, sprockets, or sheaves. It consists of two main parts: a tapered bushing and a corresponding flanged hub. The bushing is inserted into a compatible bore on the rotating shaft, and the flanged hub is then mounted onto the bushing. As the hub is tightened, it compresses the tapered bushing, creating a tight, secure fit. The friction between the bushing, hub, and shaft prevents slippage, allowing the power to be efficiently transmitted from the shaft to the attached component. The advantage of QD bushings lies in their quick installation and removal capabilities, making it easier to change or replace components without requiring extensive disassembly.

QD Bushing Installation

Quick disconnect (QD) bushings are a good choice because they can be installed and removed easily. However, they can be damaged if they aren't installed correctly. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps to follow to ensure a proper installation.

First, use a torque wrench to tighten the bushing hardware, which will be a series of bolts and screws. Tighten them incrementally, as the bushing will seat better once it is properly snugged up. If the assembly isn't perfectly aligned, the bushing will not slide on the shaft as it should, and it may not function as it should. Also, do not over torque the hardware. It's a good idea to apply a little grease to the threads of the bushing's screws to prevent corrosion and contaminants.

Next, place the bushing in the sprocket. Make sure there is a sufficient gap between the sprocket and the bushing flange. You should also be able to slide the bushing on the shaft without having it draw into contact with the sprocket. This is a very important step, as misalignment can cause damage to the shaft and the bushing.

Once the assembly is secure, you can begin tightening the caps screws. The head of the cap screw should be visible, so be careful when inserting the screws into the pull-up holes.

Split Taper VS QD Bushing

Both Split Taper Bushing and QD Bushing are mechanical components used to connect shafts and rotating equipment, transmitting rotational power and torque. They are both installed by applying pressure and clamping to secure the connection between the shaft and the device, providing a reliable connection. Both types of bushings allow for axial adjustment, enabling fine-tuning of the gap and position between the shaft and the rotating equipment.

Differences between QD and split taper bushing are as follows. Split Taper Bushing consists of a pair of separated taper bushings, with one of the bushings featuring a cut that allows it to contract during installation. QD Bushing, on the other hand, is a single-piece bushing with a more complex structure, including a tapered locking ring, bearing sleeve, and adjustment bolts. Split Taper Bushing requires placing half of each bushing onto the shaft during installation, followed by tightening with clamping bolts. QD Bushing, however, involves sliding the entire bushing onto the shaft and then securing it with bolts.

QD Bushing VS Taper Lock Bushing

QD (Quick Detachable) bushings and Taper Lock bushings are two different types of mechanical bushings used in power transmission applications. While both serve a similar purpose of mounting components onto a shaft, they have distinct design features and installation methods. When deciding between a QD bushing or the taper lock bushing, it is crucial to consider the distinct differences between these two types. The former is made to allow for easy removal and installation as well as installation, and the latter provides a secure and reliable method of mounting components onto a shaft by using a tapered design. QD or “quickly detachable” bushings are split tapered flanged bushings with the split running through the flange and taper, while the taper lock bushing has straight sides on the OD which is meant to mount flush. Both types of bushings can be found in various shaft bore diameters. Take into consideration the dimensions of the part before choosing the one you want to use.