subject: What Are The Factors To Choose Right Gear Couplings? [print this page] Gear couplings are the mechanical components that join two shafts in order to enhance their efficiencies and also to protect them against wear and tear. The flexible gear couplings are the most common type of coupling with flexible joints that are fixed to two different shafts. The two joints are joined together by another component called spindle. One of the main functions of couplings is to transfer torque from one shaft to another, especially when the two shafts are misaligned.
There are many factors that must be taken into account while choosing the right coupling for different gear systems. The following sections discuss these factors:
Types of Gear Couplings
Fist of all, you must know about different types of gear couplings to choose the one suiting your requirements. The main types of couplings include:
Flexible gear couplings that are easy to install, require no lubrication and offer noise free operation.
Solid and magnetic couplings that are used for the transmission of torque between two shafts.
Grid couplings that have the capacity to bend and compensate for the loading produced due to misalignment.
Chain couplings that join two sprockets at the ends of two shafts.
Type of Application
Gear couplings are employed in numerous applications. However, they might differ in terms of design and functionality to cater to these applications. Here are some examples:
Half gear couplings are used in applications that require floating shafts.
Shear pin gear couplings are used in the applications where the transmitted torque needs to be limited.
Wheel assembly couplings are used in vehicles to allow the free movement of wheel assembly.
Type of Misalignment
Another way of selecting the couplings for gear systems is to consider the type of misalignment between the two shafts that must be corrected. Parallel misalignment between two shafts requires different type of couplings than the shafts with combination misalignment or angular misalignment.
Other Factors
Gear couplings must be chosen to withstand a specified temperature range. Operating conditions of the gear systems might change with time. So, the couplings must be flexible enough to withstand the changing conditions. Finally, the torque ratings must be taken into account to choose the couplings that bear the required torque value.
Gear couplings must be purchased from a reliable manufacturer or dealer. These are the critical components for various systems to work properly and should be purchased keeping in mind the required properties.
