Torque Transmission

How do I measure chain pitch?

It's is from the centre of one pin to the centre of the next pin on the same link.

What is the purpose of couplings?

Couplings connect two shafts together. Quite simply, the main aim of couplings is to connect two shafts together so torque can transmit from one shaft to the other. When one shaft spins, the coupling connects the two, enabling the second shaft to spin also. Couplings help to transmit power. This is their primary function and their basic principle of operation.

What are the types of couplings?

Couplings can be separated into two different types: mechanically flexible and flexible element couplings.

Mechanically flexible couplings generally use clearance fit parts (ie. backlash between gear teeth) to allow relative movement between components and therefore require lubrication.

Flexible element couplings accommodate for misalignment between shafts through the elastic deformation of components such as discs or diaphragms and therefore require no lubrication.

How disc couplings work?

As both equipment speeds and the required time between maintenance intervals increased, so did the prevalence of flexible element couplings on new equipment trains. Given their inherent dynamic stability, and reduced maintenance operation, their popularity has greatly increased for a wide range of applications, from low to high horsepower drives. Disc coupling is the most common flexible element coupling due to their excellent performance, high misalignment capacity, compact design, and cost. While there are many different disc couplings designs available on the market, they all operate under the same principals. Torque is transmitted circumferentially from driving to driven bolt, resulting in tension forces in the discs.

What are bush connecting links?

The BCL (Bushed Centre Link) connecting link employs special centerplates, each consisting of two with press fit on pitch hole bushing. The bushing is carburized to resist wear. The plate shape of BCL is Roller Link Plate. When BCL is used, Offset Link cannot be used. They are as easily installed and removed as slip fit centerplate connecting links.

What are the types of misalignments to consider when choosing couplings?

Shaft misalignment is one of the biggest factors to consider when choosing couplings for machinery. This can affect the performance of the coupling depending on how the shaft moves or aligns. In general, when a pump, generator or other piece of equipment is connected by a coupling, any misalignment between the two items increases stress on the shafts. Shaft misalignment can take many forms including:

  • End Float – Both shafts have axial movement moving in and out
  • Parallel misalignment – Two shafts both of which have different rotation axis
  • Angular misalignment – This happens when the shafts are neither, parallel or coaxial
  • Torsional flexibility – Caused by shock or vibration creating torsional movement in shafts

Universal and lateral couplings are capable of tolerating large misalignments and widely used for pulse generator drives. Multi beam couplings accommodate axial, angular and parallel misalignments with no backlash whatsoever.

What does “ultimate Tensile Strength” mean for chain?

: It means the average value of tensile test results over a period sufficient to represent a process. It means the maximum load when the chain is pulled to the point of breaking. (It is also called “Breaking strength” and “Breaking load”.)

Do you offer chains stronger than standard ASME roller chains?

There are applications where chain is used that require stronger and longer lasting roller chains. Those chains need greater fatigue strengths and must perform at a higher level than standard roller chain. We offer a series of chains, in single strand variety and multiple strand chain, that all meet these criteria. Heavy Series chains with through hardened pins to resist shock loads and Super Series chains – both with ASME series side plates as well as Heavy series side plates are offered to the market for more difficult applications. We offer chains that meet the API (American Petroleum Institute) set of standards as well.

Where do you lubricate the chain?

Lubrication between pins and bushings. Lubrication at this point prevents friction between pins and bushings, which are the main cause of roller chain wear.

What is chain stretch?

Chain stretch is defined as the difference in length of a chain due to the reduction of the outside diameter of the chain pins and the increase in diameter of the chain’s bushing. These two dimensions increase the length of the chain under load. This length difference between the chain’s original length and its current length is considered stretch. It is important for a user of chain to keep this pin/bushing area of the chain clean and lubricated to enhance the chain’s performance. Chain stretch also can be defined as the loss of material on the chain’s pins and bushings due to these components rubbing against one another. Special care must be given to reduce or eliminate any outside material such as grit, dirt, contaminant that interferes with this key area of the chain.

