Couplings, shaft couplings, and flange couplings

Couplings usually connect the drive and output end and allow for the transmission of torque whilst simultaneously compensating for any misalignment.

Functions of couplings

Couplings may have different tasks and assume different functions depending on their type and design.

The main functions of couplings are:

• Connecting the drive end and output end (e.g. two shafts)
• Transmitting torque (i.e. drive power at a certain speed)
• Compensating for shaft misalignments
• Damping vibrations
• Quick assembly
• Reduction of restoring forces
• Protecting the drive train
• Electrically insulating

Types of shaft couplings

A distinction is made between four main categories of couplings:

• Rigid couplings (backlash-free)
• Torsionally rigid couplings (backlash-free or non-backlash-free)
• Torsionally flexible couplings (backlash-free or non-backlash-free)
• Highly flexible couplings (non-backlash-free)

Rigid couplings

Shaft misalignments are not compensated for and no damping of vibrations takes place. Suitable for high temperatures

Use:

• Materials handling
• General mechanical engineering
• etc.

Power range:

• Standard versions for torques from 200 Nm to 4,300 Nm and for shaft diameters up to 80 mm

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Torsionally rigid couplings

Depending on the type, torsionally rigid couplings transmit the torque either in a backlash-free or non-backlash-free manner.

Shaft misalignments are compensated for and no damping of vibrations takes place. With these coupling types, extremely high torques can be transmitted.

Torsionally rigid, backlash-free couplings

Use:

• Servo drives for printing and paper machines
• Pump industry
• Glass processing machines
• Textile machines
• Machine tools
• Wood working machines

Power range:

• Standard versions for torques between 0.1 Nm and 330,000 Nm and for shaft diameters up to 400 mm

Torsionally rigid, non-backlash-free couplings

Use:

• Heavy industry (all-steel)
• Hydraulic industry
• Lifting devices
• General mechanical engineering

Power range:

• Standard versions for torques between 5 Nm and 2,750,000 Nm and for shaft diameters up to 520 mm

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Torsionally flexible couplings

Depending on the type, torsionally flexible couplings transmit the torque either in a backlash-free or non-backlash-free manner.

Shaft misalignments are compensated for, and the damping element absorbs light and medium shocks/vibrations.

Torsionally flexible, backlash-free couplings

Use:

• Servo and positioning drives
• Machine tools
• Measurement, control, and regulation systems
• etc.

Power range:

• Standard versions for torques between 0.2 Nm and 5,850 Nm and for shaft diameters up to 110 mm

Torsionally flexible, non-backlash-free couplings

Use:

• Heavy industry
• General mechanical engineering
• etc.

Power range:

• Standard versions for torques between 1 Nm and 35,000 Nm and for shaft diameters up to 200 mm

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Highly flexible couplings

For non-backlash-free torque transmission with excellent damping properties. Damping element absorbs heavy shocks and vibrations, suitable for blind mounting.

Use:

• For use with internal combustion engines
• Mobile hydraulics

Power range:

• Standard versions for torques between 40 Nm and 45,000 Nm and for shaft diameters up to 180 mm

We would be glad to come up with a concept tailored to your requirements and your machine. Naturally, special designs are also possible.