Couplings
Products
Shaft couplings – efficient couplings for all applications
Otto Olsen has extensive experience in supplying shaft couplings to the technical industry in Norway. We work with leading European manufacturers to offer a diverse range of reliable quality products. With a warehouse in Skedsmokorset and the possibility of tailor-made solutions, we deliver quickly and according to your needs.
What are shaft couplings?
Shaft couplings, or couplings, are mechanical components that transmit power from one shaft to another, or from a flywheel to a shaft. Their main function is to transmit torque, but they also have the important property of introducing flexibility into the system. They are therefore often referred to as “flexible shaft couplings” or simply “flexible couplings”. The flexibility reduces unnecessary stresses that can lead to breakage, increased wear or damage to adjacent components such as bearings, shafts and gears.
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Elastic couplings
Elastic couplings are specifically designed to reduce vibrations and shock loads that can occur during operation. They typically consist of two metal hubs and an elastic element, often made of materials such as polyurethane (PU) or rubber. The elastic element acts as a buffer, absorbing shocks and allowing a certain degree of flexibility in the system. This makes them ideal for use in applications where operating conditions can vary.
Examples of elastic couplings:
- Spidex coupling
A compact coupling with good damping properties, it can withstand high speeds and has good resistance to chemicals and demanding environments. This gives the coupling a very wide range of applications.
- Omega coupling
A highly elastic coupling with a large elastic element in polyurethane. This provides very good damping properties, good chemical resistance and a long service life. The design is such that the element can be evaluated without dismantling the coupling, and any replacements can be made without dismantling or moving the machinery.
- Spidex coupling: A compact coupling with excellent damping properties and easy assembly. It is often used in smaller applications where flexibility and vibration damping are a priority.
- Omega coupling: This coupling is known for its large elastic element that provides better damping properties and can withstand higher shock loads. It is used in heavier applications where vibration damping is critical.
Wrist joints
For applications where high torques are required or where materials such as rubber and PU are not desirable, torsional couplings are used. They are still flexible in terms of shaft alignment, and with the correct placement and spacing of the flexible units, they can accommodate relatively large deviations.
Examples of wrist joints:
- EscoDisc (Steel disc clutch)
These are made up of several steel slats that transmit the torque. The slats allow for small angular errors and axial movements, which makes them very flexible and at the same time precise.
- EscoGear (Bowtooth coupling)
These couplings have curved teeth that provide great flexibility and allow for deviations in shaft alignment. They are often used in demanding industrial applications.
- Steel lamellar couplings: These are made up of several steel slats that transmit the torque. The slats allow for small angular errors and axial movements, which makes them very flexible and at the same time precise.
- Arc tooth couplings (EscoGear): These couplings have curved teeth that provide great flexibility and allow for deviations in shaft alignment. They are often used in demanding industrial applications.
Rigid shaft couplings
As mentioned, one of the tasks of a shaft coupling is to introduce some flexibility into the system. At the same time, there is sometimes a need for a completely rigid connection of two shafts. This functions more like a shaft joint than a connection between two shafts. Such situations are often repairs of long shafts where it is very expensive to replace the entire shaft. This can sometimes be solved with what is called a cup coupling or a flange coupling. Otto Olsen carries flange couplings from Esco Couplings.
Examples of rigid couplings:
- EscoGear FRR: same flange geometry as all EscoGear couplings, but consists of two fixed hubs
- Bowl coupling: single bolted axle joint
- Steel lamellar couplings: These are made up of several steel slats that transmit the torque. The slats allow for small angular errors and axial movements, which makes them very flexible and at the same time precise.
- Arc tooth couplings (EscoGear): These couplings have curved teeth that provide great flexibility and allow for deviations in shaft alignment. They are often used in demanding industrial applications.
Factors to consider when choosing a coupling
When selecting shaft couplings, there are several factors that should be considered to ensure optimal performance and durability in your system:
- Forces and torque: make sure the coupling can handle the maximum forces in the system.
- Rotation speed: higher speeds often require precise and well-balanced couplings.
- Physical limitations: Space constraints can influence the choice of coupling design and size.
- Fail-safe or not: some couplings are designed to continue transmission even if the elastic elements fail.
- Ease of maintenance: Easy access to wear parts and minimal maintenance are often an advantage.
- Price: Costs must be weighed against performance and lifespan.
- Food approved: For food production or the pharmaceutical industry, specific materials and designs that are certified for hygienic environments are required.
- ATEX certification: In explosive environments, such as in the chemical industry or oil and gas production, couplings must comply with ATEX directives to ensure safe operation in explosive atmospheres.
We also have metal and spring dampers that can withstand high loads, as well as special dampers for unique requirements. Whatever the need, we can deliver solutions that meet the highest demands for quality and functionality.
- Puffers: For continuous small shocks and general damping. Provides flexible absorption of energy
- Impact dampers: For strong shocks and stoppage of movement. Protects in case of maximum movement or sudden stop.
- Machine shoes: Combines vibration damping and stabilization for machines, ideal for hard surfaces such as concrete floors
- Ceiling and wall suspension: Reduces vibrations in technical installations and buildings
- Leveling bolts: Ensures accurate height adjustment and precise positioning of machines, especially in demanding environments
- Sleeve elements, sandwich dampers and cone bearings: For demanding environments and specialized needs.
- Damping rails: Flexible solutions for customized layouts.
Advantages of vibration dampers
- Reduction of vibrations in production equipment for increased precision and durability.
- Protection of vehicles and machines against harmful vibration and shock
- Vibration damping for engines and generators that ensures comfort and safety
- Effective damping in tractors and implements exposed to demanding conditions
Vibration dampers for demanding environments
- Industry
- Construction
- Marine
- Agriculture
- Electronics
Vibration dampers for demanding environments
Industry and production: Vibration dampers such as machine shoes and buffers are used to reduce vibrations in machines, improve precision and ensure stable operation in production environments.
Marine and offshore: Stainless and acid-resistant vibration dampers withstand damp and corrosive conditions, and are ideal for use on ships, offshore platforms and in maritime applications.
Construction: Vibration dampers such as impact dampers and cone bearings protect equipment and constructions against shocks and vibrations, which extends their service life and ensures safe operation on construction sites.
Agriculture: Dampers adapted to vibrations from agricultural machinery provide better comfort and reduce wear and tear on the equipment, even under demanding conditions in the field.
Chemical environments: Acid-resistant vibration dampers withstand exposure to chemicals and aggressive substances, making them perfect for process industries and chemical installations.
Temperature-exposed environments: High-temperature-resistant dampers provide reliable vibration damping in hot environments such as near furnaces and motors.
Humid environments: Vibration dampers with stainless steel parts ensure a long service life and corrosion resistance in cold stores and other moist environments.
Get in touch or explore our online store
At Otto Olsen we offer a wide range of shaft couplings to suit most types of applications. In addition, we have a large stock of spare parts and wear parts to ensure minimal downtime and high efficiency in your system. Please contact our transmission department for advice and guidance – we will help you find the right solution for your needs!
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Do you have any questions?
Send us a message or contact the department directly if you want help finding the solution that is right for you.