Crank handles, balanced crank handles
What is a crank handle?
An overview of the norelem crank handle range
Offset or straight crank handles
Material choice: Aluminium or stainless steel crank handle?
Crank handle applications
Selecting the appropriate crank handle or balanced crank handle
The correct crank handle from norelem
Be it crank handles or balanced crank handles: the range from norelem guarantees quality
The norelem range includes a variety of high-quality crank handles and balanced crank handles, each of which is suitable for different applications in machine and equipment construction.
This article is intended to help select the appropriate crank handle or balanced crank handle. It compares different products and their characteristics, places them in the context of their intended use, and, based on this, makes a recommendation.
What is a crank handle?
Crank handles and balanced crank handles are operating elements which, via the force transmitted over the lever arm and the (usually revolving) hand grip can drive shafts or threaded spindles. They are mounted axially or radially and are recommended for use in machine and equipment construction, particularly where longer adjustment travel is required.
An overview of the norelem crank handle range
Various types, centre distances, heights and materials for crank handle are available from the norelem range. The choice often hinges on the type of grip, which is why norelem offers a number of grip variants tailored to a variety of situations.
The grip of the “fold-away grip crank handles” folds down against the lever. This means it saves space and does not obstruct. The grip folds out to use and folds back afterwards. This is particularly useful if the crank is not in constant use and the grip must not be in the way.
The “revolving grip crank handle” has a grip that rotates around its own axis. The advantage here is that the grip does not rotate within the hand, but rotates around a central pin. This means less friction in the palm of the hand, which makes frequent cranking more comfortable. This makes this crank suitable even for regular use.
The grip ofthe ‘crank handles with safety cylinder grip’have a special safety feature. It folds away automatically when released, preventing injuries when the machine goes into reversed. That is why this crank should be used in hazardous working situations.
Offset or straight crank handles
Both the“offset crank handle”and the“straight crank handle” feature an ergonomic, comfortable grip. The difference here is that the arm on the ‘offset crank handle’ has a gooseneck, creating a lateral offset between the axis of rotation and the grip. The advantage of this is that the hand has more room to manoeuvre when turning, and it is easier to avoid machine parts.
By a straight crank handle, the grip is in line with the axis of rotation. This is the simpler of the two types, although it may be less ergonomic in confined spaces.
Material choice: Aluminium or stainless steel crank handle?
Whether you select an aluminium crank handle or a stainless steel one depends primarily on the specific load conditions.
An aluminium crank handle is lightweight and offers good resistance to rust. At the same time, the material is softer than stainless steel and more prone to being dented. In practice, aluminium crank handles are a good choice for lower loads, as they are lighter to operate.
For high loads, the stainless steel crank handle is preferable, as it offers extremely high strength and durability and is highly resistant to corrosion. However, they is significantly heavier than aluminium cranks. They are therefore be preferable to the aluminium crank handle in situations involving high mechanical stress and in environments containing moisture, chemicals, cleaning agents or machinery/components operating at high temperatures.
Crank handle applications
In machine construction and industry, crank handles and balanced crank handles are primarily used for precise adjustment and alignment of machine components, stops or measuring instruments.
They are used wherever adjustments need to be made manually, in a controlled and reliable manner. Typical applications are e.g. height and lateral adjustments on machines, positioning of guides and stops or the adjustment of threaded spindles and shafts. Crank handles are also frequently used on fixtures, packaging machines, production lines and test benches.
Crank handles are particularly suitable for longer adjustment travels and applications where greater forces need to be transmitted. Balanced crank handles on the other hand, are preferred for short adjustment ranges, as they are designed for more precise movements.
Depending on the application, factors such as ergonomics, safety, corrosion resistance and space requirements also play an important role in selecting the appropriate crank handles or balanced crank handles.
Selecting the appropriate crank handle or balanced crank handle
The choice of the appropriate crank handle or balanced crank handles depends primarily on the specific application and the requirements in machine and equipment construction. Key factors here include the load conditions, frequency of use, available space and safety considerations.
For example, for applications involving regular operation a crank handle with a revolving grip is recommended, as this makes operation more comfortable. In confined spaces or when adjustments are rarely needed, a crank handle with fold-down grip offers advantages, as the grip can be folded away to save space. In safety-critical areas however, a crank handle with a safety cylinder grip should be chosen to reduce the risk of injury.
The choice between a straight and an offset design also plays an important role. Whilst straight crank handles offer a compact and simple solution, offset versions provide greater freedom of movement and improved ease of use in confined spaces.
Furthermore, the material used influences the choice of the appropriate crank handle. Aluminium is particularly suitable for lighter applications subject to low loads, whilst stainless steel is the better choice for high mechanical stress or demanding environmental conditions.
The correct crank handle from norelem
The range from norelem includes crank handles for a wide variety of applications in machine and equipment construction. Be it for high or low load applications, different grip designs or specific ergonomic and safety requirements, norelem provides the right solution for a wide range of applications.
This diverse selection of materials, designs and grips ensures the crank handles can be tailored precisely to individual requirements. In addition to traditional crank handles, balanced crank handles are particularly suitable for precise adjustments. So norelem provides a flexible and practical selection for a wide variety of machine and equipment designs..