Primary Features of K-Couplings and How to Select One

February 7, 2023

Couplings are mechanical components intended to connect in-line shafts. The connection of the shafts allows one of them to drive another at a similar speed. It also allows some degree of misalignment, which may be necessary for some industrial assemblies. Some couplings may come in rigid materials, while others are produced with flexible elements.

Industries today can maximise a wide range of couplings. But one that stands out is K-Couplings. K-Couplings are made from double-loop ELASTACAST polyurethane elastomeric material that is assembled to zinc-plated steel hubs as the standard configuration. Others, however, can only be made with stainless steel. Generally, K-Couplings can resist cuts and tears, are flexible, strong, and can remain secure throughout their lifespan.

K-Couplings Primary Features

Tons of features and benefits are associated with K-Couplings.

First, K-Couplings can be effective in absorbing parallel and angular misalignment as well as compensating for bearing wear. Their unique design allows them to provide maximum operating flexibility, letting them run smoothly and quietly at up to 3/16” parallel and 15° angular misalignment. Another great feature of K-Couplings is they can reduce bearing loads. Even in severe misalignment applications, these couplings do not yield extra load on motor bearings. This benefit makes bearings last longer and only require minimal upkeep.

K-Couplings can likewise adjust to axial end play. They can reduce thrust loads, allowing assembly in tight quarters as well as providing for variable end-to-end distance.

Machines can perform poorly if they vibrate drastically. They can likewise affect the workplace negatively as they emit noise. K-Couplings, fortunately, can dampen vibration and motor noise. They can also eliminate coupling rattle, which makes the machines perform better.

Ultimately, K-Couplings can provide a positive drive connection without backlash. This is possible as they can transmit the exact rpm with no lag during directional or speed changes. 

Picking the Right K-Couplings

K-Couplings may come in a wide array of dimensions. Therefore, you should know to pick the best one for your applications.

The first step in picking the right K-Couplings for your machines is to determine their required horsepower or wattage. The K-Couplings you will be selecting should boast the right torque requirement of your machines to make them effective.

Aside from torque requirement, the next thing you must determine is the amount of space allotted for the couplings. Check the dimensions of the space allocated for the couplings and match them with the hub-to-hub and outside loop dimensions of the K-Coupling options.

The next thing you must do is check the shaft sizes involved. You must also check the amount of space between them as their required bore size on one hub may differ from the other.

After doing the previous steps, you must predetermine the maximum degree of angular and parallel assignment on which the couplings must compensate. Ultimately, decide whether a keyway will be needed. If yes, they can be obtained at extra cost on series 5803 and 5804.

When working with K-Couplings, you must remember their recommended continuous operating temperatures of -18°C to 83°C. Exposure to acids, chemicals, gases, and solvents may then alter these temperatures.

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