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Flexible couplings, or couplers, are commonly used in a variety of motion control applications, from aviation and laboratory equipment to robotics, and medical devices. A coupling is a mechanical element that connects two shafts together to transmit power and movement. Couplers can be flexible or rigid.

### Which Coupling Type should I choose?

There are many different coupling types, shapes and sizes, the right choice of coupler will be dependent upon your applications and specifications.

When deciding which shaft coupler is best, many considerations need to be factored in to ensure the correct coupling is used to reduce instances of coupler failure, improve system capability, and reduce system issues.

[Rigid couplings](https://uk.rs-online.com/web/c/mechanical-power-transmission/power-transmission-couplings/rigid-couplings) are used where precise alignment is of paramount as there is no movement between the shafts with this coupler type.

**Flexible couplings** are used where a degree of motion is needed between the shafts. These couplings can improve the performance of a machine and reduce wear and tear. They are easy to install and have a long-life span. The types of couplings that sit within the flexible couplings area are gear couplings, Oldham couplings and universal joint couplings.

**Gear couplings** are flexible and capable of high torque transmission between shafts that are not collinear, because of this they are frequently use on large industrial machinery where high power applications are needed.

**Bellow couplings** can accommodate all forms of misalignment and have a balanced design for reduced vibration at high speeds. They are best suited for applications where precise positioning is required, such as in material handling or general automation and assembly.

**Oldham couplings** are used to connect parallel shafts that are slightly out of line, this kind of parallel misalignment can occur where power transmission is needed at different elevations. The Oldham coupling consists of three discs, connected to either side of the drive, and the third sandwiched in between.

**Jaw couplings** are made from flexible materials. Due to this, they can accommodate any misalignment caused by thermal expansion or manufacturing inefficiencies and are usually found in lower power transmission applications such as the electrical motor and internal combustion systems. They work by preventing shock loading, the sudden and drastic increase of load in a system.



Shop our range of Flexible Couplings. Browse our latest Flexible Coupling offers. Free Next Day Delivery.

Flexible Couplings | RS

Flexible Couplings

Buy from our selection of couplings from Hengstler. At RS, we strive to give you the best offers from our supplier and to promptly deliver in the shortest time.

Hengstler Couplings | RS

Buy from our selection of couplings from Lenze. At RS, we strive to give you the best offers from our supplier and to promptly deliver in the shortest time.

Lenze Couplings | RS

Buy our range of 15mm couplings. Browse our latest couplings offers. Don't miss out on our latest deals!

15mm Couplings | RS

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22mm Couplings | RS

Buy our range of 32mm couplings. Browse our latest couplings offers. Don't miss out on our latest deals!

32mm Couplings | RS

Jaw Couplings | RS

Buy our range of from our selection of couplings from SKF. At RS, we strive to give you the best offers from our supplier and to promptly deliver in the shortest time.

SKF Couplings | RS

Browse our latest Huco Couplings offer. Place your order today for our Huco Couplings.

Huco Couplings | RS

<p>Huco is a recognised world leader in precision couplings. They are renowned for their innovative combination of engineered plastics and metal to create a range of misalignment couplings.</p><h2>Where can I use Huco Couplings?</h2><p>The comprehensive range of precision couplings can be widely used in industry, in areas such as food processing, energy, medical, packaging, textiles and on applications such as stepper and servo drives, scanners, pumps, mixers, conveyors and compressors.</p><h2>Types of Huco Couplings</h2><p>Huco offer a range of reliable couplings including the following: Uni-Lat, this coupler combines the mechanisms of the universal joint and Oldham type coupling to compensate for simultaneous parallel and angular shaft offset. The Oldham coupling which are easy to use with their 3-part coupling can handle large radial shaft misalignment. Huco beam couplings which are zero backlash single piece couplings, they are available as single stage (3-beam) or two stage (6-beam). Beam couplings have material options available for moisture control and corrosion resistance. Bellows couplings are offer precision with excellent kinematic properties and different combinations of stiffness, radial compensation, and axial motion. The Huco double loop coupling uses a moulded plastic element with steel or stainless-steel hubs to give a compact design. It works without any friction, wear or noise and is ideal for transmitting rotation in small drives.</p><h2>Features and Benefits of Huco Couplings</h2><ul><li>Ideal for numerous applications</li><li>Reliable comprehensive range of couplings </li><li>Premium precision couplings</li><li>Engineered plastic coupled with steel</li></ul><p>We offer a wide range of Huco couplings, suitable for a vast range of industries and applications.</p>

Browse our latest KTR Couplings offer. Place your order today for our KTR Couplings.

KTR Couplings | RS

<p>KTR are a leading manufacturer of mechanical couplings and offer a range of couplings. These flexible couplings can be used in a variety of hydraulics and drive components for mechanical engineering and industrial plants. KTR Couplings are renowned for the quality and the accuracy of their coupling.</p><h2>Why Choose KTR Gear Couplings?</h2><p>KTR gear couplings operate according to the curved tooth gear principle. As a result of this edge pressure in the spline is avoided with angular and radial displacements by the gear coupling.</p><p>BoWex curved-tooth gear couplings with their material make up of steel hubs and polyamide sleeves allow for maintenance free operation with low friction on the teeth. BoWex couplings can be assembled vertically or horizontally with no need for specialist assembly tools.</p><p>GEARex are all steel couplings, with grease lubrication and O-ring seals. The coupling has a high life expectancy, and the permanent grease lubrication generates a good friction ratio of the spline.</p><h2>Features and Benefits of KTR Gear Couplings</h2><ul><li>Double cardanic curved-tooth gear coupling</li><li>Ideal for compensating for axial, radial and angular shaft displacement</li><li>Positive torque transmission</li></ul><p>Have a look at our range of KTR gear couplings, due to their versatile nature and application range, you are sure to find exactly what you need.</p>

Browse our latest Oldham Couplings offer. Place your order today for our Oldham Couplings.

Oldham Couplings | RS

<p>What are Oldham Couplings?</p><p>Oldham couplings are an extremely flexible type of coupling. They are ideal for high misalignment applications, where assembly access is restricted and electrical insulation is required, because of thisthey are commonly used in the medical field, scientific, food and semiconductor equipment, where high precision control is required, as well as other industrial machinery.</p><h2>Why Use an Oldham Coupling?</h2><p>An Oldham coupling is a 3-piece assembly, which comprises of two steel hubs and a centre disk. They are used to connect two parallel shafts whose axes are at a small distance apart, allowing for both radial and angular misalignment. Oldham couplings can be used where shaft access is limited, meaning that repair and installation is easy without the use of specialist tools.</p><p>There is no metal-to-metal contact with an Oldham coupling, meaning that delicate instruments can be protected from electrical currents. Oldham couplings will also act as a mechanical fuse, if torque is overloaded, the disk will fail immediately stopping power transmission and protecting expensive systems.</p><h2>Features and Benefits of Oldham Couplings</h2><ul><li>Application flexibility</li><li>Easy to use, no specialist tools required</li><li>High parallel misalignment capabilities</li><li>Easy to install and repair</li><li>Fail safe design</li><li>Low replacement costs</li></ul><p>Oldham couplings are an extremely flexible coupling type, with many advantages. They are often used as replacements for the straight jaw coupling. We have a wide range of high-quality Oldham couplings for you to choose from.</p>

KTR Couplings

Why Choose KTR Gear Couplings?

Features and Benefits of KTR Gear Couplings

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