Coupling technology

Elastic coupling: Absorbs shocks, damping vibrations, and compensates for minor alignment errors (radial, axial, angular). Examples: dog clutch, belt clutch, pin clutch. Choice for most drive applications. Adepending on the type in both flash-resistant and flash-proof versions

A torsionally rigid coupling is designed to transmit torque as directly and precisely as possible, with minimal twisting and damping. This results in a stiff, precise drive but places high demands on alignment and vibration control. Examples: Gear coupling, Grid coupling, Multi-plate coupling, Barrel coupling, Chain coupling, Cardan coupling, and for smaller applications, Servo couplings.

In addition, there are also rigid couplings which, as the name suggests, connect shafts rigidly, without twisting or flexibility.

Four errors to be corrected:

• Radial offset (parallel shift): axes parallel but not on the same line.
• Angular misalignment: axes are at an angle to each other.
• Axial play: shafts too far apart or too close together.
• Combination: most common in practice.

💡 Rule of thumb: the remaining alignment error must not exceed 50% of the maximum compensation value of the coupling.

A metal bellows coupling is the right choice if:

• High positioning accuracy is required (virtually backlash-free)
• Dynamic loads are present (servo drives, robots)
• Alignment errors are small but present
• Little damping capacity is needed

Not suitable for large shocks or major alignment errors; in that case, use an elastic coupling.

In explosive environments (zone 0, 1, 2 or 20, 21, 22), couplings must not produce sparks. ATEX-certified couplings are:

• Manufactured from non-sparking materials or provided with a special coating
• Tested at maximum surface temperature (e.g. T4 = max. 135°C)
• Provided with an EU type-examination certificate (Directive 2014/34/EU)

💡 Aandrijftechniek.nl is ISO-certified and supplies ATEX-certified couplings for fire- and explosion-sensitive locations.

• Switch off the machine completely and lock the power source (LOTO procedure).
• Remove the hub retaining ring or retaining bolt on both hub halves.
• Slide the hub halves slightly axially apart.
• Remove the elastic element (spider) — gently pull or lift it out.
• Check the hub halves for wear or damage to the calipers.
• Install the new element — note: the Shore hardness determines the damping characteristic.
• Slide the hubs back and check the alignment again.

• Or in the case of a QuickFlex claw coupling, for example:

  • Remove the cover, replace the elastic element, place and reassemble the cover.
  • With this version, disassembling the hubs and realigning is not necessary, and it is very “Quick”

There are so many different types of shaft couplings because every drive has different requirements. Main reasons:

• Type of load
  Gentle, even load vs. heavy jolts or start/stop.
  Sometimes a stiff clutch is desired, sometimes a strongly damping one.
• Alignment errors
  Not every installation is perfectly aligned.
  Some couplings can accommodate significant angular, radial, or axial misalignment errors, while others can hardly accommodate any.
• Torsional stiffness and accuracy
  Precision/servo drives require torsionally rigid couplings (accurate positioning).
  Pumps, fans, and standard motors can often be equipped with elastic couplings.
• Environment and medium
  High temperature, corrosive environment, ATEX, maritime, hygienic (food), etc.
  This determines the choice of material (steel, stainless steel, composite, rubber, PU).
• Rotational speed and torque
  High rotational speeds require dynamically balanced clutches.
  Very high torques, in turn, require robust, often larger or toothed couplings.
• Installation space and mounting
  Limited space, vertical arrangement, hard-to-reach places.
  Some couplings are specifically designed for quick installation or replacement without disassembling shafts.
• Safety and protection
  Overload protection (shear pin, slip clutch) versus “rigid transmission”.
  Some clutches protect the machine by slipping or shutting off in the event of overload.

Due to all these variables, there is no “one size fits all” coupling; therefore, there is a wide spectrum of types, each optimized for a specific application area. This is precisely why you buy couplings fromaandrijvingtechniek.nl, because you benefit from in-depth drive technology knowledge, an enormously broad and brand-independent range, fast delivery times, expert tailored advice, and reliable service from design to aftercare.