A coupling is a device used for connecting two shafts together at their ends for the purpose of transmitting power.
Couplings usually do not normally allow disconnection of shafts during operation, however right now there are torque limiting couplings that may slip or disconnect when some torque limit is exceeded.
The primary reason for couplings is to become listed on two pieces of rotating equipment while permitting some degree of misalignment or end motion or both.
By careful selection, installation and maintenance of couplings, substantial savings can be manufactured in reduced maintenance costs and downtime.
3 main types of couplings:
1. Rigid coupling a rigid coupling can be a unit of hardware used to become listed on two shafts within a engine or mechanical system. It could be used to connect two separate systems, like a engine and a generator, or even to fix a connection within a single program. A rigid coupling may also be added between shafts to reduce shock and use at the point where the shafts meet.
When joining shafts within a machine, mechanics can select from flexible and rigid couplings. While flexible units offer some movement and present between the shafts, rigid couplings will be the most effective choice for precise alignment and secure hold. By specifically aligning the two shafts and holding them firmly in place, rigid couplings help to maximize performance and raise the expected lifestyle of the device. These rigid couplings can be found in two basic designs to fit the demands of different applications. Sleeve-style couplings will be the least expensive and easiest to use. They consist of an individual tube of materials with an inner size that’s equal in proportions to the shafts. The sleeve slips over the shafts therefore they satisfy in the middle of the coupling. A number of set screws can be tightened so they touch the very best of every shaft and hold them set up without passing completely the coupling.
Clamped or compression rigid couplings come in two parts and fit together around the shafts to create a sleeve. They provide more flexibility than sleeved models, and can be used on shafts that are fixed in place. They generally are large enough to ensure that screws can pass completely the coupling and into the second half to make sure a secure hold.
Flanged rigid couplings are designed for large loads or commercial equipment. They contain short sleeves surrounded by a perpendicular flange. One coupling is positioned on each shaft so the two flanges fall into line face to face. A series of screws or bolts can then be installed in the flanges to carry them together. Because of their size and durability, flanged models can be used to provide shafts into alignment before they are joined up with collectively. Rigid couplings are used when precise shaft alignment is required; shaft misalignment will influence the coupling’s performance along with its life.
2. Flexible coupling flexible couplings are used to transmit torque in one shaft to some other when both shafts are slightly misaligned. Versatile couplings can accommodate varying levels of misalignment up to 3° and some parallel misalignment. In addition, they may also be utilized for vibration damping or noise decrease.This coupling is used to safeguard the driving and driven shaft members against harmful effects produce due to misalignment of the shafts, sudden shock loads, shaft expansion or vibrations etc.
3. Torque limiter coupling made to slip the torque out from the shaft to prevent damage 
to the engine or the application form
What is the difference between rigid coupling and flexible coupling?
Couplings are divided into types: Rigid and Flexible. As compared withflexible couplings, rigid couplings possess limited software. Rigid couplings don’t have the capability to compensate for shaft misalignments and are therefore used where shafts are already positioned in specific lateral and angular alignment.
What are the advantages of flexible coupling?
Flexible couplings accomplish the objective of any kind of coupling, but their advantageover rigid couplings is certainly they accommodate the unavoidable misalignment between shafts in some machinery. Versatile couplings also allow for a degree of axial movement between your coupled shafts as may occur because of thermal expansion.
What exactly are the types of coupling?
What is Coupling? Types of Shaft Couplings
Rigid Couplings.
Versatile or Compensating Couplings.
Clutches to certainly are a type of Coupling – We will the coping on them separately.
Flanged Pin Bush Couplings.
Bibbly Coupling.
Gear Tooth Coupling.
Tyre couplings.
Elastomeric Couplings – This includes jaw type and S-flex couplings.
Couplings are devices used for connecting two shafts together and are divided into two categories: Rigid and Flexible. Both are utilized for the purpose of transmitting power, rigid couplings becoming more limited in applications when compared with versatile couplings. Rigid couplings are used where shafts already are positioned in exact lateral and angular alignment. Their design will not enable any misalignment between shafts, but are generally able to transmit even more power than flexible couplings. Flexible couplings are created to accommodate misalignment between shafts and various types of load conditions. Many designs and types of couplings are available. For effective coupling selection, application conditions should be clearly understood.