Why is flexible coupling Better?

21 Apr.,2025

 

Flexible Couplings- Best Flexible Coupling Manufacturer


Flexible couplings are utilized to transmit torque starting with one shaft then onto the next when the two shafts are marginally misaligned.

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Flexible couplings can oblige fluctuating degrees of misalignment up to 3° and some parallel misalignment. Likewise, they can also be utilized for vibration damping or noise reduction.

A coupling intended to permit a constrained precise movement between the axis of two waveguides.

Why are flexible couplings?

A flexible coupling exists to transmit control (torque) starting with one shaft then onto the next; to make up for minor measures of misalignment; and, in specific cases, to give protective functions.

Thus, industrial power transmission regularly calls for adaptable as opposed to rigid couplings.

At the point when the opportunity arrives to indicate substitutions for flexible couplings, it’s human nature to take a simple way and just discover something comparable, if not identical, to the coupling that failed, possibly applying a couple of larger than average fudge components to be moderate.

Too often, however, this training welcomes a repeat disappointment or costly system damage.

The wiser methodology is, to begin with, the assumption that the past coupling failed because in light of the fact that it was the wrong sort for that application.

Taking time to decide the correct kind of coupling is worthwhile even if it confirms the past design.

However, it may lead you to something very surprising that will work better and last more.

In simple words, it can be said Flexible couplings are used to transmit torque from one shaft to another when the two shafts are slightly misaligned.

In this example, the test fixture is using a torque transducer as torque senor for measuring torque. In this example, the flexible couplings are used to connect the motor and torque sensor with the workpiece.

These two couplings need to minimize any misalignment error since the torque sensor needs to lay as flat as possible. They also need to protect the sensor from overloading.

Major characteristic of the flexible couplings are very low or zero backlash, good torsion rigidity as good lateral and angular misalignment capabilities making them suitable for various applications.

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Estimating and choice

The rich variety of accessible flexible couplings gives a wide scope of execution tradeoffs. While choosing among them, oppose the compulsion to exaggerate administration factors.

Coupling administration factors are planned to make up for the variety of torque loads typical of various driven systems and to accommodate sensible service life of the coupling.

Whenever picked too moderately, they can misguide choice; raise coupling expenses to pointless dimensions, and even welcome damage somewhere else in the system.

Keep in mind that properly chosen couplings more often than not should break before something progressively costly does if the system is over-burden, inappropriately worked, or some way or another drift out of spec.

Deciding the correct sort of adaptable coupling begins with profiling the application as pursues:

• Prime mover type-electric engine, diesel motor, other

• Real torque requirements of the determined side of the system, as opposed to the rated horsepower of the prime mover – note the scope of variable torque coming about because of cyclical or erratic loading, “assuming the worst possible scenario” startup loading, and the measure of beginning quit switching action basic common during normal operation

• Vibration, both linear and torsional

• Shaft sizes, keyway sizes, and the desired fit among shaft and bore

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• Shaft-to-shaft misalignment

• Axial (in/out) shaft movement, distance, and some other space-related limitations.

• Ambient conditions

Read More: What is Rigid Coupling and its Applications?

In any case, even after these fundamental specialized details are identified, other selection criteria ought to be considered:

Is the simplicity of getting together or establishment a thought? Will maintenance issues, for example, lubrication or periodic review be adequate?

Are the elements field-replaceable or does the entire coupling must be replaced in case of a disappointment?

How inherently well-adjusted is the coupling structure for the speeds of a specific application?

Is there kickback or free play between the parts of the coupling?

Can the equipment tolerate much reactionary burden forced by the coupling because of misalignment?

Keep in mind that each flexible coupling configuration has qualities and shortcomings and related tradeoffs. The key is to discover the structure most appropriate to your application and budget.

Applications:

At first, flexible couplings separate into two essential groups, metallic and elastomeric.

Metallic types utilize freely fitted parts that roll or slide against one another or, on the other hand, non-moving parts that bend to take up misalignment.

Elastomeric types, then again, gain flexibility from resilient, non-moving, elastic or plastic elements transmitting torque between metallic hubs.

Read More: Applications of Spider Star Jaw Couplings

Types of Flexible Couplings:

Most little to medium size couplings are fundamentally one of three kinds.

Universal Joints

A general joint is a linkage comprising of two yokes, one on each shaft, connected by the spider. Since universal joints are much of the time utilized, a different segment is given to them following this segment.

