Company Announcement - SKF’s recent addition of Disc Couplings to its Power Transmission family will boost the company’s ability to provide solutions under one brand. “Disc Couplings are unique in many ways and very popular in some demanding applications because of their durable design, longevity and low maintenance,” notes SKF Product Manager: Power Transmissions, Frans Odendaal.

The SKF Disc Couplings combine robust performance with all-steel components, making the units ideally suited to meeting the stringent demands of high speed applications including direct drive fan drives, pumps, compressors, high speed turbine type drives, etc. typically found in the mining, general industry and marine sectors.

Odendaal points out that the SKF Disc Couplings offer superior solutions compared to their elastomeric counterparts and explains: “Less overhang loads due to the unit’s compact size as well as smaller space requirements due to the light-weight construction facilitate installation, keeping downtime to a minimum.  Furthermore, the all-steel components extend the coupling’s life cycle while the stainless steel coupling element ensures reliable operation.

Additional benefits offered by SKF Disc Couplings:
• Medium to high torque capability with torsional rigidity (up to 178KN) (compared to most elastomer coupling inserts which are torsional soft), this allows for faster moving equipment (rapid acceleration due to less deflection). An advantage for machines that requires more accurate and smooth operation at optimum efficiency.
• Reduced maintenance as no lubrication is required.
• No need for re-alignment as the disc pack, or spacer, can be removed without moving the prime mover and driven machine. 
• Cost effective (torque vs size): A smaller design can handle the same amount of torque than a much larger elastomer type coupling.
• No friction between components eliminates wear on components and less heat energy losses.     
• Quiet operation ensures a comfortable working environment. 
• Zero backlash: More accurate operation and lower reaction forces – also reduces reaction forces on bearings.
• Angular misalignment ability: Can operate efficiently when slight misalignment is present after installation.
• Parallel offset with double disc pack configuration: Shafts are often not completely parallel which can have a negative impact on coupling performance if the coupling cannot compensate for this.
• High speed capability and more well-balanced (machined steel components).
Stainless steel element has a rated temperature of 250° C for extended element life: Most elastomeric coupling elements can only operate up to 120° C, some up to 160° C with special materials and some only as little as 75-80 ° C. These elements deteriorate rapidly if these temperatures are exceeded