Couplings are vital for connecting rotating shafts and transferring torque in a wide variety of applications. They can often fail and wear down faster than they should due to various reasons, and here we describe the most common causes of coupling failure and how to avoid it.
Mismatching Coupling and Application
Coupling failure can often be prevented by carefully selecting the right type of coupling for your specific application. There are numerous factors to consider when choosing from your couplings distributor, many of which are highlighted in this guide. The first and most important is the application itself and the demands it will place on the coupling. Key considerations include the amount of torque generated, as well as factors like stiffness, inertia, RPM, shaft mounting, and environmental conditions such as temperature, contamination, and space constraints. Making the right choice early on helps reduce the risk of premature wear or coupling failure.
Poorly Evaluated Misalignment Conditions
Poorly evaluated misalignment conditions are a primary cause of coupling failure. All misalignments types should be considered when choosing a coupling from your couplings distributor including angular, parallel and axial, as well as combinations of all three. Should the misalignment be considerable, then speak to your coupling distributor about using flexible couplings instead.
Unaddressed Excessive Misalignment
Coupling failure is inevitable if your application is consistently left excessively misaligned, even when using flexible couplings. Excessive misalignment places stress on the coupling beyond its design specifications, leading to accelerated wear and early failure. As a result, you’ll likely find yourself contacting your couplings distributor much sooner than expected.
Not Factoring Torsional Rigidity Into Coupling Choice
Coupling failure can be influenced by factors such as torsional rigidity or torsional compliance often referred to as wind-up which occurs in all types of coupling manufacture. This phenomenon is the rotational deflection that happens between the driving shaft and the load, making it challenging to maintain precise positioning due to the angular displacement between the ends of the coupling. Understanding and accounting for this during selection can help prevent performance issues and extend the lifespan of the coupling.
Not Factoring in Backlash Into Coupling Choice
Your local coupling distributor will be able to tell you about the importance of factoring in backlash when choosing a coupling. Backlash is the sudden temporary loss of motion in a coupling, such as when torsion moves in one direction causing the coupling to bend or compress under the stress, then the torsion moves in a new direction causing the loss of motion or backlash in the coupling. Backlash can cause misalignment and inaccuracy, but your couplings distributor should be able to recommend zero-backlash couplings if they are necessary for your application.
Neglecting Electrical Isolation
Electrical isolation is another important aspect of correct coupling choice. It means the separation of two mechanical parts which stops any electrical current transferring between them without interfering with the mechanical energy transfer. Your coupling distributor can help you identify which couplings are ideal for electrical isolation, with various models featuring non-metallic or polymer inserts as electric isolation materials.
If you require a particular type of coupling for your application, then contact YB Components who are the UK’s leading couplings distributor in Yorkshire. We keep local stocks of all such parts and more ready to ship out fast and free all over the UK and the rest of the world.
