In this first installment of a weekly 3-part series on flexible vs rigid couplings, R+W America’s Andy Lechner shares his insight into the best options for different applications. This excerpt was taken from Lechner’s presentation during the Design World Webinar, Flexible vs Rigid Couplings. Quick disclaimer, R&W is not a manufacturer of rigid couplings. Obviously, […]
How does spring stiffness affect couplings selection?
By Zak Khan Spring stiffness affects couplings in a few ways. Because many couplings act as springs or use the concepts behind springs in their construction and operation, spring stiffness affects their selection. When a coupling experiences a load in a direction that places it in tension or compression, its spring stiffness comes into effect. […]
Coupling rebuild service makes old couplings like new
Ameridrives Rebuild Service can refurbish old, worn couplings for less than the cost of a new replacement coupling. The rebuild service applies to all Ameridrives couplings including Ameridisc, Ameriflex and Amerigear high performance, high speed couplings used primarily on turbomachinery, compressor and pump applications in the power generation, oil & gas and marine industries. Other […]
How do you select a coupling when you expect heavy and percussive loads?
By Zak Khan When engineers are selecting couplings for heavy and percussive loads, there are a few design considerations to keep in mind. These include the type of coupling, the operating conditions and the spacing of the various couplings and shafts. When considering the ends of couplings, the end that carries the load or otherwise […]
Motion systems application examples: Shaft collars and where they work
By Mike Santora Shaft collars are part of nearly all types of moving machinery—including designs for mechanical, medical, aerospace, automotive and industrial industries. In electric-motor-driven designs, they’re most common at the gearbox and motor assemblies. Shaft collars satisfy three basic functions: set shaft position space components on shafts limit shaft movement As such, they commonly […]
Motion systems application examples: Couplings
By Mike Santora Couplings are simple yet precisely engineered devices that connect shafts to transmit torque and compensate for misalignments. But many variations of coupling designs exist to complement machine dynamics and meet specific application criteria. Couplings are either torsionally rigid or flexible. Flexible couplings compensate for misalignments, while rigid designs handle drive components already […]
Why are tightening torques and fitting tolerances important for couplings?
By Zak Khan Couplings and bearings must mount to components in a system. Because of this, they come with tolerances and assembly concerns. Tolerances refer to manufacturing tolerances and tolerances in installation and mounting. Tightening torque refers to couplings that screw onto shafts or other components in a system. Tightening torque is the torque required […]
What role does resonant frequency play in selecting a bellows coupling?
Updated May 2019 || Resonant frequency or natural frequency is a concern when selecting bellows couplings. If not considered, an otherwise sound coupling choice may perform poorly. That is because excitation of a system or component resonant frequency left unchecked (or unconsidered in the design of a system) may cause significant vibration and (with time) […]
How do you select a bellows coupling?
By Zak Khan Selecting a bellows coupling involves considering a few important factors. These include torque, degree and type of misalignment and the level of extension and compression the bellows coupling experiences. We also must consider the operating temperature range in which the bellows coupling is expected to be used. Torque is the primary concern […]
When and why should you use a bellows coupling?
By Zak Khan Bellows couplings are most useful when connecting two components that experience perpendicular displacement about their shafts or components that undergo axial displacement often induced by thermal changes. Bellows couplings are torsionally rigid, so they can transfer rotation, but are laterally flexible, to accommodate misalignments. They have low moments of inertia and often […]