Manufacturing of metal shafts

At Lemec, we are your reliable shaft manufacturer in Spain, specialized in the manufacture of metal parts by cold heading for big batches. We also manufacture by bar turning, in order to attend smaller series.

As an auxiliary industry, Lemec manufactures to order and following drawings and specifications of each customer, ensuring customized and high quality solutions for your industrial needs.

Ball joints

Bushings

Rivets

Nuts

Screws

Pins

Small Shafts

Wire Terminals

Bolts

Spacers

Custom shaft manufacturing

In our plant, we offer the manufacture of customized shafts, adapting to the specific requirements of each project. Our shafts are designed and produced to customer specifications, guaranteeing a perfect fit and optimum performance. Our experience allows us to offer accurate and reliable solutions.

Manufacture of threaded shafts

Our processes allow us to manufacture threaded shafts or studs, normally used in the automotive industry.

Manufacture of hinge shafts

These shafts are equipped with a flange to make a stop when assembling the hinge assembly.

Wheel shaft manufacturing

These small metal axles have a recess for quick anchoring in the wheel and are commonly used in wheels for chairs and furniture in general.

Shaft manufacturing processes

Manufacture of shafts by metal stamping

We use the metal stamping process for the manufacture of shafts, which allows us to produce parts of high precision and durability. This method is ideal for long series, ensuring the best quality/price ratio for each shaft manufactured.

Shaft manufacturing by screw machining

At Lemec, we also use bar turning for the manufacture of shafts, especially when complex details are required in smaller series. This technique allows us to offer high quality products tailored to the specific needs of our customers.

Lemec: Your custom metal shaft manufacture

As a manufacturer specialized in the production of custom metal shafts, we at Lemec are committed to
provide solutions that meet the highest quality standards. We use top quality materials for the manufacture of steel shafts and other materials, ensuring optimum performance and durability in all
our parts. Whether for machine shafts or any other application, Lemec is your reliable partner.

Count on us to meet your shaft needs. Contact our team, we will study your
specific case and offer you the best possible solution.

Contact

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of metal shafts exist and in which applications are they used?
Shafts can be manufactured as plain or stepped, splined (DIN 5480/5482), threaded at the ends, with retaining ring grooves, with cross holes, and hollow shafts to reduce weight. Common applications include motors, gearboxes, pumps, actuators, machinery, and tooling, where dimensional accuracy, stiffness, and good surface finish are required.

How is the manufacturing process selected for series production shafts versus special shafts?
Cold stamping: used for very large production runs and repetitive axial geometries (plain/stepped shafts). After forming, calibration and grinding of critical bearing seats may be applied to ensure TIR, concentricity, and tight tolerances (e.g., h6).

CNC screw machining: suitable for short/medium series and special/custom shafts with requirements such as keyways, splines, threads, grooves, or holes. After machining, center grinding on bearing seats and honing are used to achieve target roughness and dimensional stability.

In both cases, finishing operations achieve the specified Ra (e.g., 0.2–0.8 μm on bearing seats), reduce vibration, and extend service life.

What is TIR (Total Indicator Runout) and why is it critical in shafts?
TIR is the total deviation indicated by a dial gauge when checking a surface as the part rotates 360° relative to a datum:
TIR = maximum reading − minimum reading.

• Radial TIR: measures the “runout” of a shaft diameter.
• Axial TIR: measures the wobble of a face.

High TIR values indicate eccentricity, ovality, or lack of straightness, and can cause vibration, premature bearing wear, and seal leakage. In precision shafts, it is often specified in microns.

What materials and treatments are used in the manufacturing of metal shafts depending on their function?
• Materials: carbon/alloy steels for torque and load; stainless steel for corrosive environments; aluminum when low inertia is a priority.
• Heat treatments: localized induction hardening on bearing seats or couplings; nitriding (surface hardness and wear resistance); case hardening in selected parts; quenching and tempering for overall strength.
• Coatings: hard chrome or nickel plating on contact/sealing areas; black oxide or zinc plating for general protection. The choice depends on torque, load, environment, and target service life.

What should a drawing include to quote the manufacturing of custom shafts?
• Complete geometry: diameters and steps, lengths, chamfers/radii, retaining ring grooves, keyways (standard and position), splines (module/profile/standard), and threads (standard and pitch).
• Tolerances (e.g., h6 on bearing seats), TIR/concentricity, straightness, and roughness by area.
• Required materials and heat/surface treatments.
• Service conditions (torque, rpm, temperature, corrosion) and forecast volume (prototype, pilot batch, or series production).