The Magic Polygon

High Torque Shaft Solutions

Our Polygon is not really a polygon, which is a straight sided shape, but the Germans called it that when the Polygon shape was first devised about 1950! Its smooth curves present lower stress risers than any other shape. The profile is actually a modified epicycloid, that is, the radius of curvature is constantly and continuously changing around the entire profile. The result is that the contact between the mail and female is not LINE contact (as in a square drive socket wrench), but conformal AREA contact. The contact patch is wider. This distributes the torque over a larger area, thus lowering the stress.

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The polygon profile is the greatest torque transmission shape ever devised...

The result is that more torque can be transmitted in any given shaft diameter than with any other type of connection: splines, keys, interference fits, roller pins, square drives, hex shapes, and ANY other shape.

The familiar square drive used in socket wrenches provides a useful comparison. When the square drive transmits torque, the theoretical contact is line contact at the four (4) corners. This is theoretical because in actuality, the male and female deform slightly to form a contact patch that has a width instead of pure line contact, which has no width. However, the width of the contact patch is small, but it depends on the characteristics of the materials involved.

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Industries Served

Industries Stoffel Polygon Services

AeroSpace

Here at Stoffel Polygon Systems, Inc., we believe in providing top-tier solutions when it comes to connectors and industrial polygons.

Oil and Gas

Stoffel Polygon Systems, Inc. is a proud provider of reliable polygon solutions for the oil and gas industry.

Defense

Our experts here at Stoffel Polygon Systems, Inc. believe in providing...

Steel Mills

Our team at Stoffel Polygon Systems, Inc. takes pride in providing the most effective connectors and polygon systems throughout the industries.

Testimonials

Customer Stories

"We would like to thank the team at Stoffel Polygon Systems for completing our polygon adapter in an expedited manner. We are most appreciative of your focus and fine attention to detail. This has supported Goodrich in meeting the needs of our customers. The adapter has passed all inspections. This is a result of the fine level of workmanship we have received from Stoffel Polygon Systems. Thank you again for your teamwork on this project."

Michael O'Hara from Strategic Sourcing

"Kellogg Crankshaft recently received a very complimentary letter from Rotary Power International, Inc.'s Mr. W. B. (Bill) Silvestri regarding the specialized crankshafts for the Marine Corps. All of us in the industry recognize that praise is in limited supply today; our customers continually require more for less and faster. Kellogg would like to take this opportunity to recognize you, as our supplier, for providing quality, cost-effective services on this project. Rotary Power anticipates future opportunities, similar in nature, and will again be looking for a quality job and counting on all of us to offer suggestions to reduce costs wherever we can. Again, all of us at Kellogg Crankshaft thank you for your contribution to the success of Rotary Power International, Inc.'s five rotor crankshaft project. We look forward to continuing a mutually beneficial relationship with you on future work. "

Charles C Baker from Kellogg Crankshaft

"So nice to find a company so passionate about quality. Your shaft was (is?) beautiful. Perfect really. We, Conhagen, did not realize Stoffel would create shafts from scratch... In the future we will send you heat treated stock for your magic. We usually buy forged bars, annealed, quenched then tempered by our own heat treater. Normally, we run all 400 series stainless through a second temper after rough out as a stress relief operation to keep the shafts straight. "

Dennis Bowman from Conhagen

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What is a Polygon

Kinematically ground polygonal shapes have been used as drive connections for more than 45 years. What is now referred to as Polygon Systems was developed by Fortunawerke, Stuttgart, West Germany, who patented a grinding machine capable of producing matched polygonal shaft and bore diameters.