Gear couplings are used for joining two rotating shafts for an efficient transmission of the mechanical power. These couplings not only connect but also axial movement and accommodating misalignment of the shafts connected. They can tolerate more torque than the universal joints though the universal joints produce lesser vibration in comparison.

Types of Gear Couplings

There are several different types of gear couplings available in the market. There are two broad categories according to which they are differentiated:

Flanged Sleeve/ Double Housing Gear Coupling

• Standard flange sleeve Gear Coupling: This type of gear coupling comprises two flexible hubs along with two sleeves. It provides double engagement for angular, parallel, end float and combined misalignment.
• Half Flexible Half Rigid This type of single engagement gear coupling involves a rigid and a flexible half. They can accommodate only angular misalignment used in the floating shaft applications. These allow for an easy removal of the centre assembly for an easy maintenance without repositioning the whole machinery.
• Mill Motor type Flanged Sleeve coupling: These couplings are specifically designed for mill type motors along with a tapered shaft. Though one hub and sleeve are standard, the other hub can be tapered as per the customer specifications.
• Spencer Type Flanged Sleeve Gear Coupling: These gear couplings allow for additional space between the shafts for an easy maintenance. It has the capabilities of both angular as well as parallel misalignment along with the end float.

Continuous Sleeve Gear Coupling

• Standard Continuous Sleeve Gear Coupling: This coupling has two flexible hubs along with a single sleeve. They are used in most of the applications.
• Flexible Rigid Type Continuous Sleeve Coupling: These couplings comprise of a rigid as well as a flexible hub along with single sleeve for accommodating angular misalignments. They are mainly used in floating shaft applications or line shafts for accommodating axial expansions.
• Floating shaft type: This type of continuous sleeve gear coupling is designed for the problems of excessive misalignment and remote drive. The driven ends as well as the gear coupling hub on the drive are rigid while the other flexible hubs are connected by the centre shaft. If required, these hubs can also be reversed without sacrificing disassembly or installation ease.
• Shear Pin Type: This type of continuous sleeve gear couplings is designed for preventing damage to the connected equipment caused by excessive torque or sudden shock. They are manufactured for predetermined loads specified by the customer.

Conclusion:

Gear coupling is a mechanical mechanism that helps in the transmission of the torque between two non collinear axes. Knowing difference between different gear couplings is essential as different machines require different couplings. They are usually made in copper and steel but may also be made in nylon depending upon usage. Depending upon the application and the process in which they are being used, choose the one that best suits your company.