When is it time to replace a roller chain on an application?

Eventually as the chain’s pin and bushing continue to wear, the chain’s fatigue life will be reduced. Generally, when a roller chain is stretched 3% it is time to replace the chain. Careful inspection of the chain periodically is required to check for cracked parts or sprocket teeth for improved function of the chain on the application. Chains are to be free of debris and dust to run to their useful life.

I have a special attachment on the chain I use. Can you provide special attachments?

We supply over 20,000 different chain items. They include all types of standard and special attachments. Consult our engineering or sales department for further assistance.

How can we reduce chain stretching in our application?

There are a number of ways to reduce stretch or elongation in a chain application. Some of the ways are listed below:

  • Improve the lubrication itself and the process of applying the lube to the chain ensuring the lube is penetrating the pin/bushing area.
  • Choose a chain that has a higher hardness of the chain’s bushings and pins.
  • Select a chain where tension is reduced in the bearing area (the pin/bushing area).
    Either reduce the tension on the chain or choose a chain with a larger pin diameter.
  • Increase the number of teeth on the sprocket that the chain engaged with.

Should these techniques not yield the results you are looking for, consult with our engineering and sales departments.

What is a V-belt?

A V-belt is a power transmission device with a trapezoidal cross-section, typically used to transfer mechanical energy between pulleys. These belts feature a V-shaped design to suit their V-groove pulleys, ensuring excellent grip and excellent energy transfer.

Why pick a V-belt vs. a flat belt?

The slippage between the belt and pulley is lesser in V-belts than in flat belts. This is because the V-belt jams more firmly into the pulley's groove, providing a higher level of traction and better torque and power distribution than flat belts. V-belt drives can achieve a transmission efficiency as high as 98% - the highest of all types of belt drives.

The distance between the centres of the pulleys in a V-belt drive is usually smaller than in flat belts, meaning they typically take up less space in many applications. V-belts also offer a broader range of configuration options compared to flat-belt drives. For example, engineers can set up V-belt drives to be vertical, horizontal or inclined without worrying about a significant drop in performance. Finally, V-belt drives are typically more vibration dampening than flat-belt drives.

How Many V belts are There?

There are many types of V-belts, including V-belts, ribbed belts, multi-groove belts and timing belts. Each method is designed to address specific challenges and applications, enabling its application to a variety of electronic communication systems.

How do I which v-belt I am looking at?

There are multiple different styles of belts on the market. Some common and some not so common. The two most common styles of v-belts are classic v-belts and wedge v-belts. Classic v-belts are designed with a shallow groove for applications in the lower horsepower range. Commonly used in industries like manufacturing, lawn & garden, and facility maintenance. Wedge v-belts are designed with a deeper groove to increase its power transmission capability. Common industries are aggregates, oil field supply, and concrete.

What is the difference between Kevlar and Polyester belts?

The major difference between kevlar and polyester v-belts is the material used to give the belt its strength. In a standard v-belt, polyester cords are used to give the belt its strength and rigidity. Kevlar v-belts use aramid fibers to increase the strength and flexibility of the belt. Applications that utilize a backside idler pulley or have a 90° turn, Kevlar is recommended.

How long should my belt last?

It is hard to determine how long a belt will last and it all depends on the application the belt is used on. For example, a v-belt or timing belt on a rock crusher may last for 500 hours and a belt on a lawn mower may only last 50 hours.

Can I use belt dressing on your belts?

No, we do not recommend using belt dressing. Under tensioning is the primary cause of belt squeal. This belt must be re-tensioned or in some cases replaced. If you use belt dressing although you have prevented the squeal the belt will continues to slip. This will cause heat and failure is not far behind.

Browse Torque Transmission Products
We welcome your feedback

Please rate your satisfaction with our website:

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Not at all satisfiedExtremely satisfied

Please tell us how we can make your online experience better: