5/2/2018 Diaphragm vs Disc vs Gear Couplings - Who, What, Where, When, and Why?

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Coupling Failure Analysis -

Jaw Couplings (includes hub
& spider photos)
If you're looking at transmitting some hefty torque, and want to compare and contrast your
options... we're hoping to lighten your load by providing you a handful of bullet points to consider.

(Note: Lovejoy does not sell diaphragm couplings, but would be happy to help with any gear or disc Coupling Sizing Torque -
application you may have... inclusive of API 610 and 671.) How to Quickly Calculate
(inclusive of Service Factor)
The diaphragm coupling is considered to be stronger than the disc coupling and can be
made in larger diameters than the disc coupling. (Note diameter is an indicator of
torque capability.
The diaphragm coupling is considered to have more axial displacement capability at Cutting Keyways -
Broaching, Keyseating,
lower forces than the disc coupling.
Wire-Cut EDM, Shaping, &
Single straight contoured diaphragm couplings eliminate the fretting corrosion Milling
associated with multiple elements. Single wavy types have more axial capability.
Diaphragm couplings disconnect upon failure, which can be beneficial to the connected
machinery. It becomes a fusible link. Clearance vs Interference
Fit Couplings - Which Hub
In contrast with gear couplings, both the disc and the diaphragm are non-lubricated, low Fit is Better?
maintenance, infinite life couplings.
Disc and diaphragm both produce lower reactionary loads than gear couplings when
misaligned.
Gear Coupling Tutorial - Part
Disc and diaphragm both accept greater misalignment at higher speeds than gear
II: Configurations
couplings.
Disc and diaphragm both are easier to balance than the gear coupling.
The gear coupling has the lowest first cost and the least sensitivity to rough
circumstances.
API 671 Coupling Standard
The gear coupling has the most axial displacement capability.
The gear coupling has the highest power density. Why a Grid Coupling -
Gear coupling life is determined by wear, and overload generally results in reduced Features & Benefits, Design
Basics, and Element
wear life rather than abrupt failure. This is subject to existing wear and the size of the Options
overload.
The disc coupling is usually smaller in diameter than the diaphragm coupling.
The disc coupling is usually less expensive in first cost than the diaphragm coupling. Why Power Transmission
Shafts Have Both Keys &
The disc coupling has a built in overload capability. Disc failure, while it may be abrupt, Keyways?
will not disconnect the coupling if the bolts are capable of carrying the load in shear.
This feature often can allow the coupling to continue operating through an orderly
shutdown.
(Reference: These bullet points were extracted from The Coupling Handbook.) Flexible Coupling Basics - A
Quick Primer

Recommended Follow-On Reading: To gain a broader perspective on the landscape of Flexible

Couplings, please check out the following blog article: Flexible Coupling Basics - A Quick Primer

You might also like: Jaw Coupling Overview - Features &

Benefits, Design Basics, and Element
Options

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Square Bores, Top Reason for a Bellows Couplings

Hollow Shafts, and Coupling Failure – Flexibility and
a Sausage Stuffer! Accuracy for
Motion ... Coupling Answers Archive

Linkwithin ► 2015 (65)

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Labels: diaphragm coupling, disc coupling, gear coupling ► November (18)

▼ October (25)
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Installation
Enter your comment...
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Top Reason for a Coupling Failure

Comment as: Unknown (Goo Sign out Sizing a Coupling – Pay Attention to the
Driver!
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Hubs?
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Power Transmissi...
API 671 Coupling Standard
API 610 Standard - Coupling Highlights
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