Control-Flex Shaft Couplings for Encoder Mechanisms
Flexible shaft couplings transmit torque between two shafts and accommodate misalignment between the shafts under various load conditions. Misalignment can result in costly maintenance, and eventually reduce the life of bearings and accuracy of your encoder. Flexible encoder shaft couplings offer zero backlash and can accommodate a variety of misalignments and load conditions.
Control-Flex Flexible Shaft Coupling Features
Ideal for encoders, Control-Flex Couplings were developed to satisfy today’s higher performance requirements and can be used for parallel, angular and axial shaft misalignments, all while maintaining constant transmission of torque and angular velocity.
To meet this goal, Zero-Max engineered a unique Control-Flex Disc which is based on a parallel linkage system. Because of this unique design, the reaction forces due to transmission of torque and unavoidable shaft misalignments are considerably smaller when compared with common flexible shaft couplings. They are available with clamp-style hubs or in a bolted-style, drop-out design for easy flexible disc changeout.
Clamp-style couplings provide a positive, secure shaft connection. They have two hubs (that attach to the shafts) and a center flex member that is affixed to the hubs through pins. Our clamp-style couplings are available with a single flex disc for standard torque capacity, or with two flex discs for increased torque capacity, torsional stiffness, and length.
Bolted-style couplings also consist of two hubs (that attach to the shafts) and a center flex member affixed to the hubs through shoulder bolts for drop-out capability. Our bolted-style hubs incorporate a keyway and setscrew shaft attachment.
For more information about our encoder shaft couplings, contact us or find a sales representative in your area.
Control-Flex Flexible Shaft Coupling Features
Ideal for encoders, Control-Flex Couplings were developed to satisfy today’s higher performance requirements and can be used for parallel, angular and axial shaft misalignments, all while maintaining constant transmission of torque and angular velocity.
To meet this goal, Zero-Max engineered a unique Control-Flex Disc which is based on a parallel linkage system. Because of this unique design, the reaction forces due to transmission of torque and unavoidable shaft misalignments are considerably smaller when compared with common flexible shaft couplings. They are available with clamp-style hubs or in a bolted-style, drop-out design for easy flexible disc changeout.
Clamp-style couplings provide a positive, secure shaft connection. They have two hubs (that attach to the shafts) and a center flex member that is affixed to the hubs through pins. Our clamp-style couplings are available with a single flex disc for standard torque capacity, or with two flex discs for increased torque capacity, torsional stiffness, and length.
Bolted-style couplings also consist of two hubs (that attach to the shafts) and a center flex member affixed to the hubs through shoulder bolts for drop-out capability. Our bolted-style hubs incorporate a keyway and setscrew shaft attachment.
For more information about our encoder shaft couplings, contact us or find a sales representative in your area.
Flexible Shaft Coupling Benefits
Zero-Max encoder shaft couplings are an innovative and reliable solution for increasing the life and maintaining the accuracy of your encoder mechanisms and other devices. Other benefits and features include:- High parallel, angular, and axial shaft misalignment capabilities with considerably less sideloads on shaft bearings. These features increase the lifetime of other machine components.
- Zero backlash design, which is required for precision drives.
- Electrically isolating flex element which increases lifetime of other machine components.
- Low weight and inertia reduces power requirements.
- Clamp-Style hubs provide a secure shaft connection for precision drives.
Choosing the Right Flexible Shaft Coupling
The first step in selecting the right type of shaft coupling is to consider the application conditions and parameters including maximum peak torque, shaft misalignment and maximum speed (RPM) for your intended application. Choosing the incorrect product can result in premature coupling failure.
Zero-Max offers two styles of flexible shaft couplings: clamp-style and bolted-style. Our clamp-style couplings are available in a single flex disc option for standard torque capacity, and a two flex disc option for increased torque capacity, torsional stiffness, and length. Our bolted-style couplings have an even higher torque capacity and allow for larger shaft misalignments.
To make sure you are choosing the correct size coupling for your encoder or machinery, you first need to identify your application’s requirements for torque, misalignment, and service factor, then find a coupling from the options below based on those requirements. Next, you will need to compute the misalignment ratio and torque ratio using the selection procedures we have provided on page 7 of our product brochure, then use the chart to compare the ratios to the coupling’s operating envelope.
Contact Us to Learn More About Flexible Shaft Couplings
Zero-Max offers both bolted style and clamp style flexible shaft couplings, with special modifications available upon request. For more information about our encoder shaft couplings, contact us or find a sales representative in your area.Control-Flex Couplings are designed to meet the unique performance requirements of encoders and other feedback devices. Choose an application below to learn more.
