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An Overview of the Jaw Couplings & Their Components

Jaw couplings are an all-purpose, general-purpose industrial power transmission component that can work in various temperatures, accommodate angular misalignment and the resulting reactive loads, withstand chemicals, and have good speed and damping properties. A simple jaw coupling comprises an elastomeric insert and two hubs typically bored to a clearance fit tolerance. Although these inserts, sometimes known as "spiders," are intended to last a long period, they eventually need to be replaced.


The fail-safe connection design kicks in when the inserts malfunction. An operator can swiftly shut down a system by using the hubs to interlock and handle the load, but without the insert's dampening capabilities. Replace both the two hubs and the failed insert as soon as possible because the hubs will have worn into one another and will no longer function.
The Jaw Coupling's Operating Principle
So far, we have some familiarity withJaw Couplingsand a general understanding of their function. Let's examine the operation of jaw couplings in more detail.

All elastomeric couplings are divided into two categories based on how their elastic components transmit torque between the driven and driving hubs: either in compression or shear.


When using a jaw coupling, the element is compressed between the hubs' jaws that are mated. The driving hub jaws and driven hub jaws are pushed toward each other as these jaws function in the same plane. The compression between the driving and driven jaws of the elastomeric spider's legs causes it to transmit and absorb the force.

The driving hub pulls the driven hub through an elastomeric component suspended between them in contrast to shear-type couplings, which function with the driving and driven hubs in distinct planes. The element is stretched between the hubs to transmit and absorb the force.


Sizes, dimensions, and operating temperature ranges
Jaw couplings are frequently used on large industrial devices like pumps, blowers, compressors, mixers, etc. Additionally, they are utilized in smaller motion control systems. Jaw couplings are readily accessible in a wide range of shaft sizes and torque capacities for common power transmission applications, with typical bore diameters ranging from 1/8 to 7 in. and torques ranging from 3-1/2 to 170,000 in.-lbs.

In many cases, couplings are lubricant-free devices that work effectively in the presence of dust and other pollutants. Jaws are frequently made of bronze, ductile iron, and powdered metal in addition to steel, aluminum, and stainless steel. Polyurethane, rubber, urethane, hytrel, and in certain rare circumstances, soft metals like bronze may be used to make spiders for low-speed, high-torque applications.

Jaw Coupling Benefits
Jaw couplings are popular primarily due to their adaptability and durability. They are superb general-purpose industrial power transmission couplings and actually are. They can function across a wide range of temperatures, withstand angular misalignment and reactive pressures brought on by misalignment, have good torque to outer diameter and speed capabilities, good chemical resistance (spider dependent), and decent dampening capabilities.

They are simple and quick to install. Simple jaw couplings have three key components. An elastomeric spider or insert, two hubs. Jaw couplings cannot fail. Someone will inevitably forget to check or service a jaw coupling, and the spider will eventually wear out or fail. You should inspect your jaw coupling spiders for wear regularly and replace them accordingly. In this scenario, the coupling hubs will interlock and carry the load even though they lack the spider's damping capabilities and other advantages for swiftly shutting down a system.


In addition to being considered fail-safe and having all the other advantages already mentioned, jaw couplings are also considered maintenance-free because they don't need to be lubricated. A jaw coupling won't need any more maintenance as long as the spider is still in place, unlike gear, grid, or chain couplings needing grease periodically reapplied.

Conclusion: 
Jaw couplings are created from bar steel that has been machined, and they have hollow head set screws and standard key seats.
The other name of Jaw couplings, called Lovejoy couplings, include a cushion as a spider between two hubs to absorb shock and manage slight shaft misalignment. Order two coupling hubs and one spider to make a whole coupling.
Buna-N spiders offer strong chemical resistance and vibration damping. The range of temperatures is -40° to 212° F.
Contact us if you need a little assistance from your Rainbow Precision Products.