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Rigid vs Flexible Couplings - Tameson.com

Rigid vs Flexible Couplings for Industrial Applications

Industrial applications regularly use rigid and flexible couplings to connect shafts. These couplings transfer torque from one shaft to another. Rigid shafts transfer more torque but require no misalignment between the shafts. Flexible couplings allow for some misalignment, typically up to 5° in parallel, axial, or angular directions. This article provides an overview of rigid and flexible couplings and offers example applications for each type.

Types of rigid and flexible couplings

There are various types of rigid and flexible couplings within industrial applications. It is important to first understand the application requirements to then know what parameters to look for in a coupling. The overview below is not a complete list, but gives an overview of the common types.

Rigid couplings

Rigid couplings connect shafts that are perfectly aligned. These couplings cannot compensate for misalignment during operation but can transfer higher torques. They are simple and cost-effective couplings and come in a variety of styles that make them application specific:

  • Flanged couplings: Flanged couplings consist of two separate flange ends that bolt together. These couplings can handle heavy loads and have diameters larger than 200 mm (8 in). Flanged couplings can connect shafts of different diameters.
  • Ribbed couplings: Also called clamp couplings, ribbed couplings connect shafts of the same diameter. These couplings are split through the center along their length. The two coupling pieces fit over the ends of two shafts to join them together. Then the coupling's two pieces are joined with bolts. These couplings are easy to install and are suitable for medium to high speeds.
  • Sleeve couplings: Sleeve couplings are simple to use and install. The shaft ends insert into opposing ends of the sleeve, and set screws tighten the sleeve coupling to the shafts. These couplings are suitable for light to medium-duty applications.

Flexible couplings

Flexible couplings operate similarly to rigid couplings, transmitting torque from one shaft to another so both shafts move in unison. The primary difference is that flexible couplings allow for some misalignment between the two shafts in an angular, parallel, or axial direction. Some couplings allow for misalignment in a combination of directions.

  • Set screw couplings: A set screw coupling (Figure 1) connects two shafts together at their ends for the purpose of transmitting power. It contains one or more set screws that tighten against the shafts to secure them in place and prevent slippage. The spiral cuts around the coupling's body allow for slight flexibility.
  • Gear couplings: Gear couplings transmit the most torque of any flexible coupling. These couplings consist of two hubs with external gear teeth that are an external/internal pair. The flanks of the gear teeth are designed to allow for up to 4° to 5° of misalignment.
  • Jaw couplings: Jaw couplings are often used in continuously running electric motors. They handle angular misalignment up to 1 degree and parallel misalignment up to 0.015 inches. Jaw couplings are popular for being reliable, protective, and versatile.
  • Grid couplings: Grid couplings are notable for reducing up to 30% of vibrations and cushion shock in driving and driven power transmission equipment.
  • Roller chain couplings: Roller chain couplings are a cost-effective choice for high torque applications found in industries such as agricultural and mining. They permit approximately 2° of misalignment.

Selecting couplings for industrial applications

The following is an overview of industrial applications that use rigid or flexible couplings.

Rigid coupling applications

  • High-speed rotating machinery: Turbines, high-speed pumps, and compressors use rigid couplings. Precise alignment is necessary to prevent vibration which inhibits smooth operation.
  • Precision CNC machining: CNC machines use rigid couplings for accuracy and minimal backlash, which are both necessary for cutting, milling, and turning operations.
  • Robotics and automation: Automated machinery and robotic systems use rigid couplings for precise motion control and synchronization between multiple axes.
  • Power transmission systems: Heavy-duty power transmission applications use rigid couplings for high torque and shaft alignment.

Flexible coupling applications

  • Electric motor driven equipment: Electric motors have flexible couplings to connect to pumps, compressors, fans, and other driven equipment to reduce vibration transmissions.
  • Automotive industry: Drivetrains and suspension systems use flexible couplings to minimize vibrations and handle any misalignment caused by engine movements.
  • HVAC systems: HVAC systems use flexible couplings to connect motors to fans, blowers, and other equipment.
  • Marine and offshore applications: Marine propulsion systems, offshore drilling rigs, and ship-to-shore equipment use flexible couplings to handle misalignments caused by vessel movements.

FAQs

Why are flexible couplings preferred over rigid couplings?

Flexible couplings are preferred over rigid couplings for applications where misalignment between the shafts can occur.

Why use rigid coupling?

Use rigid coupling for applications in which there is no misalignment.