What is coupling? The beating heart of power transfer in industry !
In the fast-paced world of industry, couplings act as the beating heart and are responsible for the vital transmission of torque and rotational speed from one part to another. These hardworking companions, as mechanical mediators, connect shafts and axles and play a pivotal role in the operation of machines and equipment. In this article, we begin a journey into the world of couplings and discover the secrets of these power transmission levers, from their definition and application to their structure and price.
types of couplings
In this article, we briefly introduce the types of couplings, and you can read more details in the comprehensive article on types of couplings.
- Rigid couplings: this model of parts are actually designed for high precision and products with no displacement. If we want to be more precise, this model connects two axes directly to each other, provided that there is no movement or flexibility between them.
- Magnetic couplings: This model is actually suitable for applications that require complete separation of two axes from each other, such as pumps and fans. More precisely, in fact, these types of couplings use magnetic fields to transfer torque between two axes.
- Hydraulic couplings: This type also uses oil or hydraulic fluid to transfer torque between two axles. These hydraulic parts are suitable for applications that require high torque and low speed.
- Receiver coupling: These types of parts we are discussing are suitable for applications that need to be moved due to unevenness or misalignment between two axes. In fact, this type can compensate axial, angular or radial displacement between two axes.
What is coupling ?
First of all, let us take a quick and comprehensive look at these parts and check what they are used for. A coupling is a type of mechanical interface that connects two axles or shafts and allows them to rotate with each other. These efficient assistants are available in a wide range of sizes, torques and speeds and are used in various industries, including agriculture, mining, steel, textile, paper and printing, petrochemical, etc.
In more detail, we have to deal with all 4 industrial and basic applications of these power transmission parts one by one!
- Connecting two coaxial axes: In this case, two axes that are in the same direction are locked and connected by a so-called coupling.
- Connecting two axes with an angle:Â in this case, when two axes create an angle other than 180 degrees, a special coupling can be placed between them and connect them.
- Connection of two axes with axial displacement: in this case, two axes are located in the same direction, but they can be moved in their direction. Sliding or telescopic model of couplings can connect these two axes.
- Connecting two axes with different speeds: Sometimes, two axes are in the same direction, but rotate at different speeds. There are special clutch or hydraulic couplings that are responsible for connecting this special model of two-axis power transmission.
Coupling structure and components
The structure of couplings is different based on the type of application and their performance. However, in general, a coupling consists of the following components:
- Shell or body:Â The body actually includes two axes and is responsible for transmitting torque and engine speed.
- Connecting parts:Â Connecting parts are parts that connect two axles inside the machine. These elements can be of different materials such as metal, plastic, rubber, etc.
- Bearings: Bearings are responsible for reducing friction and smoothing the movement between two axes inside the inner shell.
- Caulking! :Â The part we call the Structural work also prevents dust, moisture and other contaminants from entering the coupling.
The basic steps of choosing the right coupling
Choosing the right coupling plays a key role in the optimal and safe operation of devices. In this regard, it is necessary to pay attention to the following points:
- Type of application:Â To choose the best model of these parts, the first point is to pay attention to your needs! The type of application of these parts can be different according to the four models we mentioned earlier.
- Torque and engine speed:Â One of the most important factors that we can answer the question of ( which coupling is the best ? ) is the torque and engine speed tolerance of these parts. The coupling must be able to withstand the torque and engine speed required for that application. Try to use high speed coupling for important work.
- Size:Â The coupling must match the size of the shafts and the available space in the machine. You can better understand this parameter when choosing and buying ; Take a look at the coupling size chart.
- Material:Â The material you choose should be selected according to the environmental conditions and the type of application.
- Price:Â Finally, the price! In purchasing these industrial parts, the budget of the project should be considered and the best purchase should be made with the desired budget. Sometimes you buy a product with a high cost and many options, but in practice many of those options are not useful to you, especially when buying these products, be sure to pay attention to the material, torque, speed, environment, size and type of coupling.
Tips for maintenance and care of these parts
These parts, like any other device, need regular maintenance and care to work properly and increase their lifespan. Some important points in the maintenance and care of couplings are:
- Regular inspection: According to the comments of users recorded by our experts in the shop over the last few years, the problem of failure of ninety percent of these parts after the inspections of our experts is not periodic and timely inspection of these parts.
- Lubrication:Â You should regularly pay attention to the oil level and internal slippage of these products, which are highly vulnerable to wear in high speeds.
- Adjustment: These parts and their angles should be adjusted regularly and periodically according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Replacement of parts:Â you must replace the coupling parts if needed and if you see the slightest wear, crushing or even slight damage.
