Couplings are mechanical devices used to connect two rotating shafts, allowing them to transmit torque and rotational motion. They are used in a wide range of industrial applications to join two shafts together while permitting some degree of misalignment or end movement. Couplings can be classified into two fundamental categories: Material Flexing Couplings and Mechanical Flexing Couplings. Material flexing couplings don’t require lubrication, except for grid couplings.  The mechanical flexing couplings acknowledge misalignment from rocking, rolling or sliding of metal surfaces. All metal mechanical flexing couplings require lubrication.  In this article, we will discuss the different types of couplings falling under each category.

What are Material Flexing Couplings?

Material flexing couplings obtain their flexibility from stretching or compressing a flexible material, such as rubber or from the flexing of thin metallic discs or grid. These couplings typically do not require lubrication except for grid couplings. They work in shear or compression and can accept angular, parallel, and axial misalignment.

Jaw Couplings

Jaw couplings are a type of material flexing couplings that transmit torque through the pressure of an elastomeric insect addition placed between two intermeshing jaws. They are commonly used for torsional hosing (vibration) and are ideal for low torque, general-purpose applications. Jaw couplings accommodate misalignment and have a flex component that is usually made of NBR, polyurethane, Hytrel, or bronze.

Sleeve Couplings

Sleeve couplings transmit low to medium torque between connected equipment in shear through an elastomeric insert with male splines that mate with female hub splines. They are typically used for moderate misalignment and have slight hub freedom for end drift. The insert material is usually EPDM, Neoprene, or Hytrel, and the insert can be a one or two-piece design.

Tyre Couplings

Tyre couplings are another type of material flexing couplings that have an elastic or polyurethane component connected to two hubs, which transmit torque in shear. They have a high misalignment capacity and are easy to assemble without moving hubs or connected equipment. Tyre couplings are ideal for moderate to high-speed operation and running and have a wide range of torque capacity. They also reduce the transmission of shock loads or vibration.

Disc Couplings

Disc couplings transmit torque through flexing disc elements. They work through tension and compression of chorded segments on a common bolt circle shot on the opposite side between the drive and driven side. Disc couplings are usually composed of two hubs, two disc packs, and a center member. They allow angular parallel and hub misalignment, are a true restricted end-float design, and have a zero backlash design. Single-disc packs can accommodate precise and axial misalignment, while two-disc packs are designed to accommodate parallel misalignment.

Diaphragm Couplings

Diaphragm couplings use a single or a series of plates or diaphragms for the flexible members. They transmit torque from the outside diameter of an adaptable plate to the inside diameter over the spool or spacer piece, and then from inside to the outside diameter. Diaphragm couplings allow angular, parallel, and high axial misalignments and are used in high torque, high-speed applications.

What are Mechanical Flexing Couplings?

Mechanical flexing couplings accept misalignment from shaking, rolling, or sliding of metal surfaces. All metal mechanical flexing couplings require lubrication. Some examples of mechanical flexing couplings are grid, gear, and roller chain couplings.

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