KTR set to launch new backlash-free shaft coupling

Power transmission component manufacturer KTR has developed a new backlash-free, vibration-reducing shaft coupling for drives with severely high speeds.

The flexible ROTEX® GS HP achieves peripheral speeds of up to 175 metres per second and is available in three sizes, with a further three sizes being developed for introduction in the first quarter of 2018.

The coupling has very compact dimensions, meaning the driving and driven shafts can be pushed together to within a few millimetres. This allows the design engineer to keep the mounting space short.

The coupling can be used in machine tools, along with measurement and test bench technology.

KTR launched the product at engineering expo EMO Hanover.

KTR Product Manager Johannes Deister said: “Couplings which have an open shape reach their limits with high-speed drives quickly, as centrifugal forces heavily deform the coupling hubs and spider. This increases the tension generated and limits the maximum speed of the coupling.

“KTR’s ROTEX® GS HP has a circular and closed design, which reduces the radial deformation of the hub geometry. It also does without a spider.

“Individual elastomers are embedded between the cams instead, which are kept in position and shape by the closed design of the coupling, even with peripheral speeds of up to 175 metres per second.

“The large number of elastomer segments transmitting the torque reduces the surface pressure on every single elastomer, which allows for transmitting high torques with a small outside diameter of the coupling.”