Shaft couplings for demanding applications at MachineBuilding.South

The primary role of shaft couplings is, of course, to transfer rotation motion and torque from a driving source (such as a motor) to the driven component, including gearboxes and pumps. But they also offer functions such as misalignment compensation, shock and vibration damping, and overload protection.

When correctly specified, a coupling protects machinery from damage, reduces maintenance and supports long-term reliability. When poorly matched, however, it can instead increase wear, generate vibration and cause costly downtime.

Achieving perfect alignment under real-world conditions is extremely rare. Foundations settle, bearings wear and temperature changes cause expansion, all of which create misalignment between the driving and driven shafts. Even small deviations can place additional stress on components, accelerate bearing wear and shorten service life.

As such, a coupling that can accommodate this movement is essential. The Atra-Flex coupling from Tsubaki (Stand 72) features a design which allows motion in all three planes without compromising torque performance, protecting connected shafts and bearings from excessive loads and extending the lifespan of the entire drive system.

The Atra-Flex coupling combines high torque capacity with superior flexibility. Capable of handling angular, parallel and axial misalignment, it helps preserve the integrity of connected equipment and maintain smooth, efficient power transmission, even in demanding environments.

Best known for its planetary gearboxes, Apex Dynamics(Stand 89) has recently introduced a range of zero backlash, precision couplings. Available in both elastomer and disc variants, with a wide variety of input and output configurations, each coupling is machined to order, ensuring it meets every customer's precise application needs, with delivery guaranteed in just 2-3 weeks. Designed to meet the highest standards of performance and adaptability, the zero backlash precision couplings expand Apex Dynamics UK's portfolio beyond servo gearboxes and rack and pinion systems.

According to Apex Dynamics, the new elastomer and disc couplings are a direct response to customer demand. Many of the companies purchasing its gearboxes have complained about not being able to find the right size, quality and range of couplings to meet their needs, or that can be delivered fast.

Apex Dynamics couplings are made to the company's high production standards. Each coupling is bored to order and configured by specialists, meeting customers' exact specifications and ensuring the correct fit every time. The new range has been designed with easy axial installation in mind, making setup quick and efficient.

Coupling dramatically reduces service time

ABSSAC (Stand 39) has unveiled the Servoflex SFU, a next-generation disc pack coupling designed to remove one of the most persistent pain points in high-speed machinery: maintenance downtime.

In environments where uptime is critical, traditional couplings often hide significant costs, demanding hours of labour for what should be routine servicing. The SFU challenges this norm with an innovative drop-out design that dramatically reduces service time while preserving precision.

In many high-speed spindle assemblies and automated test rigs, even minor interventions such as replacing a motor or bearing can escalate into a major operation. Conventional couplings typically require complete removal from the shaft, forcing technicians to dismantle surrounding housings, rely on heavy pullers to release press-fit components, and then spend considerable time realigning the system to regain accuracy. The disruption is costly, both in labour and lost production.

The Servoflex SFU addresses this bottleneck through a separable, modular architecture. Its central disc pack can be detached independently, while the hubs remain fixed securely on the shafts. This seemingly simple change transforms maintenance procedures. Components can be replaced quickly by dropping out the centre section, original alignment is preserved because the hubs never move, and accessible modular bolts remove the need for heat or specialist pulling tools. What once took hours of careful disassembly and re-alignment can now be completed in minutes, with far less risk of shaft or component damage.

For its part, REICH Drive Systems (Stand 12) is highlighting the versatile Multi Mont Sella power transmission coupling. As the name suggests, this modular coupling can be configured in different mounting configurations utilising flanges and shaft hubs, with different shaft fixing options - for example bored and keyed, taper lock, shaft locking and clamping elements.