Couplings

A shaft coupling is an element used to connect two shafts in various equipment. This connection can be rigid, flexible or elastic. In the case of flexible shaft couplings, the connection can be done by friction (e.g. clamping hub) or by shape (e.g. key). They transmit torque as well as the rotation speed.

Manufacturing tolerances, assembly errors or temperature fluctuations in applications are part of everyday life in mechanical engineering. To compensate these, flexible couplings are needed for axial, angular or parallel misalignments compensation. There is also a distinction between backlash-free couplings and couplings with backlash. In the case of backlash-free couplings, they are torsional rigid during startup and thus transmit the force directly, and in the case of couplings with backlash, there is an elastic connection, which is torsional flexible to a certain limited and is referred to as coupling with backlash.

When two shafts are to be connected, it can sometimes be a challenge to center them. Due to deviations that occur during operation, temperature influences or wear of shaft bearings, the centering of shafts can be affected. Miki Pulley offers the right coupling for every type of shaft connection to overcome these challenges.

There are a variety of different couplings to connect shafts:
Disc pack couplings: high torsional stiffness, extremely low inertia, high response, easy to remove, wide range of variations, no backlash, high torque, high-precision assembly.
Jaw couplings: high damping characteristics, high flexibility, high torque, easy to mount and remove, wide range of variations
Elastic couplings: no backlash, high response, high flexibility, easy to mount and remove, high damping characteristics
Sliced couplings: high torsional stiffness, wide range of variations, high accurate mounting, no backlash, high speed
Oldham couplings: no backlash, high torsional stiffness, low inertia, easy to mount and remove, long service life
Rigid couplings: no backlash, high torsional stiffness, high torque
Cross joint couplings: high torsional stiffness, high flexibility, high damping characteristics, easy to mount and remove
Bellows couplings: high flexibility, high damping characteristics, no backlash
Baumannflex: high flexibility, high torque, stainless steel

With a one-piece shaft, the entire shaft must be replaced in the event of wear or damage. For this reason, a one-piece shaft is generally not used in drive technology and shaft couplings are used to connect the drives. The couplings connect a drive shaft to an output shaft, forming a connection with the flexibility that meets the requirements. The use of shaft couplings allows several bearing positions to be included in a drive unit and the shaft lengths to be shortened. This protects the motor bearings and possible drive failures.

Shaft couplings are used in all areas of mechanical drive technology. They are used in connection with servo, stepper or induction motors, with rotary encoders as well as with conventional motors. The variety of industries also knows no limits here. Wherever a shaft rotates, a shaft coupling is generally used. Whether in medical technology, toolmaking, machine building, automation or robotics.

With the SFC series from our Servoflex line, for example, steel disc couplings have been developed for high speeds, exact positioning and extremely precise control of servo motors. The STARFLEX coupling, on the other hand, has a simple design with two hubs and a flexible elastomer element at its core. There are three types of elements, available in different hardness and fit. The AL jaw coupling also has a flexible element made of NBR plastic with special damping properties that characterize this coupling. Its simple design and attractive price make it a proven alternative.
Among others we offer ex works Germany disc couplings, jaw couplings, Oldham couplings or sliced couplings. For high torque in smallest installation space we also sell rigid couplings made of steel and stainless steel.
Furthermore, Miki Pulley offers a variety of shaft couplings with different possibilities to connect two shafts. In addition, there is a wide range of options for many shaft couplings, such as tapered shafts, special lengths or models with keyways.

Let us provide you with a personal consultation today. We look forward to being in contact with you!