What is the difference between rigid and flexible coupling?

The couplings are transferring power by connecting two shafts at the end to transmit torque. There are two types of couplings, namely rigid and flexible. It is important that there is no misalignment in the coupling, as even a small amount of misalignment will lead to balancing and vibration problems. It will also increase the wear on multiple parts, like bearings and make sure that a motor is properly aligned with the right type of experience.

It is important to have a proper understanding of the rigid couplings available for the design. The rigid couplings allow minimal or no misalignment. There is the availability of different types of rigid couplings with categories as setscrew, pins, keyed, spines, and keyless. The couplings reduce the labor required for the installment of diameter piping system in a stainless steel application. The fittings and couplings are quicker to install and are 100% reliable.

 It is important to prevent misalignment of shafts and misalignment will create high stresses and support bearing loads. The rigid couplings by the virtue of the design will be able to transmit more power than flexible couplings. Various types of load conditions are accommodated swiftly with various types of load conditions. A single type of coupling will not be able to provide the universal solution and each possessing construction feature to accommodate one or more types of requirements.

Distinguishing Coupling Rigid vs Flexible coupling

Here is the list of differences between rigid and flexible coupling –

1. The rigid couplings couple with rotating members like shafts and the flexible coupling couple with rotating members like motors and drive shaft.
2. The flexible couplings are a bit expensive than the rigid couplings due to its original parts.
3. A rigid coupling is unable to tolerate the misalignment between the axis of shafts. It can be used when there is precise alignment between the two shafts while in flexible elements like brush or disk, it can tolerate 0.5 degrees of angular misalignment.
4. The flexible elements are absorbing shocks and vibrations while the motion is free from shocks & vibrations in a rigid coupling.
5. The rigid couplings have limited application as compared to flexible couplings. They have the advantage to compensate for shaft management and are positioned in lateral or angular alignment.
6. The rigid couplings do not allow for angular or parallel misalignment while flexible coupling possesses the same feature.

A rigid coupling is a reality that needs to be managed carefully. If there is no design in place, it can be difficult to align again. The coupling pulls the motor into alignment and the rigid coupling is used at the assembly to pull the motor. A bracketry can be set up in such a way that it gets clearances if you don’t have a motor bracket. Use the coupling to do the alignment for you and it can be of great use if used correctly in the right application.