The A to Z of Oldham Couplings

1. The A to Z of Oldham Couplings Oldham couplings are crucial devices for the mechanical industry. You can regard the couplings as three-piece flexible shaft couplings that find uses in connecting driving and driven shafts in mechanical power transmission assemblies. You can also use the couplings to counter parallel misalignment that occurs between connected shafts. Moreover, the couplings can absorb shock. Oldham Coupling Design Now, let us understand the design of Oldham couplings. Typically, the design involves identical left- and right-hand slotted elements that sandwich a slider block between them. The coupling design is intended for machines with misaligned shafts instead of angular and axial misalignment. Due to the design, the coupling can handle angular misalignment somewhat less effective. Angular misalignment involves the intersection of two shafts to create an angle instead of a straight line. However, the coupling handles axial misalignment effectively. Axial misalignment involves the meeting of two shaft ends. You can see the slider block often manufactured from a polymer such as nylon or acetal or a combination of them. There is also the facility of pressing the slider block into the slotted mating halves, often made using aluminum to minimize inertia. It helps reduce backlash. Due to the sliding friction, which results in a backlash in misaligned systems, you need to replace the block to restore the coupling performance. There is a difference between the functioning of jaw couplings and Oldham couplings. The latter will continue to transmit torque if the centerpiece fails to work. Oldham couplings do not share a plane of rotation with metal teeth of the shaft halves. The features are advantageous when the coupling should serve as a mechanical fuse to restrict overloads from damaging the driven or driving equipment. Usually, the slider block is manufactured from metal with some clearance for power transmission applications.

2. Moreover, the couplings need lubrication to run smoothly. At the same time, you will see the incorporation of a universal joint in the coupling to increase tolerance for angular misalignment. Terminologies Associated With Oldham Couplings The following are the common terminologies associated with Oldham coupling: ●Bore size or diameter – the diameter of the coupling bore holding the connecting shaft. ●Overall length – the end-to-end length of the coupling, measured from the two end faces of the coupling. ●Hub width – the width of the hub as measured from the end face to the internal face of the tooth joining the slider block. ●Hub material - the construction material of the hub. ●Slider block material – the construction material of the slider block ●Coupling diameter – the diameter of the coupling. What are Level Indicators? Like Oldham couplings, level indicators are also great devices for the mechanical engineering industry. Level indicators measure the level of fluids at various industrial applications. For example, you can use the indicators to determine the liquid level in tanks, drums and pressure vessels. The types of level indicators differ among different applications. And, without the right devices, finding the quantity and level of stored fluid becomes challenging. Interestingly, you need to use level indicators in certain situations, such as the dangerous nature of fluids or the place of storing the fluid is of such a nature that it is manually impossible to find the level. Conclusion There can be no doubt about the usefulness of critical devices. But, you should not fail to purchase high-quality devices to get the best performance. In addition, purchase the devices from a reputed and trusted manufacturer to get good quality devices. Moreover, you should assess your needs before purchasing.