Shaft couplings can be mounted onto shafts in several ways, depending on the application's torque, speed, and alignment requirements.
The Clamp Type uses tightening bolts to grip the shaft without damaging it, offering easy installation and removal.
The Keyway and Set Screw Type locks the coupling onto the shaft using a mechanical key and screws, providing strong torque transmission but potentially causing shaft wear.
Taper Lock Types use a tapered bushing to create a secure, vibration-resistant fit, commonly found in heavy-duty applications.
In Shrink Fit (Interference Fit) mounting, the coupling is heated or the shaft cooled to achieve a permanent and extremely strong fit, although removal is difficult.
For large machines, the Bolt-on Flange Type connects shafts via bolted flanges, ensuring high torque transmission with easy maintenance but requiring more installation space.
The Splined Shaft Connection uses interlocking teeth on the shaft and coupling to transmit torque precisely, often in heavy equipment.
Additionally, Conical Connections (tapered shaft mounts) create a tight fit using matched tapers, offering excellent centering and torque transfer without needing excessive clamping forces. Expanding Shaft Couplings grip the shaft internally by expanding their inner diameter mechanically, enabling fast installation without damaging the shaft, though they are generally suited for lighter loads.
Each mounting method is selected based on factors such as required torque capacity, ease of assembly, shaft material, and system design constraints.