The variety of machine components available today creates a need for a variety of methods for coupling mechanical power transmission components. The shaft coupling, one of the most common elements in complex systems, is vitally important for properly transmitting power between various pieces of equipment. This type of Falk coupling is found in everything from conveyors to power generating facilities.
Couplings must not only connect two rotating shafts together, but they must also allow for misalignments of those shafts due to the tolerances involved in the fabrication and installation of machinery. Misalignments may be axial, parallel, angular or a combination of all three. Couplings may also provide for shock absorbing capacity, preventing sudden changes in load at startup or during operation from overloading and damaging the power transmission components.
To handle this broad array of power transmission needs, Falk has developed a variety of shaft couplings suited to a wide range of applications. The common types of Falk couplings available are:
Disc couplings.
The Thomas disc coupling consists of a series of steel discs arranged into a pack, connected to input and output shafts. The discs can flex, allowing for very high-speed operation with a degree of shaft misalignment. Advantages of this type of Falk coupling include high reliability, design for infinite life, and no lubrication requirement.
Elastomeric couplings.
These Falk couplings consist of an input and an output shaft, connected by an elastomeric element resembling a rubber doughnut. Advantages of elastomeric couplings include high parallel and angular misalignment capacity, no requirement for lubrication, and load shock absorbing. The elastomeric element may be split, allowing for easy replacement. Falk brand: Wrapflex.
Gear couplings.
These Falk couplings consist of an input and output shaft, each with a gear on the interior end, connected by a hollow outer shaft with internal gear teeth. The shaft gears are fabricated with a degree of backlash and with crowned teeth to allow for some rotation and misalignment of the two inner shafts within the outer shaft. The advantages of the gear coupling are high speed and torque capacities, lowest cost for many applications, and up to five degrees of angular misalignment in addition to axial and parallel misalignment. Falk brand: Lifelign.
Grid couplings.
These Falk couplings consist of an input and output shaft, each with a gear on the interior end, connected by a wire grid spring. The grid provides power transmission between the shafts while allowing for angular misalignment. The advantages of the grid coupling are easy maintenance, long periods between servicing, and wide applicability. Falk brand: Steelflex.
Posted under Tips and Tricks on Wednesday, October 26th, 2011