A coupling is a device used for connecting two shafts together at their ends for the purpose of transmitting power.
Couplings usually do not normally allow disconnection of shafts during operation, however right now there are torque limiting couplings which can slip or disconnect when some torque limit is exceeded.
The primary reason for couplings is to join two bits of rotating equipment while permitting some degree of misalignment or end motion or both.
By cautious selection, installation and maintenance of couplings, substantial savings can be manufactured in reduced maintenance costs and downtime.
3 primary types of couplings:
1. Rigid coupling a rigid coupling is normally a unit of hardware used to join two shafts within a electric motor or mechanical system. It could be used to connect two separate systems, like a engine and a generator, or even to repair a connection within an individual system. A rigid coupling may also be added between shafts to reduce shock and wear at the main point where the shafts meet.
When joining shafts within a machine, mechanics may select from flexible and rigid couplings. While flexible units give some movement and present between the shafts, rigid couplings will be the most reliable choice for precise alignment and secure hold. By exactly aligning both shafts and keeping them firmly set up, rigid couplings help maximize performance and increase the expected existence of the machine. These rigid couplings are available in two basic styles to fit the wants of different applications. Sleeve-style couplings are the least expensive and easiest to make use of. They consist of a single tube of materials with an inner size that’s equal in proportions to the shafts. The sleeve slips over the shafts so they fulfill in the center of the coupling. A series of set screws can be tightened therefore they touch the top of every shaft and hold them set up without passing all the way through the coupling.
Clamped or compression rigid couplings can be found in two parts and suit together around the shafts to create a sleeve. They offer more versatility than sleeved models, and can be utilized on shafts that are fixed in place. They generally are large enough so that screws can pass completely the coupling and into the second half to ensure a secure hold.
Flanged rigid couplings are designed for weighty loads or commercial equipment. They contain short sleeves surrounded by a perpendicular flange. One coupling is placed on each shaft therefore the two flanges line up face to face. A number of screws or bolts can then be installed in the flanges to carry them jointly. Because of the size and durability, flanged systems can be utilized to provide shafts into alignment before they are joined up with together. Rigid couplings are utilized when specific shaft alignment is required; shaft misalignment will have an effect on the coupling’s performance in addition to its life.
2. Flexible coupling versatile couplings are used to transmit torque in one shaft to another when the two shafts are slightly misaligned. Versatile couplings can accommodate varying degrees of misalignment up to 3° and some parallel misalignment. Furthermore, they can also be used for vibration damping or sound decrease.This coupling can be used to safeguard the driving and driven shaft members against harmful effects produce due to misalignment of the shafts, sudden shock loads, shaft expansion or vibrations etc.
3. Torque limiter coupling designed to slide the torque out of the shaft to prevent harm to the engine or the application

What’s the difference between rigid coupling and flexible coupling?
Couplings are split into groups: Rigid and Flexible. In comparison withflexible couplings, rigid couplings have limited application. Rigid couplings don’t have the ability to compensate for shaft misalignments and are as a result used where shafts are already positioned in exact lateral and angular alignment.
What are the benefits of flexible coupling?
Versatile couplings accomplish the purpose of any kind of coupling, but their advantageover rigid couplings is usually they accommodate the unavoidable misalignment between shafts in some machinery. Versatile couplings also allow for a degree of axial movement between your coupled shafts as may occur because of thermal expansion.
What are the types of coupling?
What is Coupling? Types of Shaft Couplings
Rigid Couplings.
Versatile or Compensating Couplings.
Clutches to are a kind of Coupling – We will the coping on them separately.
Flanged Pin Bush Couplings.
Bibbly Coupling.
Gear Tooth Coupling.
Tyre couplings.
Elastomeric Couplings – This contains jaw type and S-flex couplings.
Couplings are devices used for connecting two shafts together and are divided into two types: Rigid and Flexible. Both are utilized for the purpose of transmitting power, rigid couplings becoming even more limited in applications as compared to versatile couplings. Rigid couplings are used where shafts already are positioned in exact lateral and angular alignment. Their design will not allow for any misalignment between shafts, but are usually able to transmit more power than flexible couplings. Flexible couplings are designed to accommodate misalignment between shafts and different types of load circumstances. Many designs and types of couplings can be found. For effective coupling selection, application conditions should be clearly understood.