Are custom couplings more expensive than standard couplings?

No, the engineering process required to create your custom flexure is completely free and is part of our committed service to you. Pricing is a function of the complexity of the design and the material specified.

Do specialty or non-standard couplings take longer to manufacture?

No, just because they are referred to as 鈥渘on-standard鈥� does not mean that we may not already have these products in our inventory.

What is meant by 鈥渟ingle start鈥� and 鈥渕ultiple starts鈥�?

A single start spring is a single continuous coil element that starts at one end and terminates at the other end. This configuration is common to most springs. A 鈥渄ouble start鈥� spring has two intertwined continuous coil elements phased 180 degrees apart. In effect, this puts two independent helixes in the same cylindrical plane. Multiple start flexures such as triple start etc. are similar extensions of the concept.

What are some of the benefits of multiple start flexures?

Multiple start flexures are beneficial because they not only provide redundant elastic elements should a failure occur, but a failed element (coil) will be physically trapped by the remaining ones.

A multiple start compression or extension spring is balanced when a load is applied, which prevents tipping. Traditional wire springs and single-start machined springs have an unresolved moment when a load is applied. A coupling with a multiple start flexure will have a stiffer torsional rate and can transmit more torque compared to a single start flexure.

What does 鈥渞elief鈥� mean for a coupling?

A coupling with relief allows both shafts to enter the flexible region. The diameter through the flexible part of the coupling is larger than the diameter of the two shafts. The ends of the two shafts can operate very close together when a relieved coupling is used. For a non-relieved coupling, each shaft must not go into the flexible region. In some cases, there will be a step to prevent the shaft from entering the flexible region.