You’ve most likely heard of Falk couplings, but do you know what they’re used for and why they’re important? Before you purchase or install any coupling, it’s important to know the benefits of type one and how it how it can be used.
A coupling system is used to connect, or couple together, two rotating axis shafts on a factory floor. Utilizing the correct Falk coupling for each situation is imperative to ensure your equipment performs at optimum efficiency and lasts as long as possible. The following is a look at some of the different types of Falk coupling systems for industrial power transmission equipment.
What Falk Couplings Do
Falk couplings serve three main purposes within a gearbox system:
- Transmitting torque. You may already know that torque is the measure of how much force is acting on an object, causing it to turn. In the case of a Falk coupling, the torque is the force being transmitted from one rotating shaft to another. The first main purpose of a Falk coupling is to harness the torque from one axis to another, while maintaining the ideal speed.
- Accommodating mis-alignments. Mis-alignments in shafts are very common. It is often difficult, if not impossible, to align shafts perfectly. The right Falk coupling will allow radial, angular or axial mis-alignments to properly connect. Each misalignment presents its own challenge – and often you will have combinations of more than one or even all three types. The correct Falk coupling will flex, rock, pivot or distort to accommodate shafts that aren’t aligned, while still achieving maximum torque.
- Protecting equipment. Falk couplings can protect your expensive factory equipment. Without choosing and maintaining the proper Falk coupling for shaft mis-alignments, your equipment investment could be at risk. A power transmission design can suffer from deformations, excessive vibrations or thrust loads without the correct couplings.
Types of Falk Couplings
Here are some types of Falk couplings and their uses:
Rigid. Rigid couplings offer more precise alignment and a more secure hold. But, as the name implies, they don’t allow for movement. A Falk coupling that is rigid is usually used for heavy loads in industrial equipment.
Flexible. This type of coupling flexes and moves to accommodate torque in misaligned shafts. Flexible Falk couplings permit some radial, axial and angular misalignments and can damp vibration and noise. Common applications for flexible Falk couplings are found in the food, aerospace and medical industries.
Beam or helical. This flexible coupling arrangement incorporates an internal spiral path and is made from a single piece of material to prevent backlash. It also provides single-piece integrity for the final product. Beam or helical Falk couplings can be made of aluminum alloy, stainless steel or titanium. This type of Falk coupling is commonly used for robotics when precision is needed.
Disc. A disc coupling transmits torque through a circle of bolts using thin, stainless steel discs. Disc couplings are often used in various types of engines.
Gear. Gear couplings transmit torque between two shafts that do not line up on the same plane. A Falk gear coupling is made of two flexible joints attached to each shaft, then connected by a third shaft called a spindle. Gear couplings are used in automobile assembly.
Maintaining Your Falk Couplings
Correctly installed and maintained Falk couplings don’t just protect your equipment; they protect your bottom line. Failed or improperly maintained couplings cost time, and that means lost productivity. Make sure you consult with your Falk coupling representative to get the best type of coupling and a professional installation for your operation.
It’s also important to visually inspect your Falk couplings after installation and at regular intervals. Change the lubrication regularly, keep track of your maintenance schedule, and always check for signs of fatigue or wear. You also need to check the coupling balance in case it changes during transportation, delivery, installation and operation.
Some indicators of improperly installed or failing couplings include failed seals, lubrication leakage, strange or loud noises, and extreme vibration or wobbling.
Whatever your shaft connection needs are, there’s a Falk coupling to meet them. To better understand which type of coupling is most suitable for your unique machinery requirements, reach out to your Falk coupling representative and make sure you receive professional help from the beginning. Properly selecting, installing and maintaining your Falk couplings will contribute to the overall success of your factory’s operation.
Contact Mar-Dustrial for more information on Falk couplings.
Posted under Tips and Tricks on Friday, September 2nd, 2011