Falk couplings aren’t created equally. Choosing the right one can mean the difference between a productive factory floor and money-losing downtime. Because different types of couplings suit different applications, Mar-Dustrial manufactures and designs state-of-the-art components for practically any application. From offering greater flexibility to giving you high torque load protection, we gladly specify couplings to suit your unique needs. Our team of qualified power transmission specialists and Speed Quote software expertly analyze your application and its characteristics—including operation speed, balance, stiffness, bore fit options, environmental conditions and shaft gaps—to pair you with a coupling that sets you up for success. Mar-Dustrial’s couplings for Falk gears are available in standard and dual-purpose designs, and we gladly accommodate special configurations for unique requirements and a variety of parameters.
How Falk Couplings Work
In Falk gearboxes, couplings connect rotating shafts to transfer power across them. They enable motion to transfer from one element to another. The shafts might be in the same line or slightly misaligned. Couplings also serve to reduce shock loads, protect against shaft misalignments, and prevent system overloads. There are two main Falk coupling categories: rigid couplings that create a secure connection and flexible couplings that allow for slight misalignments.
Extending a coupling’s life is a matter of:
- Selecting the right type for an application’s specific inputs, including service factor
- Minimizing misalignments
- Keeping couplings well lubricated
- Understanding common coupling problems
- Following installation instructions
- Regular maintenance
Discover more about protecting couplings and extending their life with this resource guide.
Types of Falk Gear Couplings
Gear Couplings
Gear couplings, or G couplings, use Falk gear teeth to transmit power and pass torque between non-collinear shafts. Two flexible joins connect the shafts. A connecting shaft, or spindle, connects the joints. Gear couplings are simple to switch out when components need repairs or replacements. They’re perfect when you seek a durable, economical solution and broad range of choices.
Grid Couplings
Grid couplings, or T/F couplings, have a flexible steel grid that transfers power, increases strength and distributes shock. Their design sometimes has two grooved, flanged hubs that the grid holds. The grid, a circuitous mechanical part, also acts like a spring that absorbs force. As the load increases, the contact between the grid and grooves also increase, providing superb performance. Grid couplings are ideal for applications with high-torque loads, operations with limited space and reverse line operations.
Elastomer, or Jaw, Couplings
Elastomer couplings have a central elastomer spider perfectly situated between two crenellated hubs. The spider is flexible and non-conductive to protect against heat and insulate against electricity. An elastomer Falk coupling’s flexible design also allows for a few degrees of misalignment. This type of coupling is ideal for high-temperature operations, compensating for shaft alignments, and preventing backlash.
Disc Couplings
Disc couplings, or freedom disc (FD) couplings, are virtually maintenance-free and provide continuous high-speed service thanks to registered fits and close tolerances. They’re a good alternative to elastomer and lubricated couplings, have flexible mounting options, and feature high-torque capacities. One-piece, stainless steel Falk discpacks ensure a no-backlash connection, reliable torsional rigidity and simple maintenance.
Fluid Couplings
Fluid couplings, or hydraulic couplings, contain hydraulic fluid and two turbines. Within them, hydraulic fluid transmits energy from the driving turbine to the output turbine. A pump causes the driving turbine to rotate. As a result, it’s simple to accelerate driven machines. The fluid also minimizes torque fluctuations. Because there’s no direct contact within the Falk gear coupling, save the bearing and sealing elements, there’s little wear. Fluid couplings facilitate smooth starts and are ideal for shock load prevention in variable-speed systems.
The Falk coupling you choose matters. Luckily, you’re not alone when it comes to selecting the best one for your application. At Mar-Dustrial, we understand how vital they are to reliable operations and how the smallest details can make a critical difference. Try our Falk coupling selector tool to find the right one for your needs or talk to one of our specialists for expert advice.