A precision-machined steel shaft on which a rope sheave or pulley rotates, transmitting loads between the sheave and its supporting structure.
Full Definition
The sheave pin is a hardened and ground steel shaft that passes through the hub of a rope sheave and is supported at both ends by bearing housings fixed to the machine bedplate or overhead beam. It must be designed to withstand combined bending and shear loads from rope tension, typically with a generous safety factor. Surface finish and dimensional tolerance on the bearing seats are critical to prevent fretting, wear, and premature bearing failure. Sheave pins are inspected during major overhauls for cracks, corrosion, and surface damage; non-destructive testing (dye penetrant or magnetic particle) is used where fatigue loading is high.
