Shaft Couplings

A shaft coupling is a device used to join two shafts for the purpose of transmitting power and/or
rotational motion, and may be designed to permit some degree of parallel, axial, or angular misalignment. Typically, shaft couplings do not allow for shaft disconnection during operation; however, certain models with torque limiting capabilities permit slipping or automatic disconnection when a specified torque limit is reached; these devices are also known as “torque limiters”. Selecting and installing the right coupling for the application at hand can provide significant savings through improved performance and reduced downtime and maintenance requirements.

High Performance, High Reliability Shaft Couplings

Miki Pulley’s shaft coupling lineup encompasses solutions for a wide variety of machine applications. Our couplings are engineered for superior performance, using finite element analysis (FEA) paired with decades of power transmission experience. All couplings are rigorously tested for quality, durability, and longevity. We leverage worldwide production and engineering assets to stay abreast of emerging industrial technology and requirements. Our shaft couplings are available in a variety of styles and configurations to provide high precision and operational efficiency.

Metal Disc Couplings	Resonance Dampening Couplings	Jaw & Spider Couplings	Bellows Couplings
Pin & Hub Couplings	Rigid Couplings	Spring and Coil Couplings	Magnetic Couplings

 

Metal Disc Shaft Couplings

Miki Pulley’s metal disc shaft couplings feature flexible disc elements that provide superior torsional rigidity while allowing for varying degrees of shaft misalignment. Using finite element analysis throughout research and development, we have engineered stainless steel elements with optimal size and shape. With ultralow inertia, outstanding reliability, and zero backlash performance, our metal disc couplings are ideal for use in machine tools, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, ball screw actuators, packaging equipment, and other demanding operations. Coupling hub mounting options are available in clamp-style, taper-lock, and keyed shaft type.

Resonance Damping Shaft Couplings

Our STEPFLEX dual rubber couplings provide resonance and vibration performance. These resonance damping shaft couplings utilize specially developed, laminated rubber elements to provide high damping and zero backlash, making them especially well-suited for use in servo and stepper motors. Unitized construction with HNBR in the power-transmitting elements provides backlash-free performance and faster vibration damping than couplings that use metal in their flexible components. Our design suppresses stepper motors’ resonance phenomenon and enables high frequency vibration to be avoided over a broad range of operating speeds.

Jaw & Spider Shaft Couplings

Our general purpose ALS STARFLEX jaw and spider shaft couplings use a simple design to transmit rotational power. With a “curved jaw” profile, ALS couplings position a polyurethane elastomer element (the “spider”) between two sintered aluminum hubs. The three component assembly press fits together with a jaw from each hub precisely fitted with lobes of the spider. In operation, the jaw coupling torque is transmitted through the elastomer lobes. The curved profile of the hubs and element provides uniform compression with zero backlash on starts and stops.

In addition to providing excellent vibration and shock absorption, these couplings can transmit more than double the torque of “standard” jaw couplings. We offer jaw spider shaft couplings with two hub types (key/set screw and clamp), and three element hardness options. These options ensure optimum performance for your transmission torque, response, and misalignment requirements.

Bellows Shaft Couplings

Miki Pulley’s BELLOWFLEX bellows shaft couplings feature polyester resin boots that provide high elasticity for high damping performance and extremely small counterforce from mounting misalignment. Ideal for stepper motors and encoders, our bellows couplings combine an aluminum alloy hub with the plastic boot for zero backlash performance. They are compact, lightweight, and specially designed for easy installation and removal in tight spaces.

Pin & Hub Shaft Couplings

Engineered to reduce reaction force caused by mounting misalignment, our PARAFLEX pin and hub shaft couplings use a lightweight, high strength aluminum alloy as their primary hub material. Their unique design also produces a damping effect from sliding at the friction surface between the pin and dry metal. Our pin and hub couplings allow for exceptional angular misalignment and keep backlash to a minimum. Standard clamp hubs make mounting fast and easy.

Rigid Shaft Couplings

Our SERVORIGID rigid shaft couplings provide ultra-high torsional stiffness for servo motors and similar applications. Unlike flexible couplings, these rigid couplings have no elements to absorb differences between the centers of two shafts, which gives them high torsional stiffness. Optimum shape and hardness were calculated via finite element analysis and 3D-CAD and CAE modeling to provide superior performance in demanding applications. And, because the outer diameter relative to torque can be reduced compared to flexible couplings, smaller units can be used, which helps reduce the moment of inertia. 

Spring & Coil Couplings

Miki Pulley’s BAUMANNFLEX spring and coil shaft couplings are designed to connect hubs that mount on shafts to other hubs, with a metal coil spring separating the hubs. They provide excellent flexibility and high torque characteristics in a compact package. The unique design and outstanding performance of our spring and coil couplings makes them ideal for vacuum equipment, medical equipment, printing machinery, and similar applications.

Magnetic Couplings

Miki Pulley’s magnetic couplings are a non-contact type that utilizes attraction and repulsion of the magnetic poles. Input and output have no contact, while rotational power is transmitted by magnetism alone. This allows for zero wear and dust generation, no noise, no vibration, and no thermal conduction. The tolerance of misalignment is large, and attachment/detachment can be done very easily. Configurations are versatile, as it can be used on butt shaft connections as well as parallel axis and varying engagement angles, among other installations. Since there are no mechanically engaged parts, this coupling may be utilized as a torque limiting device, slipping and reengaging in an over-torque event.

Contact Us for Precision Engineered Shaft Couplings

Miki Pulley is the worldwide leader in shaft couplings for challenging applications. Request a quote on the shaft coupling you need, or contact us for more information.