How to calculate the load capacity of CK45 Linear Shaft?
Jul 29, 2025
Hey there! I'm a supplier of CK45 Linear Shaft, and I often get asked about how to calculate the load capacity of these shafts. It's a crucial aspect, especially for those in industries where precision and reliability are key. So, let's dive right in and break down the process.
First off, what is a CK45 Linear Shaft? Well, it's a high - quality shaft made from CK45 steel, which is known for its good mechanical properties. These shafts are used in a variety of applications, such as linear motion systems in machinery, automation equipment, and more. You can find more about CK45 Linear Shaft on our website CK45 Linear Shaft.
Factors Affecting Load Capacity
Before we get into the calculations, we need to understand the factors that influence the load capacity of a CK45 Linear Shaft.
Material Properties
The CK45 steel has specific mechanical properties like yield strength and ultimate tensile strength. The yield strength is the point at which the material starts to deform permanently, and the ultimate tensile strength is the maximum stress the material can withstand before breaking. These values are important as they set the upper limits for the load the shaft can handle.
Shaft Diameter
The diameter of the shaft plays a huge role. A thicker shaft generally has a higher load capacity. This is because a larger cross - sectional area can distribute the load more evenly and resist deformation better.
Length of the Shaft
The length of the shaft also matters. Longer shafts are more prone to bending under load compared to shorter ones. So, as the length increases, the load capacity decreases, all other factors being equal.


Type of Load
There are different types of loads that a shaft can experience, such as axial loads (loads applied along the axis of the shaft), radial loads (loads applied perpendicular to the axis of the shaft), and combined loads (a combination of axial and radial loads). Each type of load affects the shaft differently, and the calculations need to account for this.
Calculating Axial Load Capacity
Let's start with calculating the axial load capacity. The basic formula for axial load capacity is based on the yield strength of the material.
The formula is (F_{a}=\sigma_{y}A), where (F_{a}) is the axial load capacity, (\sigma_{y}) is the yield strength of the CK45 steel, and (A) is the cross - sectional area of the shaft.
The cross - sectional area (A) of a circular shaft is calculated using the formula (A = \frac{\pi d^{2}}{4}), where (d) is the diameter of the shaft.
For example, if the yield strength (\sigma_{y}) of CK45 steel is 320 MPa and the diameter of the shaft (d = 20mm), first we calculate the cross - sectional area:
(A=\frac{\pi(20)^{2}}{4}=\frac{\pi\times400}{4}= 100\pi\approx314.16mm^{2})
Then the axial load capacity (F_{a}=\sigma_{y}A = 320\times314.16 = 100531.2N)
Calculating Radial Load Capacity
Calculating the radial load capacity is a bit more complex as it involves considering the bending stress.
The maximum bending stress (\sigma_{b}) in a simply supported shaft under a concentrated radial load (F_{r}) at the center is given by the formula (\sigma_{b}=\frac{M}{Z}), where (M) is the bending moment and (Z) is the section modulus.
For a simply supported shaft of length (L) with a concentrated load (F_{r}) at the center, the bending moment (M=\frac{F_{r}L}{4})
The section modulus (Z) for a circular shaft is (Z=\frac{\pi d^{3}}{32})
We know that the maximum allowable bending stress should not exceed the yield strength of the material. So, (\sigma_{y}=\frac{M}{Z}=\frac{F_{r}L}{4Z})
We can then solve for (F_{r}): (F_{r}=\frac{4\sigma_{y}Z}{L})
Let's say the yield strength (\sigma_{y} = 320MPa), the diameter (d = 20mm), and the length (L = 500mm)
First, calculate the section modulus (Z=\frac{\pi(20)^{3}}{32}=\frac{\pi\times8000}{32}=250\pi\approx785.4mm^{3})
Then (F_{r}=\frac{4\times320\times785.4}{500}\approx2009.47N)
Combined Loads
In real - world applications, shafts often experience combined loads. To calculate the load capacity under combined loads, we use the von Mises stress criterion.
The von Mises stress (\sigma_{v}) is given by (\sigma_{v}=\sqrt{\sigma_{a}^{2}+3\tau^{2}}), where (\sigma_{a}) is the axial stress and (\tau) is the shear stress.
The axial stress (\sigma_{a}=\frac{F_{a}}{A}) and the shear stress (\tau) due to the radial load can be calculated based on the shear force distribution in the shaft.
We need to ensure that the von Mises stress (\sigma_{v}) does not exceed the yield strength of the material (\sigma_{y})
Safety Factors
It's important to mention safety factors. In engineering, we always use safety factors to account for uncertainties in material properties, manufacturing processes, and operating conditions. A typical safety factor for CK45 Linear Shafts can range from 1.5 to 3.
If we have calculated a load capacity (F) without considering the safety factor, the actual allowable load (F_{allow}) is given by (F_{allow}=\frac{F}{n}), where (n) is the safety factor.
Other Related Products
In addition to CK45 Linear Shafts, we also supply 42CrMo Precision Shaft and 42CrMo4 Chrome Plated Shaft. These shafts have different properties and are suitable for different applications. The 42CrMo steel has higher strength and toughness compared to CK45, and the chrome - plated shaft offers better corrosion resistance.
Conclusion
Calculating the load capacity of CK45 Linear Shafts is a multi - step process that involves considering material properties, shaft dimensions, and the type of load. Whether it's an axial load, radial load, or a combined load, each situation requires specific calculations. And don't forget about the safety factors to ensure the reliability of the shaft in real - world applications.
If you're in the market for CK45 Linear Shafts or any of our other products, and you have questions about load capacity or any other technical aspects, we're here to help. Reach out to us for a detailed discussion and let's work together to find the best solution for your needs.
References
- "Mechanical Engineering Design" by Joseph E. Shigley
- "Materials Science and Engineering: An Introduction" by William D. Callister Jr.
