Coupling (Shaft Coupling )
Coupling (shaft coupling) is a mechanical element used to connect a drive shaft and a driven shaft to transmit the motor's power to a device.
Couplings also play various roles in the connection between the drive and driven shafts, such as absorbing shaft misalignment (mounting error), softening motor vibration, suppressing heat transfer from the motor to the equipment, and preventing motor or equipment failure by damaging the coupling in the event of some problem.
Coupling Related information
What is a coupling (shaft coupling)?
・It is a part for connecting the shaft (driving unit side) and the shaft (driven unit side).
Coupling is used to connect the drive shaft (e.g. motor) to the driven machine such as a pump opposed. It is also called a shaft coupling.

Role of coupling (shaft coupling)
Roles ①:Transmits rotational force (torque) to the opposit shaft.

Roles ②:Absorbs mounting misalignment.

Coupling products list
- Disk Couplings
- Elastomer Coupling
(Resin rubber ) - Wrapped type coupling
(Chain Coupling ) - Other Coupling
ECHT-FLEX Coupling (Disk Couplings ):Flexibility, high rigidity, lubrication-free
Disk Coupling generates axial force on a bolt by tightening a U-nut and transmits torque by frictional force between hub, washer and disk.
No service life caused by wear with no sliding parts, and designs below fatigue limit, so can be used for a long period of time.
No backlash with friction transmission, high torsional rigidity, and lube-free operation makes it ideal for coupling servo motors, stepping motors, etc.
Tsubaki Disk Coupling, Echt-Flex Coupling uses discs with an optimal shape through finite element analysis, reliably transmits torque while smoothly absorbing misalignment.
Lineup includes NER series with original center unit structure that eliminates troublesome disc assembly at the worksite, NES series for small precision applications, general-purpose NEF series with its extensive line-up, and NEH series with large capacity.
- ※The discs are not consumable parts.
If the disc is damaged, there may be some trouble such as overload, excessive mounting error (misalignment), etc.
The disc coupling has no wear life because of friction transmission. NER series with built-in discs that are easy to assemble should be considered. - ※Normally, consider the spacer type.
The single type cannot absorb eccentricity (parallel misalignment).
Spacer type | ![]() |
Two disks are embedded in this coupling, allowing for absorption of misalignment from any direction including angular and parallel misalignment, and axial displacement. Suitable for a wide range of applications. |
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Single hub | ![]() |
With a single disk, absorbs angle misalignment and axial displacement. As this type cannot absorb parallel misalignment, it is appropriate for applications where precise centering is available, such as for NC machine tools. ※For general centering, use the spacer type. |
Original center unit structure that is easy to install, and realizes a compact and large transmission capacity.
- ・High kW ratings :
New disc style coupling provides substantially higher torque than with conventional series. - ・Superior handleability :
Original center unit structure that combines the discs and spacer eliminates troublesome disc assembly at the worksite. Just attach or remove bolts to attach or remove the center unit. - ・Can be used with large shaft bore diameters :
The center unit allows for larger maximum bore diameters than with conventional series. - ・Non-backlash, no lubrication, and long life :
Ideal for equipment that positions with a servomotor as the coupling has no backlash and a high torsional stiffness.
No need for lubrication as there are no sliding areas. - ・Wide variety of options available :
A wide variety of combinations are available, including coupling types by Power Locks, flange mounted types, and others.
capacity
For medium and large capacity
Applicable shaft diameter
Φ25mm~Φ145mm
Torque range
590~8500N・m
Long spacer
Provided
Maximum :Distance between the hub faces 6000mm
others
Compatible with CFRP long spacers
Compatible with Electrically insulated specifications
The small disk coupling with the hub and spacer made of extra super duralumin.
- ・Low moment of inertia :
Provides low inertia moment by employing light-weight and high-strength extra super duralumin for the hub and spacer. - ・High torsional stiffness :
The straight hub features high torsional stiffness and excellent responsiveness for servomotor drives. Most suitable for precise control. - ・Extensive Lineup :
Can meet the wide variety of needs with 56 combinations of low inertia and straight hubs, supporting 3252 patterns of different shaft bore diameters. - ・Non-backlash :
Perfect for high-precision positioning operation. - ・High torque, secure shaft coupling force :
The unique clamp geometry provides increased clamping force on shafts. - ・Easy mounting :
Both sides of the hub are centered with a special jig, and are assembled to ensure concentricity.
Can be connected with the shaft by simply tightening one clamp bolt on each side.
capacity
For small capacity
Applicable shaft diameter
Φ4mm~Φ50mm
Torque range
0.7~300N・m
Long spacer
None
Hub type / combination
Straight hub x Straight hub
Low inertia hub x low inertia hub
Straight hub x Low inertia hub
With a versatile disc coupling boasts an extensive lineup, the shaft coupling method can be selected according to the application.
- ・Long life without lubrication :
No sliding parts allow for long-time use without lubrication. - ・High Torsional Stiffness :
Achieve high torsional stiffness and excellent flexibility. - ・Environmentally Resistant Type :
The electroless nickel-plated type and the stainless steel type can be made upon request. - ・Shaft coupling method :
Please refer to the product page for details such as features and proper use.
Tapered lock coupling, clamp coupling, key coupling, power lock coupling - ・Long spacer type is also available. :
Combined with miter gearboxes, fit for line shaft drives.
Long Spacer Type Couplings in Stock.
capacity
For medium capacity
Applicable shaft diameter
Φ9mm~Φ130mm
Torque range
19.6~6860N・m
Long spacer
Provided
Maximum :Distance between the hub faces 6000mm
others
Compatible with CFRP long spacers
Compatible with Electrically insulated specifications
This large-size series can be used up to 176,000N・m{18,000kgf・m}.
- ・Large-size, spacer type couplings.
- ・In addition to the standard hub (N hub), an adapter hub (A hub) that can have larger shaft bore diameter, and a unit spacer hub (U hub) that allows the spacer unit to be removed and assembled without disassembling the disc coupling unit, are also available.
- ・Gear coupling replacement type can also be manufactured to replace gear couplings.
- ・Long spacer type can be manufactured upon request.
- ・It is also possible to manufacture electrically insulated type using split spacers and insulating bolt sets.
- ・If you like to coupling other than the key, please contact us.
capacity
For large capacity
Applicable shaft diameter
Φ72mm~Φ289mm
Torque range
8820~176000N・m
Long spacer
Provided
Maximum :Distance between the hub faces 6000mm
others
Compatible with Electrically insulated specifications